… There was a renewed interest in victory gardens and attracting butterflies. And the demand for seeds for flowers and edibles left many garden shelves a bit bare this spring. Gardeners can find much to be grateful for during the month when we celebrate Thanksgiving. November leads us deeper into autumn. It’s a …
Type: Plant Info
… Q. What should I do to prepare my gardening tools for winter storage? A. After raking the last leaf and tossing the final faded flower into the … plant debris using a wire brush and water. Once they are totally dry, they should be inspected for damage, loose connections, and missing fasteners, and repaired or replaced as necessary. … Cutting tools, including knives, pruners, saws, and shears, need to be cleaned, inspected for damage, lubricated, adjusted, and sharpened according to the manufacturers’ instructions. …
Type: Plant Info
… environments, particularly due to wind and sun exposure. Characteristics of plants appropriate for rooftops include short habit, small leaves, sun and wind tolerance. Plants must also be cold hardy for our region and preferably drought tolerant. Examples of perennial plants installed on the … ( Sedum spurium 'John Creech') and ( Sedum acre 'Aureum'). Each of these would be appropriate for rooftop beds or containers. Please be aware that containers require winter protection.There …
Type: Plant Info
… Q. Do you have any suggestions for plants that can be used in a fall container? A. September is a perfect time to plant a … thrive in cooler temperatures and contribute a large variety of color. Blue lobelia is perfect for unusual fall color and loves cooler temperatures. Stock, Sweet Alyssum, and dianthus are … shades of white, pink, and red when temperatures drop. Kales and cabbages last for a long time and add interesting foliage texture. Swiss chard ‘Bright Lights’ is an edible …
Type: Plant Info
… benefit you and your garden. In the long run, these items are like a little insurance policy for your plants. 1. Rain Gauge The weather report calls for rain. We get a downpour for 15 or 30 minutes and may think that’s good enough. But that short shower only washes the dust …
Type: Plant Info
… Q. How can I extend the life of cut flowers that I receive for Valentine’s Day? A. Preparing cut flowers properly will prolong the life of your bouquet. … the granules thoroughly. It is important to add a preservative that is specifically formulated for cut flowers. Home brews have not proven to be effective in preserving floral arrangements. … plant material. Following these simple steps should allow your floral bouquet to last for a number of days, perhaps even weeks. Winter is the perfect time of year to plan a cutting …
Type: Plant Info
… extends 20 miles north from Chicago. The Chicago Botanic Garden has long been a destination for riders who begin and end rides at the 385-acre oasis of spectacular scenery. For many cyclists, the alternative has been to ride up or down the very steep incline of Lake … multiuse path a lovely improvement for reaching the Garden, as well as returning after their visit. Hop on your bicycle, don your walking shoes, and come experience the Garden from a new …
Type: Page
… winter or early spring is a good time to consider the wide range of exotic bulbs available for container planting. Summer-flowering annual bulbs are colorful and unique choices for containers. These include bulbs, tubers, corms, rhizomes such as lily of the Nile ( … some added organic matter and sand. Plant the bulbs shallow, 1 inch below soil level, except for tuberous begonias, which are only partially covered with soil. Crowd the bulbs closely in a …
Type: Plant Info
… other aquatic plants. I would like to add some fish. Any suggestions? A. When considering fish for a new water habitat, even a contained one in your own backyard, avoid introducing any that … (These fish also will graze heavily on many of your aquatic plants!) Minnows are recommended for pond use, as are some of the native fish, such as bluegills. To create movement as well as a …
Type: Plant Info
… Q. What is the recommended fertilizer for a small aquatic tub garden? A. A balanced formula of 10-10-10 should satisfy the needs of the …
Type: Plant Info
