… The Chicago Botanic Garden’s Pollen Bank is a critical tool for advancing our work to prevent plant extinctions, reintroduce species into the wild, and support habitat restoration. Preparing an Amorphophallus perrieri flower for pollen collection. Photo by Jeremy Foster. Storing pollen is an efficient and effective way … diversity of these species. You need to breed plants – Our Pollen Bank is like a sperm bank for plants, storing the genetic material of just one parent. This provides the flexibility to …
Type: Research
… to its demise at the turn of the twentieth century, when these and other waders were hunted for their feathery plumes that women wore in their hats. Since then, the great egret, standing more than 3 feet tall with a nearly 5-foot wing span, has become the symbol for the National Audubon Society, founded in part to stop these birds from being killed to … is doing well in Illinois; however, habitat loss and water pollution may threaten its future. Visit Baker’s Lake in Barrington to watch the great egret during breeding season and McGinnis …
Type: Blog
… and reds of the torch lilies, the evaluation garden will be a riot of colors and a haven for pollinators. The masterworts sulked last summer so we worried that winter might end the trial. But, after a strong start this spring, we’re hopeful for a bounty of their pincushion-like flowers in June and July. Visitors and staff were sad to … on Instagram and Facebook. Keep an eye on our social media channels, but better yet, come visit us in person. …
Type: Blog
… flowers dry better than others, and there are conditions and techniques that can set you up for success, so I set out to learn more. Nancy Giardina, one of the Garden volunteers who made … markets this summer. Selecting flowers to dry Annuals: Annuals are a good starting point for beginners as they bloom all season long, providing ample time to harvest. Perennials: They … white and then fade back to green. Wait until they turn green again, in mid- to late July, for best results. Panicle hydrangeas dry well too. Drying tips Gather about four stems and …
Type: Blog
… Here, Garden experts offer some suggestions for the small garden, whether an urban backyard or a rooftop, a border around a townhouse patio, … space is limited. "If you're planting a hedge, consider plants that are more narrow in habit. For example, Techny arborvitae ( Thuja occidentalis 'Techny') is popular, but for a small area, … botany, plant conservation, and landscape design, in formats from rare books to e-books. Visit Wednesday through Sunday, from noon to 4 p.m. To learn more about small-space gardening, …
Type: Plant Info
… examine on a daily basis. The goal of the field trips is to create real-life opportunities for students to have fun with science outside of their classroom walls, said Drew Wehrle, the … together outside is part of the fun of guided field trips. Field trips are a great opportunity for outdoor fun, too. Each of the guided field trips is crafted to fulfill age-appropriate state … and can be guided or self-directed. For more information about field trips, or to sign up, visit chicagobotanic.org/fieldtrips . …
Type: Blog
… tombstone in Cumberland, England "While life lasts." This can be a very brief moment in time for a spring ephemeral. In that narrow window that exists between thawing ground and the leafing … pollinators associated with them, they usually have several different pollinators that can visit, including other native bees and many species of flies. For ephemerals in the genus … False rue anemone ( Isopyrum biternatum ) With spring on the horizon, you should make plans to visit the McDonald Woods to view the diversity of colorful spring wildflowers. For those of you …
Type: Blog
… don’t put away your trowel, shovel, hose or clippers just yet. Autumn is another great time for planting and many garden centers have a fresh inventory of trees, shrubs, perennials, annuals … kicks in. As we ease into fall, night temperatures start to drop, but the soil will stay warm for some time. Planting in fall gives many trees and shrubs an “extra” growing season. Root … seasons are based on the annual temperature cycle. Take a break from planting and come visit the Garden to see what’s in bloom . Nina Koziol is a garden writer and horticulturist who …
Type: Plant Info
… stem (monopodial), and the roots stretch out from the base of the stem. Aerial roots roam free of their containers and can grow up to 2 meters long. In ideal conditions, you can expect … by genus and is consistent with their natural habitat. While requiring adequate sunlight for a stunning bloom display, most orchids will not tolerate sustained direct sun. Many varieties …
Type: Garden Guide Plant
… For many of us, part of the joy of spring is heading out to the forest preserves and seeing the wildflowers in bloom. But for Susanne Masi, a plant conservationist at the Chicago Botanic Garden, the wildflowers she … them from extinction." For more information on plant conservation science at the Garden, visit chicagobotanic.org/research. …
Type: Plant Info
