… and manages it today. The roots of the Chicago Botanic Garden run deep. Ground was broken in 1965 and the Garden opened in 1972, but its underpinnings can be traced to 1890, when the Chicago Horticultural Society was … to this day by connecting people with beauty and plant collections from around the world in its botanic garden, educating the public about food growing and ecosystems, and studying our …
Type: Blog
… a rose is best.” But what is it about dahlias that has attracted so many fans and admirers? In our effort to describe the joys of dahlia gardening, members of the Central States Dahlia … ‘Harvey Koop’ Size does matter. Of the 70,000 varieties developed, dahlia blooms range in size from the miniatures, just 12 inches tall with 2-inch blooms, to the huge “dinnerplates,” … glossy-leaved plants that grow up to 6 feet tall and bloom with flowers 10 to 12 inches in diameter. As one member said: “I love giant flowers! The ‘dinnerplates’ are showstoppers!” …
Type: Blog
… In late October 2012 when I was driving down a country road in rural northwest Illinois, I spotted some bright sky-blue asters blooming near the corner of a woodlot. I was traveling between nature preserves in this area of the state collecting seeds for the Dixon National Tallgrass Prairie Seed Bank , …
Type: Blog
… by combining the energy and stimulation of red with the cheerfulness of yellow. Over the years in the Regenstein Fruit & Vegetable Garden, we've seen the way people have reacted to the autumn … Chicago Botanic Garden have reminded us how people have reacted to winter squash and pumpkins in past years when they were on display. There was pure joy as our visitors encountered the great … the giant pumpkins are just one example of the diverse Cucurbita garden art that we once grew in the Fruit & Vegetable Garden. While they seem to be called “squash,” “pumpkin,” and “gourd” …
Type: Blog
… In 2017, I spent a lot of time in the Regenstein Center, around the Lenhardt Library's librarian’s suite, Skyping in the Library’s rare book room, training at the circulation desk, and maybe even having lunch in the break room. I’m Alicia Esquivel, and I worked at the Chicago Botanic Garden’s Lenhardt …
Type: Blog
… within Environmental Systems Research Institute (ESRI) ArcGIS software utilizing a base map in AutoCAD format and Microsoft Access / SQL plant database. This process includes formulating … the beds, symbolizing and labeling the plant maps. She creates custom maps, some complex in nature with maps and data from government agencies, used for staff publication, intern poster … species verification and assist with classes. Veronica earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Land Surveying from the University of the West Indies in St. Augustine. Her major was …
Type: Staff bio
… kinds of orchids: Phalaenopsis 'Surf song' Phalaenopsis Also known as the moth orchid, orchids in this genus are among the easiest to grow. These orchids do well in low light and don’t need much fertilization; give them a bit of food once a week from April to … loves heat and humidity, but also ventilation. They like bright sun, but not direct sun. In summer, you can move these outside, but once fall comes around, they need cool nights to …
Type: Blog
… Well, here we are with another titan arum in bloom at the Chicago Botanic Garden. (Java, the taller of our Titan Twins, began blooming at … what we hope to learn from this rare possibility. The plants have been named Java and Sumatra, in recognition of two of the major islands in the nation of Indonesia. Amorphophallus titanum , the Latin name for the titan arum species, …
Type: Blog
… Are your summer container gardens in need of a fall makeover? Good news! There are many fall-flavored plants that will provide you with texture, form, and long-lasting colors in both flowers and foliage. I love the combination of purple or blue asters (Symphyotrichum) … of the fall-blooming Salvias or sage can add height and lend to very interesting combinations in your container gardens. Try using cold-hardy vegetables and adding herbs to create interest …
Type: Blog
… After severe winter weather, gardeners face bigger challenges than usual in the spring, due to a “perfect storm” of weather conditions that scorch evergreens, protect … pruned or removed altogether, a polar vortex gives us a few important reminders about growing in the Chicago area and could ultimately make us all better gardeners. Winter was particularly … be replaced. The resulting symptoms, discolored or “burned” foliage, tend to show up quickly in spring, when days are sunny and warm. Bright winter sun and strong winds can accelerate …
Type: Blog
