… he has worked since 2001. As part of his job, he is the grower and buyer of all the plants for the seasonal annual displays, containers, hanging baskets, and specialty plant displays. He … Colorado State University. Pollak writes for newspapers and other media and appears regularly on local TV news segments to discuss gardening topics. He is also a regular instructor for the Joseph …
Type: Staff bio
… of transferring pollen from one flower to the reproductive system of another plant, allowing for the fertilized plant to produce seeds, which then turn into offspring. Adult butterflies feed on nectar from plants, and in doing so they carry pollen from one flower to the next. Unlike … distances. Butterflies from the Heliconius genus, such as the zebra longwing and postman, feed on plant pollen in addition to nectar. This not only allows them to have more nutrients, but it …
Type: Blog
… garden. If the soil can form a sticky ball when you squeeze a handful, it is still too wet for planting. Soil will take longer to dry after periods of cool weather. Sandy soils can be … more moisture and requires a longer waiting time. Avoid excessive walking in garden beds and on lawns. It can compact and damage your soil. Soil is ready for planting when it crumbles in … A lawn is too wet when you see standing water, or water comes up from the ground as you step on the lawn. In these conditions, the mower tires will leave muddy tracks that will damage your …
Type: Blog
… ranging from 1 to 2.3 miles. A hidden gem, the path along Spider Island is just the place for a peaceful winter walk. I love a brisk walk any time, anywhere. But never is it as urgently … regulars need no convincing. “I love the freshly fallen snow,” said Paul Wagner, who was here on a recent blue-sky day when snow frosted the hills and chunks of ice floated in the Garden’s … that might be because she was basking in the sun in the Garden View Café before setting out on her walk. Still, she was certain she would still be warm outside. “Fleece base layers,” she …
Type: Blog
… start to wonder. Where was it going? And what made it turn? After a big snow, I love looking for wildlife tracks and the stories they tell. The paw prints and other tracks in the snow are among the small wonders of winter. In a recent blog, we talked about finding awe on winter walks—turning attention outside yourself for emotional well-being. By following animal … came from the wooded area toward the front of the picture. Then it turned around and sank down on its front paws, right where you see two clear side-by-side holes in the snow. It turned and …
Type: Blog
… the annual Woman’s Board Fall Bulb Sale is online only. You’ll be able to shop at your leisure for hundreds of varieties of bulbs imported directly from growers in Holland. The members’ … dimension to your plantings. I have planted Allium ‘Miami’ with pennisetum (fountain grass) on Evening Island. The pennisetum provides a beautiful green background for the purple Allium 'Miami' . Allium 'Miami' on Evening Island Pro tip: I am a big promoter of planting crocus bulbs in your lawn. They …
Type: Blog
… Allison Pillar is the grower for indoor floriculture in the Plant Production department. She produces high-quality plants for display in the Greenhouses, Krehbiel Gallery, Garden View Café, and Orchid Show. She also … to graduate from Macalester College with a bachelor’s degree in biology, where she also worked on the school’s grounds crew. A lifelong Chicagoan, she sees the immense value in connecting with …
Type: Staff bio
… help your garden and landscape later this spring. Snow is a great insulator! As winter presses on, the ground freezes deeper and deeper. This prolonged cold soil can damage roots over time. … in spring! Snow brings an important nutrient into the soil: nitrogen There are not many ways for nitrogen to enter the soil. While planting legumes and adding fertilizer are the most common … Rodents, particularly voles, take advantage of winter snow cover and feed more aggressively on tender bark of young trees. If your lawn has developed paths of dead grass from these garden …
Type: Blog
… positioning, and partners—the four “P’s,” if you will—enable many older gardeners to carry on. Keeping active in the garden is what our volunteers love best. There is no better place to … and loose, light clothing. Invest in a pair of really good gloves that you will keep on no matter what the task. Cuts and abrasions in the skin of the hands are an invitation to … If you do a lot of pruning regularly, decide if that is pleasurable to you. If not, hunt for some woody plants that maintain their shape naturally. If your perennials have grown into …
Type: Blog
… Lisa Hilgenberg searched out several practical, good-looking, decently-priced solutions for bringing veggie vininess under control in the Regenstein Fruit & Vegetable Garden . Forget … and snarls of string—your garden deserves these so-much-classier, smart-yet-modern takes on trellises and tuteurs. …
Type: Blog
