… Most of us remember chlorophyll from science class, as the chemical that makes leaves green. But ask why leaves turn color in the … join the display of fall colors on a daily basis. It’s a constantly changing tapestry of color from September to November!” Other factors come into play too: nighttime temperatures, soil … the tree’s own genetics, and, of course, the weather. A warm and dry September can mean a late start for color. Don’t miss a chance to see the full palette of fall color at the Chicago Botanic …
Type: Blog
… is easy and fun to do with a grown-up and provides opportunities to identify colors and start learning about plant parts. Older kids can use new kitchen tools (with adult supervision) … ½ head red cabbage 1 head broccoli (see notes) Favorite salad dressing—we used ranch Notes from the chef/artists: Bell peppers don’t work well in the food processor. I recommend finely …
Type: Blog
… secrets for seed-starting success 1. Quality seed starter. Give your seeds a healthy jump start by planting them in a really good seed starting mix. Don’t skimp on quality here—plants … transplant and harvest info there as well. 3. D.I.Y. pots. You don’t need a fancy setup to start seeds. D.I.Y.ers can make their own paper pots; recyclers can put egg cartons to good …
Type: Blog
… hybridizing magic. Today, dahlias are available in every color but blue, in sizes ranging from tiny, ½-inch pompoms to 12-inch dinner-plate varieties. Spectacular as cut flowers, dahlias … sites—nothing breaks the heart of a gardener more than a snapped flower stalk. To get a jump-start on the growing season, start tubers indoors in late March (to be transplanted into the … winter. The tubers must be stored over winter in a dark, dry room where temperatures range from 40 to 50 degrees. In late fall, after several hard frosts have blackened the plants, very …
Type: Plant Info
… An increasing number of people are trying to #Leavetheleaves. Try gently raking the leaves from your lawn and moving them to your perennial beds. That way, you’re allowing for a more … consistently below freezing to keep the soil at a uniformly cold temperature and prevent roots from freezing and thawing. Applying winter mulch too early will encourage the soil to remain … than 2 to 4 inches to avoid suffocating plant roots. Composted leaf mulch should be kept from making direct contact with barks and stems of plants to avoid disease problems and to …
Type: Plant Info
… Later this month, selectively prune branches from flowering trees and shrubs and bring them indoors for forced blooming. Most flowering plants … the ground with snow, gently sweep off snow with a soft broom and then elevate the tree branch from underneath. Using heavy objects like shovels risks cutting the tree bark — a possible point … damage if this has been a problem in the past. Rabbits will gnaw or strip off lower bark from trees. They can stand on top of snow piles to reach higher up on trees. Young bucks will rub …
Type: Plant Info
… many small bulbs are already joyously in bloom. They twinkle beside sidewalks, peek up from the leaf litter, and carpet the ground with much-needed color. Snowdrops are popular … by crocus, scilla, chionodoxa, puschkinia, and grape hyacinths, many of which span the season from March to May. Gardening with Little Bulbs Their basic requirements are just like a … a few days of sun or thawing rains to warm the soil signaling dormant bulbs that it's time to start growing. The entire plant is actually quite poisonous, but its bitter taste helps deter …
Type: Plant Info
… important? A: Summer is a great time to travel! When we travel and spend time in nature, we start to notice all the wonderful local flora and fauna around us. While on vacation, it may be …
Type: Plant Info
… pink or white blossoms. Lilacs begin to set buds for the following year shortly after they finish blooming; if pruning is desired, it should be done immediately after flowering to maintain …
Type: Garden Guide Plant
… hybrid peony. This unusual selection produces 8-inch, semi-double to double flowers that start out soft copper rose and age to soft gold with a deep burgundy flare in the center. Both …
Type: Garden Guide Plant
