… What an amazing plant science moment occurred in the Semitropical Greenhouse this morning, as a fascinated crowd gathered to see what was … energy it needed to continue its bloom cycle. Spike is powered by energy from the sun, stored in its beach-ball-sized corm—a tuber-like underground structure. A tremendous amount of energy goes into producing the single, giant flower structure that a titan can send up in its first decade or so of life (Spike is about 12 years old). OVERHEARD: “I WISH MY BIOLOGY …
Type: Blog
… In case you missed it, the International Herb Association has named tarragon the herb of the … and flavonoids—antioxidants and chemoprotectors—help neutralize the carcinogens found in smoke. “I do love smoked fish,” says Tankersley. “Please let there be driftwood available!” Beautiful in bloom, dill is delicious as a fresh herb, or use the seeds as part of a pickle. Dill is also …
Type: Blog
… partners—the four “P’s,” if you will—enable many older gardeners to carry on. Keeping active in the garden is what our volunteers love best. There is no better place to start than … few minutes to limber up your joints, especially your back and legs, before you start working in the garden. You will be much more comfortable if your muscles are warmed up. Surprising them … to protect your skin. That means sunscreen, a hat, gloves, and loose, light clothing. Invest in a pair of really good gloves that you will keep on no matter what the task. Cuts and abrasions …
Type: Blog
… Healing Environments Ambassadors Learning Through Horticulture (HEALTH) internship launched in April 2019. The program connects high school students, their schools, and families to the … videography, environmental stewardship, and landscape design. A new session starts in spring 2021. HEALTH interns constructing raised beds outside the entrance of the Instituto … for healthy living. While our summer field trips reveal the role of urban agriculture in building stronger communities and improving access to healthy foods, HEALTH’s project-based …
Type: Blog
… over these last 12 years. I arrived at the Garden just after 3 a.m.—my headlights reflecting in eyes of the raccoons who call our 385 acres home—and was let in by the third-shift security officers who keep the Garden safe at night. At the Semitropical Greenhouse, I met outdoor floriculturist Tim Pollak, “Titan Tim,” and we breathed in the plant’s horrible, wonderful smell. Tom Zombolo, senior director, facilities and …
Type: Blog
… conditions are ideal for the butterflies, and you can find them roosting or drying their wings in the post-rain sun—another excellent opportunity to take pictures of their ventral wings. You are also likely to find them flying around and basking in the heavy, humid air. Malachite ( Siproeta stelenes ) drying its wings after a heavy rain … cyane ) A white morpho (Morpho polyphemus) imago drying its wings shortly after eclosing in the early morning Hot, humid days: On sunny summer days, Butterflies & Blooms can be …
Type: Blog
… Day). Musing about how to share some seeds, horticulturist Nancy Clifton got interested in the guerrilla gardening-inspired idea of “seed balls” (or seed bombs, as they’re sometimes … to judge the consistency. Wearing gardening or plastic gloves, roll a teaspoon-sized ball in your hands (size can vary). Think “mud pie”—the ball should hold together when you squeeze it, … a few seeds to sprout from each seed ball. Too many seeds mean too many sprouts, resulting in too much competition for nutrients and water. All sun. All shade. All herbs. All spring. …
Type: Blog
… Francisco Mercado, Sr.—affectionately known here as "Pancho"—has been a staff member in the Grounds department since the early '70s. With many decades of training and experience, he specializes in areas including equipment operation, horticulture, and landscaping. He heads a team of four … that keeps machinery operating and mows the grass on more than 45 acres. Mercado grew up in Lares, Puerto Rico, where he helped his father on the family farm. …
Type: Staff bio
… I turned to Heather Sherwood, senior horticulturist at the Chicago Botanic Garden, who lives in Chicago. She has an open lot next to her apartment, but also has some restrictions like me. … Sunburn isn’t a concern just for us humans. Plants can get scorched, too. Don’t put them in blazing sunlight. Porches with shade are prime locations for orchids and birds of paradise … plants. The outdoors makes your plants happy. A lot of plants really enjoy the strong swing in temperature that only the outdoors can provide, said Sherwood. If you have the space for it, …
Type: Blog
… For the past week, the big forklifts and trucks with their whimsical cargo have been rolling in to set up for the U.S. debut of Lightscape on November 22. Popular time slots are selling fast … color, imagination, and sound, a night out for families, couples, and friends who want to get in on something new. This is a holiday lights event for a new generation, jolly with the sound of singing trees and toasty in the glow of a fire garden. Crew members and creative staff have been working every day past …
Type: Blog
