… we can also experience negative engineering effects of plants on their environments when we visit natural areas throughout the Chicago region and beyond that have been heavily invaded by … common or European buckthorn ( Rhamnus cathartica ). Buckthorn was brought to the Midwest for ornamental use—it’s great at making hedges—but escaped from human control and is now one of … where it contributes to global climate change and instead locking it away harmlessly for potentially hundreds of years—is one such service. Steffen’s more than two decades of work …
Type: Blog
… says Joan O’Shaughnessy, the Garden’s prairie and river senior ecologist. It’s challenging for her to suggest the “best” time to visit the prairie because it’s constantly changing—every week, every month, there’s something … The Dixon Prairie is a recreated prairie. “The soils and the hydrology are the foundations for the different habitats,” she explained. “These different types of prairies are communities of …
Type: Blog
… Chicago area. These gardens come in all shapes and sizes and fall on a wide spectrum of costs. For today, we’re focusing on how to create your very own home horticultural therapy garden—or … Garden, as well as off-site gardens, horticultural therapists utilize raised, round containers for planting. We recommend that you purchase a planter of decent size (24 to 28 inches in … at the Chicago Botanic Garden to instruct you on fun and simple gardening basics; just come visit us and ask! Happy gardening! …
Type: Blog
… gone forever. Then there were those species that had reached such critically low numbers that, for all practical purposes, they were functionally extinct for me. Birds like the prairie chickens, barely holding on in postage stamp-sized grasslands that … eyes to the sky and you may be rewarded with a glimpse of our national symbol. Next time you visit, don't forget your zoom lens and binoculars to catch a glimpse of the Garden’s cast of …
Type: Blog
… permits, remove burlap screens erected to protect plants from wind or road salt spray. Check for broken branches (prune immediately. Check plants for signs of damage from snow loads or animals. Respond to temperature swings Our Zone 5b and 6a … gardening sites can help you locate native plant sales in the Chicago area. For inspiration, visit the Garden’s Native Plant Garden. Learn more Return to the top …
Type: Plant Info
… Volunteer Opportunities Thank you for your interest in joining our Volunteer team at the Chicago Botanic Garden! Our new volunteer intake has paused for the season. We will be sending an email to schedule phone interviews sometime after January … they are received. We ask that you please refrain from using our volunteer login, as it is for current volunteers only and not an application. Please note that the Chicago Botanic Garden …
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… 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 … increase mite populations. Monitor newly planted shrubs, small flowering trees, and perennials for signs of aphids, a common garden pest. Aphids are small, soft-bodied, sucking insects that …
Type: Plant Info
… Carex. While they are grass-like, they differ in having triangular stems. One popular species for gardens and containers is Carex oshimensis . Most varieties of Japanese sedge have variegated … self-seeding may occur. Scope out lenten roses in the Shida Evaluation Garden on your next visit. Liriope muscari ‘Big Blue’ is green all summer—and winter—long Big blue lilyturf ( Liriope muscari ‘Big Blue’) Big blue lilyturf is a tough, drought-tolerant ground cover for sun or shade. It is a slow spreader, unlike the aggressive and commonly used L. spicata . It …
Type: Blog
… Citizen Science Academy FAQ Get Course Credit for Your Work Are continuing education credits available? Yes! Optional semester credit hours of … Teacher Enhancement Program. Courses offered through the Citizen Science Academy are eligible for two (four-week courses) or one (two-week courses) continuing education credits. How do the … or college credits? The optional graduate-level semester relicensure credits offered for each course are applicable for recertification in Colorado and are generally accepted …
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… Plant Evaluation Garden The Bernice E. Lavin Plant Evaluation Garden is one of three sites for the Chicago Botanic Garden's Plant Evaluation Program, where scientists study plants to determine which are best suited for midwestern gardens and those in similar climates. Sun-loving herbaceous perennials are the focus in this area, but look for shrub trials, too. Visitors are invited to see this research for themselves and pick their …
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