… In recent years, the plight of pollinators has gotten a lot of press, and rightly so. I spoke with the editorial board of the Chicago Tribune when they were investigating the … , native to the Upper Midwest, was just listed this month by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service as endangered. A rusty-patched bumblebee working on Culver’s root in the University of … that everyone can take. Provide resources: For pollinators, this means flowering plants with pollen and/or nectar. Diversity is key, as flowers of different colors and shapes will …
Type: Blog
… patio where they could spend the summer months. A. In the Midwest, dwarf citrus trees make excellent outdoor warm-weather container plants. Most are hardy to 30 degrees and do quite well when provided with warmth, humidity and full sun. To successfully overwinter these plants indoors, take the …
Type: Plant Info
… is not cut back. Like most switch grasses, Bad Hair Day is extremely versatile and can cope with a range of soil types from sandy to clay and shade conditions, although it prefers full sun. … of perennial grasses conducted at the Chicago Botanic Garden, Bad Hair Day received an excellent rating for growing in local conditions, having been developed by Dr. Jim Ault at the …
Type: Garden Guide Plant
… early morning or late afternoon light. A close inspection of dwarf bear-poppy’s hairy leaves with their three “claw-tipped” teeth at their apex sheds light on the origin of bear-poppy as a … Washington County, Utah, and is listed as an endangered species by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Dwarf bear-poppy is threatened by development, mining, and off-highway vehicle (OHV) …
Type: Blog
… In summer, gardening requires plants with three key qualities: low maintenance (it's hot out there), heat and drought tolerance … mildew-resistant. Zahara™ Coral Rose zinnia ( Zinnia Marylandica ) is an outstanding performer with low water needs for your summer garden. Zinnias work fast If there's an easier flower to grow, we'd like to know about it. Zinnias are annuals, …
Type: Plant Info
… Wetlands Invader Ever wonder what that tall plant with a feathery-tufted top is that you see growing along our roadside ditches? It’s called common … southwest used the fibrous native plant in woven mats, musical instruments, and weapons. The fast-spreading European strain likely crossed the Atlantic accidentally aboard ships in the … the common reed began causing trouble 15 to 20 years ago. Once it moves in, it anchors itself with an extensive and unyielding underground network—this is how it grows and spreads—which makes …
Type: Plant Info
… applications. Ideally, selections should minimize these needs. A key sustainability issue with larger plantings is monocultures. Too many of the same species concentrated in one location … species. Assistance in identifying these issues is available from the Plant Information Service, university extension websites, consultation with garden designers and landscape architects, and books such as Michael Dirr’s Encyclopedia of …
Type: Plant Info
… the University of Illinois Extension and is the most environmentally sound method of dealing with insect problems. Applying chemicals without identifying the cause is problematic because … the damage. We encourage gardeners to adopt environmentally sound practices when dealing with insect problems, and determine your personal threshold for damage. Chemical treatments … to surrounding plants, beneficial insects, pets, and people. Please contact Plant Information Service for the most current chemical options from the University of Illinois Extension. …
Type: Plant Info
… serviceberry is notable for somewhat thicker, glossier foliage than other named hybrids and excellent red-orange fall color. In other respects, it displays the four seasons of interest that …
Type: Garden Guide Plant
… Overall it was rated one of the top beebalms for Chicagoland conditions, receiving a good to excellent performance evaluation. Beebalm grows in sunny or partially shady areas. If you gently …
Type: Garden Guide Plant
