… In the calm and cold of the new year, it's tempting to hibernate and rest up for the tilling and planting to come. But January is prime time for another kind of preparation: learning all you can to make this growing season your best ever. Sure, you could stay home and read books or browse websites. But a winter or spring class or workshop is a better place to start. You can ask questions, get guidance for further research, and meet other people who are interested in the same topic or …
Type: Plant Info
… Growing to only 12 inches tall, dwarf lily-of-the-Nile, or Peter Pan agapanthus ( Agapanthus 'Peter … species occurring in inland regions. This plant's very strong root system makes it ideal for growing in rock gardens and as a border plant in warmer climates (USDA Zones 8a through 11), … plant, where keeping the plant slightly rootbound improves flowering. Agapanthus blooms best in a spot where it gets full sun and has moist, well-drained, acidic soil with a pH from 5.1 …
Type: Garden Guide Plant
… colorful duck is usually seen in small flocks on the lakes. It uses its wide, serrated bill to sift food out of the water. It is not a diving duck. If you see what looks like a mallard with … to breed. Shovelers can also be seen in late summer and fall at the Garden lakes on their way to their wintering grounds. An observant birder might even find a shoveler or two in winter … or slough. In spring and fall, when you're walking around the waterways of the Garden, look for this handsome (some might say gaudy-looking) duck. During the breeding season, the northern …
Type: Birding
… It’s the season for grilling—time to share a simple, herb-related trick with the grill master at your house. … spoon, a bit of kitchen twine, and freshly-snipped twigs of rosemary. Use the aromatic brush to flavor roasting meats like lamb, chicken, or pork—just dip it into marinade or olive oil and …
Type: Blog
… The Chicago Botanic Garden makes a beautiful background for your family pictures! No. 1: Crescent Garden Works great for: groups large and small. … our silhouette “family” shows, position the group on the path, then stand on the grassy area to take the shot. It’s a good vertical backdrop for larger groups. No. 3: Farwell Landscape … 5: Puryear Point Works great for: close-ups. Want the grand vista in the background? Head up to the hill between the Elizabeth Hubert Malott Japanese Garden and the Arched Bridge, where two …
Type: Blog
… Want to help monarch butterflies? Be careful when selecting your milkweed. Not all plants that go by … (Asclepias) are native: Asclepias amplexicaulis is native to our prairies and is suitable for planting in sunny perennial flower gardens. The flowers are described as "eraser pink" in … (Anacardiaceae) and contain similar biologically active compounds. My daughter and I can’t get enough mango in our diet, but both break out in poison ivy rashes if we touch poison ivy …
Type: Blog
… Thanksgiving is here again, and we at the Chicago Botanic Garden are thankful for all the pollinators who make our food possible, every day, around the world. Bats, bees, … one-third of the food we eat. As you enjoy a meal with friends and family, take a moment to say thanks for the little things that make such a big difference—pollinators! Instructions Click on the image above to download our placemat to enjoy with your feast. The ideal printing size is tabloid (11 x 17 …
Type: Blog
… Fragrance is one of the benefits of a garden that is often overlooked. Lots of thought is given to plants’ textures, colors, seasonality, sizes—all important visual characteristics without a … fondness in a single whiff. Also among the list are a number of annuals that are perfect for containers, which allow the gardener to move plants into prominence as they reach their peak … Lonicera flava honeysuckle is a fragrant and hardy variety. Photo via southeasternflora.com. Tuberose, Polianthes tuberosa , is a nonhardy (for us) bulb from northern Mexico with an …
Type: Blog
… Thanksgiving is here again, and we at the Chicago Botanic Garden are thankful for all the pollinators who make our food possible, every day, around the world. Bats, bees, … the PDF (11″x17″) of this placemat. As you enjoy a meal with friends and family, take a moment to say thanks for the little things that make such a big difference—pollinators! Draw and color … you are eating at your feast in the center of your plate on our placemat. Check the answer key to see who pollinated them. Instructions: Click on the image above to download our placemat to …
Type: Blog
… Looking for a meditative moment? Check out some of our favorite footage of summer at the Garden, … of the green world around us. If you’re looking for the firsthand experience, come visit and catch these moments yourself before summer turns fall. Bonus tip: Seek out the monarch butterflies before they travel to Mexico! They’ve been spotted in the Heritage Garden and the Helen and Richard Thomas English …
Type: Blog
