… I remember vividly the first time I visited the Chicago Botanic Garden. I was silent (unusual for me) and in awe. Everywhere I looked, I saw plant labels, and looking at them provided me some kind of familiarity—like when you meet someone new, you want to know their name, what they do, what they like, right? Well, the same with plants. One … around 7 to 8 inches across, and is made to withstand the constant humidity. Next time you visit the Garden, check out the Linnaeus statue in the Heritage Garden and see the decoding of a …
Type: Blog
… A walk through the Dwarf Conifer Garden is truly a plant lover’s feast for the eyes. It’s difficult to decide where to look next; what new magnificent specimens await behind the bend in the path, … of the year, especially in winter. Download a guide for the Dwarf Conifer Garden before you visit. Considering dwarf conifers for your landscape? Read on or take a class . The American …
Type: Walks
… spends his weekends on a high-stakes scavenger hunt across Southern Illinois, gathering clues to save rare plants from disappearing. Traversing steep prairie hillsides and swampy lowlands as … muddy boots and thorn-snagged pants, giving back to the landscapes they love. “I think caring for the natural world brings out the best in people,” said Stevens. The swollen sedge ( Carex … than 550 rare plant populations stretch across the forest preserves—far more than staff can visit annually. Volunteer finding the white lady's slipper orchid ( Cypripedium candidum ). Its …
Type: Blog
… Fragmented Landscapes Need Fire to Thrive The Chicago Botanic Garden sets one-quarter of its land on fire every year. These … a prescribed burn in Dixon Prairie. Fire burns through dead leaves and stems, opening space for native plants to grow from seed, nourished by the charred plant material and increased sunlight. The cleared, …
Type: Blog
… is just plain fun. Here’s a look at some popular planting themes. Of all the creatures that visit our gardens, butterflies are certainly the most exotic and magical. On warm summer days, they sail from one flower to another in search of nectar. In sunlight, the shimmering wings of the violet-spotted charaxes … are just as fun to attract and to watch. A butterfly garden is simply one that offers nectar for the adults and certain plants for their caterpillars. Nectar is a sugar-rich liquid that …
Type: Plant Info
… in conservation terms, a restoration — an example of an ecosystem that is being brought back to healthy former conditions. Because of the constant efforts of scientists and volunteers to … rakes to remove unsightly mats of algae and invasive shoreline weeds. See the water quality for yourself: at this rare break in the shoreline plantings, you can walk right down to the … This is a beautiful building. Your walk is an act of conservation in itself. Enjoy your visit! View Conservation Walk #2 …
Type: Walks
… associate conservation genomics scientist at the Chicago Botanic Garden. “It’s really cool to see how there’s a cult-like following for this plant.” The scientist’s mail bins overflowed with leaves of native pawpaw trees. … but can be found as far west as eastern Nebraska. Learn more about the pawpaw growing range, visit the related Plant Information page. “It will be interesting to see where our research …
Type: Blog
… Why composting doesn’t have to be hard anymore If I spot a few weeds in the shade garden, I yank them before they flower and … landfills, and facilities that burn everyone’s trash are out-of-sight, out-of-mind topics for many. But, it all stays right here. On planet Earth. The amount of waste—including food … carbon and nitrogen, helping decomposition. The end result is similar to what you might buy in bags at a garden center. If you are worried about raccoons, possums, mice, and any other …
Type: Blog
… Chris Baker has been studying and working on bonsai for more than 16 years. Like so many, he started out as an enthusiast with a true love of … the path of his life. He began volunteering in 2011 and did so on and off until 2014. Thanks to an introduction by Sustic, Baker spent six months in 2012 studying with bonsai master Torho … to natural-looking bonsai, North American species, and American potters. This led Baker to visit other bonsai curators, professionals, and ceramicists around the country to study this …
Type: Staff bio
… We gathered around a table at the Garden View Café the other day to taste something that only one of us had ever tasted before: powdered orchid roots. A … here courtesy of Ayse’s mother, Figen Ormancioglu, who kindly brought it with her on a recent visit. (The family surname translates as “son of the forester”—Ayse’s love of botany is in her … “Chai,” “junipers,” and “I’ll have another glass,” were three answers; the flavor is hard for American taste buds to define. Sweet and savory and spicy all at once, there’s a note of bark …
Type: Blog
