… From Baby Yoda to Pollock: How Rachael Kolby Transforms Pumpkins into Art. Night of 1,000 … 1,000 Jack-o’-Lanterns, pumpkins become artistic masterpieces. Here’s how she does it. Let’s start at the beginning. What’s your first pumpkin memory? For me, pumpkins and Halloween have … you expect or won’t light up properly. On top of that, you’re racing against time, so you must finish everything before they start to rot. All these challenges make pumpkin carving a delicate …
Type: Blog
… next to major thoroughfares. Fertilizer Established trees and shrubs can be fertilized anytime from late October until the ground freezes. Avoid the routine use of fertilizer, and apply a … of shredded bark over the entire root zone of trees. The mulch insulates roots, protects them from physical damage, and retains moisture. Avoid "volcano mulching" where the mulch gets higher and higher as it nears the trunk. Pull all mulch a few inches away from tree trunks. This helps to keep rodents and insects away from the trunk as well as prevent …
Type: Plant Info
… but only three are commonly used in gardens. Garden zinnias feature flowers that range from white, yellow, orange, pink, and lime to violet, purple, red and bicolors—everything except … you with blooms until the first fall frosts. Sow seeds outdoors after the last spring frost or start them indoors in seed-starting mix in late April for transplanting. Dig some compost a few … and perennials. Zinnias make great fillers between sun-loving perennials. When the perennials finish blooming, zinnia blossoms keep the floral show going. With their round flowers, zinnias …
Type: Plant Info
… activity serves as an introduction to phenology and Budburst, and will prepare students to start collecting data. In this activity students learn how to use the Budburst website, begin to … activity serves as an introduction to phenology and Budburst, and will prepare students to start collecting data. In this activity students learn how to use the Budburst website, begin to …
Type: Page
… own decorations. How? It’s easy—and fun for the kids, too! Put on a jacket, grab a bag, and start gathering natural items that support your vision of what Thanksgiving should look like. … with cloves. You can cover the surface or make designs, leaving more peel showing. When you finish, place your pomander in a baggie with some allspice, cinnamon, and orris root if you have … own decorations. How? It’s easy—and fun for the kids, too! Put on a jacket, grab a bag, and start gathering natural items that support your vision of what Thanksgiving should look like. …
Type: Page
… orchids at the Orchid Show . Build a raised bed. Spring resolutions Plant a fruit tree…or two. Start a compost pile. Test your soil. (For a list of Illinois soil testing labs, visit … Summer resolutions Install a rain barrel. Plant more flowers for bees and pollinators. Start a rain garden under your downspouts. Plant milkweed for monarch butterflies. Leave your … to your yard. Grow your own garlic . Add allium bulbs in fall to deter deer. Save seeds from flowers and vegetables to plant next year. Every season resolutions Use your Chicago Botanic …
Type: Plant Info
… caused by the caterpillar stage in order to complete the life cycle. Gardeners should refrain from using insecticides that may be harmful to visiting butterflies, bees and other pollinators. … sphinx moths, which are fairly large and attractive in the adult stage. By the time they start to defoliate the tomato plants, you may be tired of homegrown tomatoes. The parasitic wasps …
Type: Plant Info
… the amounts of fertilizer, water, pesticides, herbicides—even organic ones—that are gathered from sources outside the home. Start the Process Here's how you can shift from conventional gardening into sustainable gardening. If the task seems overwhelming, remember …
Type: Plant Info
Q. What variety of lavender is the best for planting in our area? I'm especially interested in an intensely fragrant variety. A. Although there are over 28 species of lavender grown today, most are not reliably hardy in the Chicago area due to our cold winters and heavy, wet winter soil. The English lavender, Lavandula angustifolia , and several of its cultivars, however, are worthy additions to …
Type: Plant Info
… control. If apple scab was a problem last year with crabapple or apple trees, be ready to start spraying with an approved fungicide as soon as the leaf buds begin to swell and open. Spray …
Type: Plant Info
