… is a two-way street, and plants can have a strong influence on the habitats they live in. We might experience this by walking in a forest and feeling ground beneath our feet that is spongy from the buildup of slowly decaying leaves that accumulated over decades or centuries. The trees in such a forest have “engineered” their environments, changing the very ground beneath them in …
Type: Blog
… Recently, I had the pleasure of speaking at a symposium on plant exploration that was held in Des Moines, Iowa. The audience was enthralled following the plant-collecting exploits of such … focused on plant collecting a tad closer to home—not as exotic perhaps, but still crucial in support of my research as the Chicago Botanic Garden’s plant breeder. So let’s go seek out the … selections and garden advocates. It’s likely that every midwestern gardener has a phlox or two in their landscape. Most of the remaining 60-plus phlox species are relatively unknown to …
Type: Blog
… a few great ideas to get your taste buds going: Add a bit of mint to a basil pesto Grow thyme in unexpected flavors: orange, lime, lemon (all are growing in our kitchen herb garden) Dry and mix your own herbes de Provence recipe) Infuse lavender blossoms in lemonade Speaking of infusions, “herb mixologist” Kasey Bersett Eaves opened our eyes to the …
Type: Blog
… Most butterflies and moths featured in popular magazines and other media are large, well-known species, such as monarchs and luna … moth is actually quite small, though far from nondescript! Mompha species moth; photo taken in Utah My research at the Chicago Botanic Garden focuses on an insufficiently studied moth … up close: Mompha stellella on the left and Mompha eloisella on the right. Both are found in Illinois, typically during the month of August. Photo credit: Terry Harrison In North …
Type: Blog
… recognize a squirrel nest, called a drey , when they see one. The eastern gray squirrels in our region build dreys in trees for shelter and protection from the elements. What you see as a messy clump of leaves is … materials to make it a dry and cozy home. This month I was walking around my neighborhood in Chicago, and I noticed that three out of four squirrel dreys on my street were located on …
Type: Blog
… Garden’s impact on her life goes beyond the beauty of the plants to the nurturing she found in its Veteran Internship Program (VIP). “I am grateful for the VIP and Garden for providing me direction into the horticulture profession and community. I have reaped the most benefits in a very personal way,” she said, adding that she has been “through a lot of emotional trauma, and the Garden saved me from darker places. I am fortunate to work in a place that has given me purpose, joy, and literally life.” Andersen, 30, who began the VIP …
Type: Blog
… can do “all by myself,” or at least with minimal help from you. Growing future gardeners in the Regenstein Fruit & Vegetable Garden Planting seeds leads to discussions about what seeds … responsibility and helps them feel they are making a contribution to the family or classroom. In recent years, students from our Little Diggers class, ages 2 to 4, have planted peas indoors and transplanted them outside into the raised beds in the Regenstein Fruit & Vegetable Garden. Come follow the steps we took to get there. Planting …
Type: Blog
… tired? Change out your container gardens to extend your displays well into the fall. Gardening in containers can offer us year-round seasonal interest, and we can extend the garden seasons … annuals. Photo by Tim Pollak A fall container with grass, pansies, and heuchera, which comes in a host of leaf colors. Photo by Tim Pollak Change-outs should take advantage of seasonal blooming plants and colorful foliage and textures in prime condition. The change-out can add instant color or texture to the display and create a …
Type: Blog
… cornucopia. This week, I thought I’d share a few tips that both cornucopias have in common. Whether you’re using flowers or fruit or vegetables, the process of assembling a … basic tools Horn-shaped cornucopia baskets are readily available at craft and hobby stores. In addition to a basket, you’ll need pruners , floral picks , a hot-glue gun , a small … that fits into the tray. If you’re using fresh flowers, prepare the floral foam by soaking it in water. Ingredients for a fall cornucopia include apples, leaves on branches, gourds, and fall …
Type: Blog
… plant breeding programs, and plant collecting expeditions. Additionally, she plays a role in the Garden’s breeding and evaluation programs to incorporate successful trials and new … for public enjoyment. Originally, a native of northeast Ohio, Jess has earned a BA in Plant Biology and Environmental Studies from Ohio University and a MA in Urban Geography and GIS from Chicago State University. Jess has experimented in many …
Type: Staff bio
