… make some unexpected discoveries: the last of the lettuce seeds you collected but left in the garage by mistake over the winter…those unknown flower seeds that the neighbor gave … the most out of every seed. The process is easy—so easy that you can get the kids interested in it as a fun germination experiment . Double-check your seed packs before you get started—“packed for” dates and germination percentages for that year go a long way in helping you determine which seeds to test. 3 Easy Steps Gather your supplies Plain paper …
Type: Plant Info
… Many garden centers also sell and deliver mulch by the cubic yard. Beware of colored mulch in shades of red, black, and brown that contains chemicals that can leach onto nearby pavers and … mix from your containers when you empty them this fall. Benefits When the garden “sleeps” in winter, mulch helps define beds and borders. But there are other ways that mulch helps plants … bare soil is a welcome mat for seeds—just look at any empty lot where weeds fill the cracks. In the summer, a layer of mulch helps to suppress some weeds and may deter weed seeds from …
Type: Plant Info
… Description: These egrets are rarely seen on the shoreline or sometimes perched in a low tree or shrub. …
Type: Birding
… Description: Look for this common migrant warbler and possible breeder in any wooded habitat at the Garden. …
Type: Birding
… Description: Look for this warbler-like bird in any wooded area of the Garden, especially McDonald Woods. …
Type: Birding
… Description: If this uncommon migrant is seen, it will generally be in shrubby areas of the Garden. …
Type: Birding
… This pyramidal evergreen conifer needs full sun. It is a specimen in a border and is resistant to deer. …
Type: Garden Guide Plant
… evergreen shrub needs full sun to partial shade and moderate moisture conditions. It belongs in a hedge. …
Type: Garden Guide Plant
… that if more than half a woody plant has been damaged, it will rarely recover enough in a short time period to occupy a prime place in your landscape. Struggling plants are also prime targets for disease and insect attacks. … spread a slow-release, balanced fertilizer around the root zone of the shrubs and water it in well. Make your decision once the new growth has filled in. …
Type: Plant Info
… on special winter protection for my garden plants. A. Many winter injuries common to plants in the Chicago area can be avoided with a few precautionary practices: Since evergreens continue … to lose moisture through their needles all winter long, they need a healthy supply of water in the root zone to avoid winter burn. During short periods of winter thaw, consider watering all … sprays can be applied to susceptible plants not only before winter begins but also again in periods of thaw. When shoveling your driveway or sidewalk, distribute snow loads equitably …
Type: Plant Info
