… I sat there in front of a group of plants that produce lovely-smelling flowers, waiting for their impressive pollinators to show up. And when they did, I snapped some of my very first … volume and sugar content, floral scent, who pollinates and when (hawkmoths come at dusk and visit overnight; bees generally visit in the morning), how populations grow and shrink over time, which other plant species are …
Type: Blog
… The Chicago Botanic Garden’s Pollen Bank is a critical tool for advancing our work to prevent plant extinctions, reintroduce species into the wild, and support habitat restoration. Preparing an Amorphophallus perrieri flower for pollen collection. Photo by Jeremy Foster. Storing pollen is an efficient and effective way … diversity of these species. You need to breed plants – Our Pollen Bank is like a sperm bank for plants, storing the genetic material of just one parent. This provides the flexibility to …
Type: Research
… Here, Garden experts offer some suggestions for the small garden, whether an urban backyard or a rooftop, a border around a townhouse patio, … space is limited. "If you're planting a hedge, consider plants that are more narrow in habit. For example, Techny arborvitae ( Thuja occidentalis 'Techny') is popular, but for a small area, … botany, plant conservation, and landscape design, in formats from rare books to e-books. Visit Wednesday through Sunday, from noon to 4 p.m. To learn more about small-space gardening, …
Type: Plant Info
… flowers dry better than others, and there are conditions and techniques that can set you up for success, so I set out to learn more. Nancy Giardina, one of the Garden volunteers who made … markets this summer. Selecting flowers to dry Annuals: Annuals are a good starting point for beginners as they bloom all season long, providing ample time to harvest. Perennials: They … white and then fade back to green. Wait until they turn green again, in mid- to late July, for best results. Panicle hydrangeas dry well too. Drying tips Gather about four stems and …
Type: Blog
… As the days get shorter, you might be looking for off-the-beaten paths where you can soak up the rest of the season. I’ve got just the place for you—the Barbara Brown Nature Reserve. Tucked away on the Chicago Botanic Garden’s southeast … I’m always puzzled that so few people have discovered it. Here are just a few reasons to visit: The color purple—and more The fall colors are amazing—purple asters, yellow goldenrods, …
Type: Blog
… everyone of the myths out there that roses are hard,” says Soulsby, senior horticulturist for the Krasberg Rose Garden , Heritage Garden, and Linden Allée. “Over a couple decades ago, the … toward more sustainable roses, and right now that’s what all the rose breeders are shooting for.” Krasberg Rose Garden For your spring inspiration, here are myths he is … were acquiring a has-been status when Knock Out ® debuted and helped reinvigorate interest in buying and growing roses again. What’s more, Knock Out ® and the subsequent roses that followed …
Type: Blog
… don’t put away your trowel, shovel, hose or clippers just yet. Autumn is another great time for planting and many garden centers have a fresh inventory of trees, shrubs, perennials, annuals … kicks in. As we ease into fall, night temperatures start to drop, but the soil will stay warm for some time. Planting in fall gives many trees and shrubs an “extra” growing season. Root … seasons are based on the annual temperature cycle. Take a break from planting and come visit the Garden to see what’s in bloom . Nina Koziol is a garden writer and horticulturist who …
Type: Plant Info
… to name a few. Plus, winter has the bonus of birds that actually migrate to our area just for the winter. Some migrants you will see every year are juncos, tree sparrows, and a variety of … what you will find on any given day. That is why I go out every chance I get! Before your next visit check out our list of birds that you can expect to see at the Garden each season. A … of birds—especially woodpeckers—in the McDonald Woods. If there is open water, check there for ducks and geese. You might be surprised at just how many birds you can find in winter. What a …
Type: Blog
… For many of us, part of the joy of spring is heading out to the forest preserves and seeing the wildflowers in bloom. But for Susanne Masi, a plant conservationist at the Chicago Botanic Garden, the wildflowers she … them from extinction." For more information on plant conservation science at the Garden, visit chicagobotanic.org/research. …
Type: Plant Info
… An Herbal Fix for Winter Doldrums The winter solstice arrives on December 21. It marks the official start of … That’s all the more reason to have a little fun with herbs. Here are some do-it-yourself ideas for using these aromatic workhorses, fresh or dried, home grown or store bought. They’re sure to get you through the long winter months ahead. DIY Herbal Facial Steam Take time out for an herbal facial. First, wash your face. Place dried or fresh herbs (1 tablespoon of …
Type: Plant Info
