… and other creatures. And they serve all of us, too. A meadow—no matter what size—is a place for relaxation, play, nature observation, stormwater capture, and much more. And meadowscaping … milkweed, goldenrod, and many others provide showy blossoms and a source of nectar and pollen for butterflies, bees, and other insects. When they’re combined with native grasses, like little … to call it, this natural garden style is not only trending and sustainable, it’s here to stay. Visit Immerse yourself in Evening Island , which sits between the formality of the English Walled …
Type: Plant Info
… own landscapes. The unusual features of the witch hazel family make it an excellent choice for such adventurous gardeners. Witch hazel offers yellow and red fragrant flowers blooming at … seed capsules from the previous year are still attached to the branches, while some can be the latest, waiting until October. Seasons of Blooms Hamamelis mollis The Chinese witch hazel, … is an attractive yellow-orange, a nice contrast to the bright green leaves of summer. Look for these selected cultivars at the Garden: 'Jelena' Witch Hazel has flowers in an unusual blend …
Type: Plant Info
… Violette' and the wine red 'Madame Julia Correvon'. Most clematis varieties require a support for their best display. Growth is rapid in late spring and early summer, and gardeners must be … to protect against rabbits and lawn mowers. As the vine grows, it requires sunny conditions for best flowering. As you visit the Garden this summer, take note of the many clematis varieties. The Garden's Plant …
Type: Plant Info
… 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: … 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 … warm indoors planning hydrangeas or tomatoes or garden mosaics. Good preparation will help you get the most out of your garden learning experience The first and most important step is to make …
Type: Plant Info
… insects, and more over the decades. A few holes in the trunk have served as nesting sites for generations of woodpeckers, chickadees, and other birds. Oaks are long-lived native trees … guide to trees in winter is a lovely companion, but the Garden’s plant tags offer help if you visit without one. There are many ways to appreciate winter outdoors . Take a walk to the … Japanese Garden, where the pines are symbols of long life that create living sculpture. Or visit the 100-acre McDonald Woods, filled with oaks and a forest floor laden with acorns. The …
Type: Plant Info
… take a class at the Chicago Botanic Garden to learn more . Meanwhile, here are a few ways to get started: White Pine-Infused Honey For sore throats or pick-me-ups, clinical herbalist Dawn Petter makes a simple remedy of honey … Researchers say that the natural world inspires awe, but you have to look for it. Learn More Get Creative Head outside, with kids or without, and let nature inspire you. A good way to chase …
Type: Blog
… Q: How do I start tomato seedlings indoors? A: To grow your own tomatoes for transplanting outdoors, sow the seeds indoors four to six weeks before the usual last frost … in their permanent location. This process, called “hardening off,” helps ensure that plants get a good start. After all danger of frost has passed, plants should be moved to a shady area of the garden for several hours each day. Gradually increase the time the plants are exposed to outdoor …
Type: Plant Info
… Q. How do I select a good carving pumpkin for my family? A. There are four species of Curcurbita that are considered pumpkins; however, the intermediate and large Curcurbita pepo varieties are the ones used primarily for jack-o’-lanterns. Consider going to the pumpkin patch early. A well-chosen pumpkin will last … easily. If the rind can be pierced easily, it’s too soft and, unfortunately, it will only get softer. Always pick up pumpkins by putting your hand underneath the fruit rather than by its …
Type: Plant Info
… Their Bets As if on cue, tiny green leaves peek out from the dark soil each spring, reaching for the sun. But how do flowers know it’s spring? And can they detect real spring versus a warm … the warmest ever recorded in Chicago and as the highest global average temperature in history for that month. At the Garden, it was in the 60s one day and snowing the next. It’s no wonder … things up beyond the ‘reasonable conditions’ plants are used to such that they might start to get fooled.” And They’re Off These plants got a jump on spring Unseasonably warm days have …
Type: Blog
… It’s time for a visit to the Dixon Prairie to savor late spring flowers and the pollinators visiting these … australis) ; this plant, not native to the Chicago region, was historically a source for blue dye. Both species are in the pea family. Many prairie plants belong to the pea family; … the primary pollinator. Butterflies, in their quest for nectar, will not be rewarded for their visit, however, since Ohio spiderwort doesn’t have nectar. Spiderwort (Tradescantia ‘Sweet …
Type: Blog
