… many gardeners and scientists alike have long assumed their flower type to be one that is strikingly red, tubular, and scentless. Flowers that are often thought of as typical choices … clear-cut categories (known as pollination syndromes), these human constructs may mask what is really going on in nature. Many “typical” hummingbird flowers belong to species that produce … have acute color vision and show no innate preference for the color red—in other words, there is no reason for them to exclusively focus on red or orange flowers. And their long and slender …
Type: Blog
… wide flowers of an intense orange-red on a plant no larger than 3 inches tall. S. coccinea is a challenge to grow at all, let alone grow well, but its hybrids are much easier to cultivate, … under lights in the basement, and in nearly every south-facing window in the house! My family is to be commended for their suffering—and patience—after finding sinks and bathtubs filled with plants freshly watered, or obstructed views out windows crowded with plants. Such is life with an orchid addict. …
Type: Blog
… an anonymous foundation keep the program thriving. Importantly, the data we collect and share is long-term and consistent for a significant number of monitored species. We send data to the State’s Natural Heritage Database, which is used to assess the status of threatened and endangered plant species by the Illinois … collect without this program.” Perhaps the best outcome of the Plants of Concern program is that it has “inspired many volunteers to engage in stewardship roles like controlling …
Type: Blog
… + color Gone are the days of a plain side salad on a white plate: today, even a tiny saladette is vibrant with color and flavors. Start with a blue (or green) plate. Add a piquant mix of salad … how the flowers have lost their color to the vinegar. Such beautiful pink color! Sprinkle as is onto leafy greens, or mix with oil and season to taste. Blue bachelor buttons, red … Pick freshly-bloomed dandelions (just the blossom, no stem) from a trusted, chemical-free site. Gently wash the blossoms. While moist, lightly flour each flower (shake with ½ cup seasoned …
Type: Blog
… studies, and population modeling, my research currently explores three key questions: Why is there so much variation in how species adjust their biological timing to a changing climate? …
Type: Staff bio
… standardized, long-term regional monitoring data to detect population trends. The program is a collaboration of trained citizen scientists, land managers, and researchers using science to …
Type: Staff bio
… Barbara Raue is the Plant Production department's nursery supervisor. Many of the Garden's more unique and …
Type: Staff bio
… Life Histories of North American Birds series, Arthur Cleveland Bent noted that the oriole is “perhaps the most skillful artisan of any North American bird.” Those lucky enough to see an … to hop out onto a branch, exercise their wings, and then fledge. The Baltimore oriole nest is a labor of love. Photo © Carol Freeman These colorful birds eat insects, fruit, and nectar, …
Type: Blog
… Ever see a tree or even a weed and wonder what kind of plant it is? We’d love for you to stumble across the answer—right in front of you. Inspired by a movement … more information on the plant via an old-fashioned Google search. The Garden's GardenGuide app is another good resource to use as well. We got a lot of interested looks from neighbors passing …
Type: Blog
… waders including the great blue heron. A great egret ( Ardea alba ) fishes; in the background is a great blue heron. Photo © Carol Freeman During breeding season, a patch of skin on the … Lagoons. Photo © Carol Freeman Once on the state endangered species list, the great egret is doing well in Illinois; however, habitat loss and water pollution may threaten its future. …
Type: Blog
