… with fully double flowers, and up to 5 inches diameter on strong, sturdy stems. This cultivar is more resistant to powdery mildew than many other zinnias on the market. …
Type: Garden Guide Plant
… Fessler, coordinator of the northwest Illinois region for Plants of Concern, said, “This is really like uncovering a Holy Grail for Illinois botany. It’s a charismatic, beautiful plant. … of Natural Resources, Grant Fessler, Chicago Botanic Garden. Photo credit: Grant Fessler It is a story worth hearing. Fueled by curiosity and a hunger for discovery, Fessler partnered with … invasive brush and add prescribed fire to improve and expand the orchid’s habitat at the site. Additional protective measures include regular monitoring and health assessments. A week …
Type: Blog
… want a woody vine with the flat hydrangea flowers, consider H. anomala ssp. petiolaris . This is a vigorous perennial vine that clings and climbs to almost any surface. It requires a sturdy … but some may suffer from considerable branch dieback during Chicago's cold months. Success is possible with winter protection, and regular applications of compost. Oakleaf Hydrangeas Native to the southeast United States, H. quercifolia is a shrub with four seasons of interest, unique leaves, interesting flowers, fall color, …
Type: Plant Info
… doctors to help patients experiencing food insecurity and diet-related diseases. The produce is grown by Windy City Harvest, the Garden’s urban agriculture program. Part of the program is to help demystify new veggies by sharing easy, delicious recipes. “I was excited to learn … syrup, and lemon juice. Slowly add olive oil while continuing to whisk until the dressing is thickened. Add salt & pepper to taste. Add beet wedges and crumbled cheese to the salad. Chop …
Type: Blog
… fade green by summer. Flowers are white to deep pink and bloom in early summer. An added bonus is that late spring pruning prompts a new flush of reddish leaves in summer. Fall color is variable but can be a stunning purplish-red. The dense reddish-brown twigs are attractive in winter. Variegated Japanese kerria ( Kerria japonica 'Picta') Kerria is an early spring bloomer with profuse bright yellow flowers that open with the midseason bulbs. …
Type: Plant Info
… A walk through the Dwarf Conifer Garden is truly a plant lover’s feast for the eyes. It’s difficult to decide where to look next; what … specimens await behind the bend in the path, or tempt at the top of the steps. The garden is sited on a hill, where this fascinating group of plants known as dwarf conifers can receive … range of conifer habits, visitors can’t help but also notice their intriguing colors. Green is only one of the striking colors visible. Two-toned conifers are the stars of spring, when …
Type: Walks
… language, and learn new skills. For scientists, patterns are also clues that something deeper is at work. “Nature is inherently random, so patterns indicate either selective pressures or a predictable process, … insects to attract hopeful mates. The butterfly orchid ( Psychopsis papilio ), for instance, is shaped, spotted, and named for its pollinator. Look for pollinator-attracting patterns at the …
Type: Blog
… community engagement manager, will be there to show people how to use the Budburst app, which is available on iOS or Android . The event, which starts at 11 a.m., includes a guided walk … —really just anyone who has an interest in plants. That’s usually the entry point.” Fall is a great time to observe changes in the woods, said Matt Evans, the Garden’s managing ecologist … fun and interesting near you, take a picture, try to identify it, and let us know what you see—is this the beginning of leaf color change or the end? Are the leaves falling off the tree yet? …
Type: Blog
… much joy and satisfaction, but the blooms never last as long as you would like. My first urge is to take pictures. But there is another way to preserve this ephemeral beauty: drying flowers. If you’ve walked through the … A great native flower to try. The blue flowers stay true. Lady’s mantle: In most cases, it is best to remove the leaves before drying—lady’s mantle is the exception. Sunflowers: …
Type: Blog
… Peas Radishes June sun warms the soil Beans Cucumbers Squash The back of the seed packet is a wonderful place to find information on how to plant. For most of the above, simply hoe a … basic (pH), which fertilizer it needs. Our Plant Information Service sums it up nicely. Here is the link for you to access soil testing services . Once you know more about your garden’s … Mother Nature or your hose. Healthy soil, as discussed above. An occasional weeding. That weed is stealing the nutrients that you want to be in your vegetables—pull it, by hand, when it’s …
Type: Plant Info
