… ones in the Chicago Botanic Garden’s Nature Preschool. The dedicated places are a mindful way for people of any age to check in with and be present in the natural world. Choosing a Spot The … So choose a natural area that is easily accessible and preferably in a location that you can visit regularly. That might mean a spot in your yard, a schoolyard, a public park, an open grassy … can have a family sit-spot or one that’s just for you. How to Settle into Your Sit-Spot Try to visit your sit-spot once a week. Start with a five-minute visit and build from there. After you …
Type: Blog
… are dwarf conifers? Simply stated, they are conifers that do not reach the normal height for their species. True dwarf conifers average about one-twentieth the typical size, with most … to 15 feet tall over the same decade. With their small stature, dwarf conifers can be perfect for a small yard or urban plot. Many types maintain their evergreen beauty during winter, … Blue Spruce) has the blue foliage of the Colorado Spruce in a weeping, dwarf form. Be sure to visit the Dwarf Conifer Garden at the Chicago Botanic Garden to view these and many more dwarf …
Type: Plant Info
Glossy abelia ( Abelia grandiflora ) is a medium-sized shrub with arching twigs covered in dainty, glossy opposite leaves that are sharply pointed. The new leaves are yellow-green and become dark green with age. This cultivar is more compact than the species. An Asian member of the honeysuckle family, this Abelia produces terminal sprays of small, tubular, white to pale pink flowers on new …
Type: Garden Guide Plant
RUBY ANNIVERSARY™ Glossy Abelia RUBY ANNIVERSARY™ glossy abelia ( Abelia x grandiflora 'Keiser') is a medium-sized shrub with arching twigs covered in dainty, glossy opposite leaves that are sharply pointed. The new leaves are red and become dark green with age. This glossy abelia produces terminal sprays of small, tubular, white to pale pink flowers on new growth. Blooms can continue …
Type: Garden Guide Plant
This 4½-foot tall beauty produces long-stemmed dark purple flowers from midsummer through the first hard frost. Unique to this cultivar are the slightly pointed tips of the flower petals. Introduced in 2010 by Swan Island Dahlias, it flowers best in full sun and well-drained, moisture-retentive soil. This dahlia is insect and disease free. Plant tubers or potted plants outdoors after the danger …
Type: Garden Guide Plant
Primula meadia is a wildflower native to the eastern United States that grows in environments ranging from damp grassland prairies to high-altitude mountain meadows. This member of the primrose family (Primulaceae) has several different common names, including shooting star, American cowslip, and pride of Ohio. The flower has five petals that curve upward, and a cluster of yellow stamens that …
Type: Garden Guide Plant
A native of the tallgrass prairie, Compass Plant is an extraordinary perennial that grows 6 to 12 feet tall. Between July and August it produces yellow 3 to 4-inch-tall flowers resembling sunflowers – mature plants can have up to 30 flowers. It is supported by a large central taproot that can grow 15 feet below the ground. Compass Plants prefer full sun and loamy soil and can take several years …
Type: Garden Guide Plant
… It’s time for a visit to the Dixon Prairie to savor late spring flowers and the pollinators visiting these … australis) ; this plant, not native to the Chicago region, was historically a source for blue dye. Both species are in the pea family. Many prairie plants belong to the pea family; … the primary pollinator. Butterflies, in their quest for nectar, will not be rewarded for their visit, however, since Ohio spiderwort doesn’t have nectar. Spiderwort (Tradescantia ‘Sweet …
Type: Blog
… the season), beware of trees with heavy, extensive root systems, as there won't be enough soil for bulbs to grow and thrive. Speaking of soil, is the potential planting spot well drained? … bulbs—like any bulb—can rot in soil that's too wet. Well-drained, sandy loam soil is perfect for bulbs. If you, like many Chicago-area gardeners, have heavy clay soil, dig 1 foot deeper than the regular planting depth and add sand and peat moss for better drainage. If you're lucky enough to have sandy soil, add compost and peat moss: bulbs …
Type: Plant Info
… shaped flower with pink markings that resemble the face of a monkey. The requirement for consistently moist, cool, humid, well drained growing conditions makes it, unfortunately, a challenge for many homeowners. The orchid family consists of a large number of genera, each with its own … by genus and is consistent with their natural habitat. While requiring adequate sunlight for a stunning bloom display, most orchids will not tolerate sustained direct sun. Many varieties …
Type: Garden Guide Plant
