… knew you’d say, “Share.” From a Fruitful Garden Web designer Christina Weisbard has a weakness for fruit trees…which explains the bounty of mulberry, quince, and crabapple jellies that she’s made for holiday gifts this year. Of the pickled green tomatoes that she also canned, she says, “They … wool felt and cotton sachets can scent drawers, shelves, and suitcases for many months. Feel free to compliment Lynn on her sweetly modern design next time you see her at the Information …
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
… 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
… As the days get shorter, you might be looking for off-the-beaten paths where you can soak up the rest of the season. I’ve got just the place for you—the Barbara Brown Nature Reserve. Tucked away on the Chicago Botanic Garden’s southeast … I’m always puzzled that so few people have discovered it. Here are just a few reasons to visit: The color purple—and more The fall colors are amazing—purple asters, yellow goldenrods, …
Type: Blog
… garden in spring. Long-lasting. Sturdy. Cold-tolerant. Fragrant. Sun-loving. Pest-free. Gorgeous in a vase. Despised by deer . No wonder daffodils are so beloved by Chicago area … they're large, moveable, colonize naturally, and, as long as they're not waterlogged, last for decades—possibly outliving the person who planted them. In fact, there's only one real … for you to see in situ before you order for fall. How to find them? Our GardenGuide app (it's free) guides you to them, and it could prove to be your best memory tool. All you need is an …
Type: Plant Info
… to name a few. Plus, winter has the bonus of birds that actually migrate to our area just for the winter. Some migrants you will see every year are juncos, tree sparrows, and a variety of … what you will find on any given day. That is why I go out every chance I get! Before your next visit check out our list of birds that you can expect to see at the Garden each season. A … of birds—especially woodpeckers—in the McDonald Woods. If there is open water, check there for ducks and geese. You might be surprised at just how many birds you can find in winter. What a …
Type: Blog
… of sites. Although most prefer full sun and fertile, well-drained soil, there are grasses for shade, wet soil, pond and stream banks, slopes, or sandy soils. But which ones are the best? … large mounds and sends up pink bottlebrush flower heads. It is not hardy but is a good choice for containers or massed in annual beds. 'Rubrum' is an outstanding 4-foot, burgundy-foliaged … reed grass ( Calamagrostis x acutiflora 'Karl Foerster') 'Karl Foerster' is a trouble-free, 4- to 5-foot upright grass that is stunning when massed or singled out as a vertical …
Type: Plant Info
… Growing plants from seed is fun and saves money—where else can you get dozens of plants for a few dollars? Many plants can be grown from seed indoors while others, such as carrots and … bags of seed-starting or soilless potting mix, available at local garden centers. Don’t opt for bags of inexpensive, heavy garden soil, which can harbor diseases that attack seedlings. … flowers or fruits form). Some seedlings can’t be placed outdoors until after the last frost-free date. In the Chicago area, that date generally is May 15. If you start your seeds too early, …
Type: Plant Info
… More colorful? Are you craving more privacy, or feeling claustrophobic? Think about the goal for your garden and curate toward that goal. Make a simple map A basic layout of your space (including key measurements) will prove invaluable for reference over time, whether you use garden-planning software or a simple piece of drawing … Mature tree questions? Consult your local forester or arborist first, and request an on-site visit. Their expertise and knowledge of the neighborhood "forest" will give you fresh insight …
Type: Plant Info
… are dwarf conifers? Simply stated, they are conifers that do not reach the normal height for their species. True dwarf conifers average about one-twentieth the typical size, with most … to 15 feet tall over the same decade. With their small stature, dwarf conifers can be perfect for a small yard or urban plot. Many types maintain their evergreen beauty during winter, … Blue Spruce) has the blue foliage of the Colorado Spruce in a weeping, dwarf form. Be sure to visit the Dwarf Conifer Garden at the Chicago Botanic Garden to view these and many more dwarf …
Type: Plant Info
