… there are many ways to remedy this SAD state of mind. HT ‘Simmering Spices’ supply list for 15 participants Let’s begin by talking about a few winter-themed Horticultural Therapy (HT) … ornament Another fun, and inexpensive, activity is our ‘ Holiday Greens Ornament ’ project. For this activity, participants get the opportunity to create a beautiful ornament out of fresh, … small acorns and pine cones to add more interest to the ornaments. Most of the craft supplies for the activity can be found at your local craft store. I use clear, plastic ornaments, fake …
Type: Blog
… several trees on the grounds, Bartram’s Garden devised a collaborative project with The Center for Art in Wood, also in Philadelphia. The project, Bartram’s Boxes Remix, features the work of … from the felled trees. Each piece is meant to celebrate Bartram’s desire to share his passion for trees and other plants. An anonymous friend of the Garden purchased the three boxes by Owen …
Type: Blog
… without any leaves. And yes, you can…with a little help from Jim Jabcon, assistant ecologist for natural areas. The other day, Jabcon walked me through the McDonald Woods and began my … But let’s start with a major clue: bark. Jabcon cast a practiced eye—an artist’s eye, in fact, for his degree is in fine art—over the trees. He pointed out a tall tree whose trunk was covered … with the sinewy look of muscle. That was because the tree was a muscle wood—the common name for an American hornbeam , bestowed because of the signature appearance of its bark. American …
Type: Blog
… No rain, then too much rain, then...this is a challenging year for gardening. For those who garden in northeastern Illinois, Here are some tips to keep your garden in shape this summer: What do all of these moisture fluctuations mean for our gardens? The results of the earlier rain deficit may not be noticeable, but many trees …
Type: Blog
… horticulturist Lisa Hilgenberg happened to meet Aaron Keefer, the culinary gardener for the renowned French Laundry restaurant in California’s Napa Valley. At a conference in Iowa, their conversation turned to the rare Marshall strawberry, known for its exceptional flavor. Keefer mentioned that he would love to grow the plant at the French …
Type: Blog
… of transferring pollen from one flower to the reproductive system of another plant, allowing for the fertilized plant to produce seeds, which then turn into offspring. Adult butterflies feed … can be found at Butterflies & Blooms. Additionally, butterflies are an excellent indicator for the well-being of an ecosystem. Butterflies are highly sensitive to changes in their …
Type: Blog
… garden. If the soil can form a sticky ball when you squeeze a handful, it is still too wet for planting. Soil will take longer to dry after periods of cool weather. Sandy soils can be … walking in garden beds and on lawns. It can compact and damage your soil. Soil is ready for planting when it crumbles in your hand. Working the soil when it is too wet can increase …
Type: Blog
… just a bit of effort, you can make your holiday table warm and inviting—and a worthy backdrop for your meal. Nancy Clifton, former program specialist at the Chicago Botanic Garden, shared some easy, crafty ideas for harvest-inspired centerpieces. A Festive Look Here’s how you can make Thanksgiving-themed …
Type: Blog
… than 70,000 varieties of dahlia, about 1,500 of which are popularly grown. Here are some tips for growing these beautiful plants in the garden. Selecting a site Pick a sunny spot where, … tag. The tag should be stuck in the ground or attached to the support system. Dahlia bed ready for the growing season The first several weeks As the plant continues to grow, additional ties … will try to time these first blooms so they appear just before the show. A dahlia plant ready for “disbudding” During this phase, water the plant as needed. Watering should be done at the …
Type: Blog
… Also, Patino is the lead employee on the team that puts outdoor lights on the large trees for Wonderland Express, a task that takes him more than 240 hours every fall. Patino grew up in …
Type: Staff bio
