… spades should be trued and sharpened as needed. The metal parts of all tools should be wiped with a light coat of lubricating oil to stave off rust. Cutting tools, including knives, pruners, … instructions. This can be done by the individual gardener or by the machine dealer’s service department. An important precaution is to remove all gasoline from the machines, either …
Type: Plant Info
… but should be avoided because they have limited usage. If you can’t resist using containers with no drainage, see these for instructions on drilling bottom holes. If a container is used … scorch and fail to thrive, which can lead to premature death. Please contact Plant Information Service at (847) 835-0972 or plantinfo@chicagobotanic.org for additional information. …
Type: Plant Info
… fear of bugs or critters (in my case, spiders), fear of Nature’s power to wipe out a crop with one fell storm. In this month’s edition of Smart Gardener , we get to the root of three … something fresh and new. The Strategy: Start Simply. The easiest vegetables to grow are those with seeds that can be sown straight into the earth. Your first spring salad Lettuce, kale, or … whether your soil’s acidic or basic (pH), which fertilizer it needs. Our Plant Information Service sums it up nicely. Here is the link for you to access soil testing services . Once you …
Type: Plant Info
… to the branches of magnolia trees. In severe infestations, entire branches may be coated with scale and have a chalky appearance. Many gardeners do not realize their trees are infected until they notice the leaves turning black with sooty mold that grows on the clear sticky liquid secreted by the scale insects. In early …
Type: Plant Info
… effort.” It may be defined as having qualities such as meditative calmness often associated with practitioners of Zen Buddhism. The term “Zen garden” was first coined by Loraine Kuck, in … for use indoors.) One key to creating a zen garden is avoiding excess—overloading the site with plants, too many rocks, lanterns or statues. The main characteristics of the zen garden are …
Type: Plant Info
… heating, supplemental humidity should be provided. Humidity trays, spraying your trees daily with a spray bottle, and humidifiers are all good ways of increasing the humidity around your … are put away for the winter. In late summer to early fall, you should stop feeding your trees with nitrogen. Nitrogen—the “N” in N.P.K.-based fertilizers— stimulates foliage growth. As fall … temperatures continue to drop. Using snow to cover pots and roots is a good idea. Snow is an excellent insulator, and if temperatures rise enough for it to melt, it will water your trees. ( …
Type: Blog
… Biology and Life Cycle Adult beetles are elongated, approximately 1/8 to ½ inch in length, with metallic green wings and bronze bodies. The EAB adults begin to emerge from ash trees as the … identification All Fraxinus species are susceptible. If in doubt, contact Plant Information Service for positive tree identification. D-shaped holes As adults emerge in the spring, they … an integral role in preventing the EAB from spreading. The USDA Animal and Plant Inspection Service (APHIS) has federally restricted the movement of all ash products outside of the state of …
Type: Plant Info
… Q: During the cold seasons we deal with icy walks and driveways and worry about the potential damage to our lawn and landscape … that is safe and effective? A: The safety of both residents and visitors requires that we deal with icy surfaces around our homes, but chemical deicing agents can damage plants as well as … and always read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Please contact Plant Information Service at plantinfo@chicagobotanic.org or call (847) 835-0972 on Wednesdays and Thursdays …
Type: Plant Info
… days to help reduce evaporation, but they perk back up at night. When the soil is so saturated with water that it displaces tiny air pockets that roots require, the plant may also wilt. Roots … cucumbers, and melons are good examples. A woody plant can contain about 50 percent water. But with several inches of sudden rain, tomato skins may begin splitting because of excess moisture. … Summer Watering and Gardening with Challenging Weather . More Resources: The National Weather Service The Illinois State Climatologist …
Type: Blog
… The “social media” of its day, this Victorian fad, led to many editions of works published, with multiple titles by successful authors. About: The Chicago Botanic Garden’s Lenhardt … language of flower genre editions. Collaboration: The symposium is presented in collaboration with the Caxton Club , an organization bringing together a diversified group of authors, binders, … Siegel, Senior Director, Lenhardt Library, Chicago Botanic Garden 10:30 a.m. Keynote: Speaking with Flora Ann Shteir, Professor Emerita, York University, Toronto, Canada 11:30 a.m. …
Type: Event for Calendar
