… the other ephemerals, false mermaid is inconspicuous in that it is a small, ferny green plant with tiny greenish flowers. Portions of the nature trail in the McDonald Woods are surrounded with acres of this species in spring. Even in these large numbers, without close inspection, it … this bee, erythronii , refers to the genus of the trout lily, Erythronium . Another ephemeral with an oligolectic bee pollinator is the spring beauty. The bee that is a specialist of this …
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… Interested in a healthier, happier life? Try connecting with the natural world. A new, technologically advanced body of research shows that spending time … Geographic article noted that advances in neuroscience and psychology have provided scientists with more tools to look at the way nature affects our brains and bodies. According to the … she told the university’s College News . “It’s more like a multivitamin that provides us with all sorts of the nutrients we need. That’s how nature can protect us from all these …
Type: Blog
… produces the green color in leaves, fades away, unmasking the beautiful colors we associate with autumn. As the season progresses, the leaves will eventually drop. In Chicago, our trees … a drought, leaves may drop only a few days into fall. If local rain gauges are virtually dry, with less than 2 inches recorded in the month of September, the trees will show it. “Trees don’t … the rest of fall and winter,” he said. If you’re a fan of getting family portraits done with a backdrop of colorful foliage, Tankersley suggests getting those done sooner rather than …
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… The spring foliage can be rather large and hosta-like, making them sometimes difficult to pair with smaller spring-blooming bulbs such as Scilla, but it makes them perfect for hiding bare … × agrippinum In addition to the crocuses, dahlias and lilies are still bursting forth with color, like jewels in the September garden. The cooler temperatures help create richer … colors in the dahlias, and longer-lasting blooms, while their large size provides a contrast with the dainty blooms more typical of fall bulbs. We’re still seeing the final blooms of Lilium …
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… branches to force bloom indoors, Joynt takes the idea in a different direction—in a circle, with living branches forming a perfect-for-the-front-door wreath. Imagine walking out into your … and interest to your design. Hung on your front door, the living wreath can be spritzed with water once or twice a day to keep flowers fresh. As flowers drop off or brown, pull the branches out of your wreath and replace them with the next blooming items in your yard. Fresh flowers like tulips and roses can also be …
Type: Blog
… of Illinois and arching alongside the coast into Wisconsin, their hills and valleys are filled with an abundance of foliage, plants, and animal life unlike any other ecosystem in the Chicago … years, the many contributors to Plants of Concern have been collecting data in the ravines, with a particular focus on the rare plant species that can be found there. The data, now quite … She and her volunteers will test the protocol this summer, as they meander through the ravines with their notebooks, cameras, and GPS mapping equipment in hand. What they learn could benefit …
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… Did you have a flashback to science class when you saw Spike, the titan arum? I sure did. With Spike’s frilly spathe removed, Tim Pollak and Dr. Shannon Still had a rare opportunity to … of decades and, despite now being an avid gardener, I found myself struggling to keep up with the scientists who were looking deep into Spike’s structures and processes. By the time Dr. … of a grain of pollen as a tiny packet of one plant’s genetic material that needs to meet up with another flower’s female genetic material. Technically, pollen is a haploid or gamete, the …
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… potatoes and successfully propagates a crop of potatoes in Martian dirt fertilized with human poop. The story got me wondering if we could replicate Martian soil with local ingredients and use it for plant experiments. So I contacted the Garden’s soil scientist, Louise Egerton-Warburton, and asked her if this was possible. She responded with a recipe: Mix two parts crushed volcano rock, two parts basalt dust, one part sand, plus 0.2 …
Type: Blog
… birds, and more pollinate plants that create one-third of the food we eat. As you enjoy a meal with friends and family, take a moment to say thanks for the little things that make such a big … Instructions Click on the image above to download our placemat to enjoy with your feast. The ideal printing size is tabloid (11 x 17 inches). Letter size paper (8.5 x 11 …
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… and the very next turn brings you to the Arch Bridge , which connects to Evening Island. With its height above the water and its panoramic view, this bridge has a grand, soaring feeling. … at sunset, when late light strikes and illuminates the bridge, making it—and the person you’re with—positively glow. Return to Evening Island and you’ll soon reach the Serpentine Bridge , … the Serpentine Bridge feels very protected. Fish swim just below you, lilies and lotuses rock with the breeze, and the view toward the Arch Bridge at sunset is simply glorious. Bridges set …
Type: Blog
