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  • … 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
  • … 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
  • … 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
  • … This class is a continuing practice designed to be taken in multiple, consecutive sessions. It explores ways …
    Type: Item Detail
  • … New! Watercolor is perfect for winter: crisp white paper, long crystalline-blue shadows, landscapes transformed …
    Type: Item Detail
  • … traveling in a flock of common redpolls or goldfinches and siskins. This rare visitor is most likely to be found in alders or birches in winter feeding on seeds in cones and catkins. …
    Type: Birding
  • … I maintain around five miles of restored shoreline at the Chicago Botanic Garden. My role is primarily leading and assisting the seasonal aquatics crew with fieldwork during the growing …
    Type: Staff bio
  • … Natalie Love is an urban and spatial ecologist with a focus on urban trees. Her research focuses on assessing …
    Type: Staff bio