… the magical, mysterious migration of songbirds. Trees and flowers open their leaves and begin to bloom, inviting insects to taste their nectar and munch on their burgeoning greenery. Thank goodness for the songbirds, who keep the insect population in check by devouring scores of the … and many of them have been found during the spring and fall migrations. Where to look The best places to look for migrant birds in the area are near water and edges, such as woods next to …
Type: Page
… Tall upright stems are topped by large lobster-red petals opening to reveal a buttercup yellow interior on this cultivar of single early tulips. In the fall, plant this tulip in well- drained soils and full sun for best flower production. This group of tulips is best enjoyed as forced flowering plants in …
Type: Garden Guide Plant
… A new collaboration between Garden scientists and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is hoping to expand the range of a species once extinct in Illinois. Garden scientists, students, and collaborators are conducting research to guide recovery of the federally threatened lakeside daisy ( Tetraneuris herbacea ). Plant … have survived and are unlikely to survive over the long-term. “We suspect one reason for these declines is too little genetic diversity. This species is self-incompatible, meaning …
Type: Research
… might be a gall, or an injury that had healed-over. On closer inspection, the lump turned out to be a ruby-throated hummingbird nest from last summer. Although I see hummingbirds regularly … of avian architecture. Not much larger in diameter than a quarter, they are just large enough to hold the one to three navy bean-sized eggs of the hummer. For the pint-sized bird to be able to keep the tiny eggs warm during incubation requires that the …
Type: Blog
… in varying amounts. Large amounts of tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum) are not likely to make someone ill, whereas a lot of black nightshade (Solanum nigram) may. Want to switch up … cultivars have a sweeter flavor, and both contain high amounts of pectin, so are a good choice for canning and to add to preserves. Tomatillos (Physalis ixocarpa) prefer the same soil … area, our growing season is to short for it to bear ripe fruit. Naranjilla lovers will need to visit a Latin grocery store to purchase the fruit, which is popular in drinks, ice cream, and …
Type: Page
… and divers return As the lakes thaw at the Garden in March and April, migratory ducks stop to feed and rest on their journeys to their northern breeding grounds. It's the perfect time for visitors to study the beautiful nuptial plumages of these water-loving species, as well as … looks like a mallard but has a huge, shovel-like bill and a large brown patch on its sides. Visit usgs.gov for more information on duck identification, or use the National Audubon Society …
Type: Page
… Season of Tomato-Growing Information Staking, trellising, and caging In July, tomatoes seem to take on a whole new attitude. At the beginning of the season they are polite. They grow at a … fruit quality can suffer. A good trellising system lifts the plants off the ground, and allows for air circulation. There are many different trellising approaches and systems. Whatever support … diseases. Keeping it off the ground also reduces exposure to soil-borne pathogens. What's the best support for tomatoes? Pretty much anything. Tomato stakes and string work well for …
Type: Page
… stems. But why not grow your own cut-flower garden? You’ll save money and you only have to step outside to collect whatever you need for a vase or two. Got Sun? A little sunny spot … sow seeds directly into the soil in mid-May (after the danger of spring frost has passed) or buy a mixed flat of flowers and transplant them at that time. (Dahlias are sold as tubers or … Or pick some fragrant viburnum flowers or a colorful hydrangea and pop them into a Ball jar. Visit your vegetable garden for a few stems of kale, Swiss chard, twirling pea stems, or dill …
Type: Plant Info
… Spring is the time to start seeds—especially for the veggies and herbs that thrive in summer's heat. Tomatoes. Peppers. Onions. Basil. … in doubt about your garden location's zone, simply type in your zip code at the USDA's helpful website: planthardiness.ars.usda.gov/PHZMWeb/ . In seed starter, quality counts. Seeds need a …
Type: Plant Info
… Q. What is the best way to save seeds? A. Open pollinated or heirloom varieties are best for saving. Seeds from hybrid varieties should not be collected because they will not come true …
Type: Plant Info
