… tiny external structures in their wax coating that scatter blue and ultraviolet light, which is why we see them as blue. Read on to discover more plant stories that caught our eye. … when exposed to the pulsating vibrations of hardcore rock. Wait, what? Actually, the jury is out as to whether metal is superior to Mozart for a plant-based audience. Plus, as the Garden’s Greenhouses staffers will …
Type: Blog
… for the winter, they may smother your lawn, especially if it was seeded earlier this fall and is just getting established. If the ground is too soft to push a mower over, carefully rake some of the leaves off the new grass before … leaf mulch reduces soil temperatures in the summer, retains moisture, and suppresses weeds. It is a valuable soil amendment and adds a finished look to garden beds. Mulched areas around trees …
Type: Plant Info
… the tray. Use a humidifier in the room. Mist herb plants regularly—except for rosemary, which is prone to mildew. Group similar plants together, so they create their own little micro-climate … are perfect for a container, indoor window `box planter, or a large strawberry pot. The latter is a great way to create an instant indoor herb garden: place rocks or broken pottery pieces in … plenty of light. More experienced indoor gardeners Try growing annual herbs from seed. This is a good strategy for leafier herbs—basil, oregano, cilantro, dill—that germinate and grow …
Type: Plant Info
… shape of the tree or shrub. Branches should be at least 1 foot long, cut when the temperature is above freezing. Lay branches overnight in a bathtub filled with room-temperature water. Make … of deciduous trees and shrubs can be done this month, weather permitting. Heavy pruning is best done in late winter or early spring immediately before bud break. Another time to prune ornamental flowering trees is immediately after they flower. (This avoids sacrificing their spring flower display.) Fruit …
Type: Plant Info
… The holidays will soon be here and one way to celebrate the season is with a floral arrangement or two. Placed on a kitchen or dining room table, a coffee table, … or four days to as much as two weeks. “If you buy cut flowers, the first thing you should do is strip the bottom leaves off the stems,” says Heidi Joynt of Field & Florist, an instructor at … from the "Field" part of her business with Molly Kobelt. “Building a lush, seasonal tablescape is such a beautiful way to greet your guests,” Joynt said. “It’s the idea of abundance, …
Type: Plant Info
… pastime unless preventive strategies are taken to minimize problems. West Nile virus is a disease that targets primarily birds, horses, and humans. It is transmitted through the bite of a mosquito that has previously bitten a diseased bird. Most … Department of Health reports that the chance of contracting the disease from a mosquito is very slight, and that less than 1 percent of people who are bitten and contract the virus will …
Type: Plant Info
… What is a daisy? The word daisy often brings to mind an image of a flower composed of flat, white … ) and the English daisy ( Bellis perennis ). Shasta Daisy English Daisy The Shasta daisy is a hybrid developed by Luther Burbank near the white peaks of Mt. Shasta in California. A … Garden settings. The English daisy ( Bellis perennis ) A biennial in the Chicago area and is often seen as a companion plant to spring-flowering bulbs. It prefers a cooler, moist spring …
Type: Plant Info
… preplanted in a gift box. Those that are not should be planted in a heavy pot, wider than it is tall, with adequate drainage holes. Use a general, lightweight, soilless mix, making sure that … and then allowed to dry slightly between waterings. This stimulates root growth, which is especially important when keeping the bulb more than one year. Potted Care Place the pot in an … a month with a dilute 10-10-10 or 20-20-20 mix. Take Outside After the last frost date (May 15 is the average last frost date in the Chicago area), move the potted plant (consisting of a bulb …
Type: Plant Info
… For now, it’s scout and monitor your garden once or twice a week.” Be Proactive Tiddens is taking preventive measures before critters can damage the Garden’s new spring plantings. “We use a lot of different repellents. The key is to apply them before you get the first hit.” Spray and granular repellent products for … flowers, and stems. Others must be reapplied after a rain and when new growth appears. Timing is critical when using animal repellents. Pansies are among the annuals that deer will demolish. …
Type: Plant Info
… research scientist 2. Meadow mania
The “meadow” or “prairie” approach to landscaping is blossoming in popularity as gardeners embrace eco-conscious ways to design their spaces. By … and yarrow, homeowners are creating vibrant, climate-resilient landscapes. A standout for 2025 is short-toothed mountain mint ( Pycnanthemum muticum ), the Perennial Plant of the Year. This native gem is drought-tolerant and a magnet for pollinators—a perfect addition to meadow-style gardens. To …
Type: Blog
