… We built this ofrenda for staff at the Chicago Botanic Garden last year. Ver en español Our family only leaves us when … with him. I love tejuino, too, and would drink it every day if I could. As a teenager, on that visit to Jalisco, in a town near Guadalajara, I was struck by the happy feeling at my family’s … maybe someday, I’ll be like my grandfather. At age 89 or 90, he would ride a bike six miles to visit his pigs. He’s the type who would slip a shot of tequila in your coffee when you’re not …
Type: Blog
… Rhododendrons are popular woody shrubs grown for their spectacular spring flowers. Within this genus, taxonomists estimate that there are … amended with large amounts of leafy, humus-rich organic matter. Excellent drainage is crucial for rhododendrons, especially in areas with heavy clay soils, such as northeastern Illinois. The … rhododendrons are among the most reliable and commonly sold rhododendrons in the Chicago area. Visit in April and May, and you’ll find dozens of cultivars bursting with color at the Garden. …
Type: Plant Info
… Bee pollinates coneflower (Echinacea) , a hardy native plant selection for your garden. Just off the beaten path at the Regenstein Fruit & Vegetable Garden (out back … and fertility and productivity of wild plants, food plants, and landscape plants alike. Recent news about the die-off in honey bee colonies and the decline in monarch populations makes the issue of pollinators important for all gardeners. Have a look at your yard/garden with a critical eye. Are your plants healthy …
Type: Plant Info
… will not have time to heal before the plants go dormant, which could result in winter damage. For more insight, take a class on pruning at the Garden this winter! Lastly, says Tiddens, if … freeze, says Dr. Bell, who recommends planting deciduous trees including maples and gingkoes for their fall color in years to come. Most linden trees, which are popular for providing … transformation of quaking aspens and maples. Enjoy the fall color of shrubs on your next visit by strolling the Viburnum Walk near the Home Landscape Garden and the Sensory Garden. …
Type: Plant Info
… packed, and frozen, the seeds are available to the scientific and conservation communities for experiments, re-creations, and restorations. This seed bank represents a magnificent … have left just tiny patches of protected, neglected, or private land), re-creations offer hope for their future. Conservation = Restoring Public Lands Continuing your walk along the prairie … these unusual outdoor conditions. Your walk is an act of conservation in itself. Enjoy your visit! VIEW WALK #1 …
Type: Walks
… tanagers, flycatchers, orioles, hummingbirds, and others will cruise through, stopping for insects and water before they continue their journey north. Many of the songbirds spotted at … roam your garden, do not place bird seed on the ground.) Spring is an important time of year for bird feeding. That’s because the seeds in many natural areas and forest preserves are often … fleshy, pale blue berries on Eastern red cedar are an edible bonus. Plant a Bird Buffet When buying plants in the spring, consider whether they offer fruits for birds. For example, in …
Type: Plant Info
… the leaves of tall switchgrass or the sharp “chip” calls of migrating birds as they search for seeds on coneflowers and coreopsis. The Dixon Prairie is a wonderful 15-acre re-creation of … rolling landscape. Many of the tall, late-blooming perennials are an important nectar source for our native pollinators. Here are just a few prairie plants that would make delightful … crescent butterflies and cuckoo bees are just a few of the many nectar-seeking insects that visit the blossoms. When crushed, the leaves emit a minty fragrance, which makes the plants …
Type: Plant Info
… stem stormwater runoff, minimize urban heat island effect, and provide necessary habitat for native birds and insects. Green roofs are growing in popularity. The 16,000-square-foot Green … the public — it's one of just a few rooftop gardens you can actually walk through, so plan a visit to learn more. A Celebration of Form and Function Designed by Oehme, van Sweden & … In spring, the rooftop features tulips and dwarf daffodils, and later in the summer look for tomatoes, cucumbers, pole beans, basil, dill, and summer annuals in containers. The Ellis …
Type: Plant Info
… May on record at Chicago O’Hare (9.51 inches) and Midway (7.65 inches) airport stations. For three consecutive years now, the O’Hare station has broken total precipitation records for the month of May. A 1-inch rainfall on an acre produces about 27,000 gallons of water and it … and suburbs continue to develop and build structures and roads, there is less permeable space for water to enter the ground and, as a result, there is more flooding in many areas. Allowing …
Type: Plant Info
… repeatedly by gardeners of all skill levels: "How do I repot my orchid?" Luckily, the answer for most orchids is, "It's easy." Orchids should be repotted when new; every year or two; or when crowded roots push up and out of the pot. Spring: time for a close-up. Other than watering and occasionally fertilizing them, you probably don't look … orchid resources there, all available to smart gardeners in one beautiful space! Come in for a visit while you're at the Orchid Show ! Karen Zaworski is a garden writer and photographer who …
Type: Plant Info
