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  • For this year’s  Orchid Show , we’ve gathered stories about the most famous orchid of them all: … Lynnaun Johnson, whose work in our doctoral program in Plant Biology and Conservation took him to Mexico, the native land of edible vanilla. Last April, I ventured to Mexico as part of an international team investigating how cultivation practices influence the …
    Type: Blog
  • … Want to help monarch butterflies? Be careful when selecting your milkweed. Not all plants that go by … the following milkweed species (Asclepias) are native: Asclepias amplexicaulis is native to our prairies and is suitable for planting in sunny perennial flower gardens. The flowers are described as "eraser pink" in …
    Type: Blog
  • … in our national seed bank at the National Seed Storage Laboratory (now the National Center for Genetic Resources Preservation). Hundreds of other varieties have disappeared—not only of cabbages, but also of lettuce and corn and tomatoes and too many other crops to list. And that, in a nutshell, is why it continues to be important to plant heirloom varieties. Vintage Varieties, Still in Vogue Stunning color …
    Type: Blog
  • … are fixed on an 80-foot pole rising toward the sky. Atop it sits a hexagonal platform, built for a threatened species in Illinois. It was late April last year when a pair of ospreys were … ecologist, lakes and shorelines. “Some data suggests that once a pole is occupied it tends to have a nest the following year.”   The osprey is at risk of disappearing as a breeding … Ospreys are fish-eating raptors that migrate south, and winter from the southern United States to South America. They are often seen during their migrations, yet few remain in Illinois to
    Type: Blog
  • … planted, this root flare should be at least three inches higher than the surrounding soil. Visit Chicagoland Grows for suggestions on trees and plants best suited for the Chicago area. … must be broken before planting or the roots will eventually strangle the plant. Here's what to do: For container-grown shrubs and small trees, take a sharp pair of pruners and vertically … of showy imports that can actually harm your plantings. Look for organic, composted types, and buy in bulk to save money. Though they are often free for the taking, avoid using wood chips over …
    Type: Plant Info
  • … of indumentum (hairs) on all surfaces of the large, triangular leaves. This species is native to some of the drier parts of the island of Madagascar, where the indumentum helps retain … Pale green flowers are marked with maroon nectar guides that direct pollinating insects to the nectaries and past the pollen that sticks to the insect until it rubs it off on the next plant it visits. This plant is intolerant of frost. …
    Type: Garden Guide Plant
  • … Technical Direction: Kevin Rechner Sound & Recording Engineer: Dorian Gehring Special thanks to the original cast of Superbloom for movement generation and inspiration: Gabriela Chavez, … performed works by Shannon Alvis, Katlin Bourgeois, and Monique Haley. laren-chang.squarespace.com Damon D. Green (see above) Haley Marcin is a Chicago-based artist, performer, and educator. … design (M.F.A., 2004) from Kent State University and the University of Florida, respectively. Visit her portfolio at overlaplighting.com Finom (music) Finom (fka Ohmme) is a Chicago-based …
    Type: Page
  • … Tour the Krasberg Rose Garden Demystifying Roses Download the GardenGuide App when you visit to use this tour on your phone Distance: .3 miles  Time: 35-45 mins Stop 1: Terrace Overlook It's one of the most popular destinations at the Chicago Botanic Garden for good reason: three acres (one of the largest public rose display gardens in the United … Demystifying Roses Download the GardenGuide App when you visit to use this tour on your phone Distance: .3 miles  Time: 35-45 mins Stop 1: Terrace Overlook It's …
    Type: Page
  • … experienced enthusiast refining your techniques or just starting out, this event is designed to inspire, educate, and connect. Who should attend? Current bonsai hobbyists: Get fresh ideas … members. Parents with kids: Enjoy hands-on demonstrations that make bonsai fun and accessible for all ages. DIY lovers: Looking for a creative new hobby? Experience the satisfaction of … and offer ongoing support. *Additional fee and registration is required for workshops. Visit  midwestbonsai.org for more information. This education-focused show is the perfect way to
    Type: Event for Calendar
  • … of Korean littleleaf boxwood. This evergreen shrub grows into a perfect narrow pyramid to a height of 12 feet with full sun to partial shade and is not fussy about soils. This variety is very hardy, with minor bronzing … harsh winters. It may be visited by boxwood psyllid, a tiny insect that causes new leaves to curl up. The problem is cosmetic, and no treatment is needed. Regular clipping will keep the …
    Type: Garden Guide Plant