… butterflies and the quality of the plantings. When photographing butterflies, I like to look for fresh specimens on pretty perches in a well-lighted area. Even though there are a lot of butterflies there, finding one you like sitting still on an attractive surface might take some time. One approach is to find a flower that you like and …
Type: Blog
… at the Chicago Botanic Garden, high water levels in the Skokie River forced us to close on July 13 and 14—the first time in the Garden’s history that we closed to visitors for two consecutive days. So what exactly happened that required us to close? And how did the … that you enjoy today. At the same time, the Skokie River was moved into a defined channel on the west side of our property near the highway, and two dams were installed at the north and …
Type: Blog
… with an impressive array of “superhuman” abilities. Butterflies have unique features they use for socializing, mating, warding off predators, and more! Scarlet Mormon (Papilio rumanzovia) … strips or helicopter pads, advertising, “The food is in here!” The butterflies easily home in on these markings and land on the flower petals. From there, another unique ability helps to ensure the butterflies find …
Type: Blog
… For the past week, the big forklifts and trucks with their whimsical cargo have been rolling in to set up for the U.S. debut of Lightscape on November 22. Popular time slots are selling fast for the new holiday event at the Chicago … imagination, and sound, a night out for families, couples, and friends who want to get in on something new. This is a holiday lights event for a new generation, jolly with the sound of …
Type: Blog
… of reproductive ecology and conservation of plant species. My dissertation work focused on nonrandom reproductive success in a rare evening primrose ( Oenothera organensis ). I am currently working with a number of colleagues on genetic, demographic, and pollination studies on a threatened thistle ( Cirsium pitcheri ) … a biocontrol weevil. I am also interested in developing measures of success and best practices for ex situ plant conservation programs, from collecting genetically diverse seed accessions to …
Type: Staff bio
… spots. Now it’s up to you to… The Krasberg Rose Garden’s arbor is the perfect place to pause on a romantic stroll. 1. “Doesn’t it smell wonderful?” Claim a bench under the Krasberg Rose … English Walled Garden is the prettiest seat at the Garden. 3. “Shall we cross that bridge?” On summer evenings, the bridges to Evening Island—the Arch Bridge and the Serpentine Bridge—are lit at night. A bridge is such a splendid place for a private conversation and…reflection. The dramatically lit Serpentine Bridge is the path to …
Type: Blog
… orchids native to Asia. And we’re pampering 10,000 other orchids so they’ll be in full flower for Asia in Bloom: The Orchid Show. Lighting crews, horticulturists, and dozens of other staff members are putting the finishing touches on Asia in Bloom: The Orchid Show, the Chicago Botanic Garden’s biggest flower exhibition of the … the exhibition runs February 10 to March 25 and kicks off with a Members’ Preview night on Friday, February 9. This year’s Orchid Show is infused with a deep sense of history and …
Type: Blog
… have dropped their leaves, the scenery appears brown and boring UNLESS you know what to look for. I’m talking about tree bark. Learning to identify trees by their bark can be a fun winter … texture of this bark. If you use your imagination, it’s like a miniature Grand Canyon on its side, with layers of material exposed on the edges of steep plateaus. I find the texture on this north-facing side of the trunk to look …
Type: Blog
… a bonsai as a gift, tell you where you can get quality trees, and give a little information on what to do if you receive one of these wonderful trees as a gift yourself. Juniper bonsai for sale at a large garden center During the holiday season, little areas pop up in … are reasonably priced, cute, and seem to be a perfect gift for the horticulture enthusiast on your list. But before buying that little tree, there are a few things to consider. Tree health …
Type: Blog
… Early last summer I noticed a small row of books, bracketed by nice-looking bookends, on a shelf behind the front desk at the Lenhardt Library. “Those are our dedication books,” … walk me through the process of book dedication. Turns out there are three “levels” to consider for dedication. Here’s how they work: Level 1 : General Book Dedication Each year, approximately … are set aside specifically for the tribute program—that’s the bookended group you’ll find on the shelf. Topics are garden-related, of course, but very diverse—and if you don’t see the …
Type: Blog
