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  • … 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
  • … judiciously Water wisely Avoid fertilizing Seed bare spots Crabgrass controls Bonus Sign up for a garden walk   Summer arrives this month, and with it, the longest days of the year. As … keep weeds under control, regulate soil temperature, and retain moisture. Continue monitoring for insect damage Regularly inspect for infestations on plants. Small insect populations can be dislodged from plants by applying a …
    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
  • … An autumn visit to the fruit and vegetable garden in search of late-season surprises can be rewarding. For it's at this time that all those plants requiring "a long growing season" (90 to 100+ days … undersides of the squash leaves serve as a deterrent to animals seeking to harvest the produce for themselves.     Squash Blossoms and More Squash 'Blue Hubbard' is just one of three different …
    Type: Plant Info
  • … Sow seeds in March and April for a fast, flavorful harvest. It will be a few months before we can safely plant tomatoes, … greens, Swiss chard, and kale as soon as the soil thaws. Lettuce and Swiss chard seeds, for example, start to germinate when the top inch of soil reaches about 40 degrees Fahrenheit. (This is when an inexpensive soil thermometer comes in handy. Look for one at your local garden center or online.)   Swiss chard Leaf lettuce Spinach   Grow leafy …
    Type: Plant Info
  • … 9 – 9:30 a.m. Welcome and Overview of the Day 9:30 – 10:40 a.m. Keynote Address Nature Play for All: Equity, Diversity, Anti-bias, and Inclusive Nature-Based Learning  Sheila Williams … of author/educator David Sobel and Dr. Louise Chawla—among others—as we dig into how bad news about the environment affects children. Participants will have opportunities to reflect on … play stations to dig into some of our favorite loose parts and nature treasures; after a visit to each station, we will pause to reflect on our own play and begin to build your own …
    Type: Page
  • … keeps the wheels turning? The ability to access this information in real time during a Garden visit is what makes the app so special, according to  Boyce Tankersley , the Garden’s director of … that people like to find other things at the Garden, so we created a new second database for the app. It has points of interest at the Garden, like water fountains, classrooms, … leading to ‘secret spots’ such as the quiet bench atop the  Waterfall Garden  where birds visit early in the morning. “The  GardenGuide  app was designed to deepen the visitor experience …
    Type: Blog
  • … garden? You’ll save money and you only have to step outside to collect whatever you need for a vase or two. Got Sun? A little sunny spot along a garage wall, a deck, patio, or in a side … fertilizer can damage the roots.   What’s growing out your windows? Besides a dedicated area for cut flowers, you may be growing other plants that are suitable. Go foraging for flowers in … Or pick some fragrant viburnum flowers or a colorful hydrangea and pop them into a Ball jar. Visit your vegetable garden for a few stems of kale, Swiss chard, twirling pea stems, or dill …
    Type: Plant Info
  • … college class called “The Natural Environment in Winter.” It was January, and we met outdoors for about three hours—regardless of the temperature. I showed up at the first class wearing … of Garden staff members who spend a lot of time working outdoors. They know how to dress for the weather. It’s all about wearing layers and staying dry. David Murray, horticulturist His … pneumonia was in August.   The Garden is open every day of the year.   Why not plan your visit now?   …
    Type: Blog