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  • … Hydrangeas are a coveted late summer bouquet, but the cut flowers never last long—we set out to discover how to get enduring blooms.   Hydrangeas we tested, from left to right: smashed stem, … with the smashed stem wilted on Day 3. The hydrangea with only plant food performed the best but began to wilt on Day 7. We learned that we should have asked the Garden’s … tissue that transports water up the stem.” Do this: Put them in water ASAP Whether you cut or buy them, get your hydrangeas in water immediately. If hydrangeas are out of water for too long, …
    Type: Blog
  • … are moths. Our local butterflies range from the tiny Eastern-tailed blue and gray hairstreak to the giant swallowtail. Butterflies and their offspring (eggs, caterpillars, and chrysalids) are food for many birds, mammals, and insects. They’re an important part of the overall ecological … sunflower (Tithonia) , zinnias, lantana, cosmos, ageratum, and verbena. Some butterflies visit mud puddles, damp soil, overripe fruit, tree sap, and carrion and animal feces to obtain …
    Type: Plant Info
  • … Q. What is the best way to take care of plants growing in containers? A. Plants growing in containers require a little … containers, such as terra cotta, will quickly wick water out of the soil and are best used for plants that do not require full sun and that can be situated in part shade to shade …
    Type: Plant Info
  • … in any way. Drone photography is not allowed on the grounds. The Garden reserves the right to restrict access to certain areas, or revoke this permit if its conditions are not met. … calling (847) 835-6801 or email @email for more information or regarding specific requests.  Buy Permit     Amateur photography/videography guidelines Individual photographers are welcome to … images. Please check in at the Visitor Center Information Membership desks at the time of your visit; sessions must conclude by 4 p.m.    Commercial photography/videography guidelines Media …
    Type: Page
  • … Attracting birds to the winter garden can be a fun-filled and action-packed spectator sport. Supplying our … cardinals) and woodpeckers—helps make winter an enjoyable season. Once the birds begin to visit your feeders, learn to identify them. With a bird identification book or chart from any … seed, you'll see many different birds gathering at the feeder. This is the seed of choice for many because it's reasonably priced and does the job, but unfortunately it leaves a mess on …
    Type: Plant Info
  • … Q. What is the best way to plant a rhododendron? A. When planting rhododendrons, it is important to select a variety that is winter hardy for your plant hardiness zone, based on the USDA plant hardiness zone map. The Chicago region is …
    Type: Plant Info
  • … right in our own backyards. You can encourage wildlife such as birds and other pollinators to visit your green space by incorporating the necessary components of their habitat: food, water, shelter, and places to raise young. This course will cover how to create a yard or garden that attracts the wildlife …
    Type: Item Detail
  • … Q: What should we consider when choosing shrubs for our home landscape A: The saying “right plant…right place” is essential to keep in mind when selecting shrubs. Many shrub problems can be traced back to choices made years before. Moreover, early planning is especially desirable now, due to high …
    Type: Plant Info
  • … Frost descended on area pumpkins shortly before Halloween. Our gardens will soon settle in for a winter’s sleep, but for now, let’s carry the taste of summer into our holiday mocktails and cocktails.  Citrusy and savory herbs and spices add a little zing to hot and cold beverages. Fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, mint, basil and lemon verbena are … brought the pots indoors. But if you didn’t, there are plenty of stores that sell fresh herbs. Buy them in small pots and place them on a sunny window, or on a kitchen counter near …
    Type: Plant Info
  • … Q. For the best spring flower display, when should I fertilize my tulip and daffodil bulbs? A. To … bed with a balanced, 10-10-10 or 10-15-10 slow-release fertilizer. Lightly cultivate the soil to disperse the fertilizer, or water it in well. Apply fertilizer to the top of the soil instead …
    Type: Plant Info