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  • … 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
  • … 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
  • … 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
  • … are found in many environments with quite differing soil conditions. When choosing a goldenrod for your garden, consider its native habitat before siting it in your own garden. Wet and dry … Garden, Fruit & Vegetable Garden, Landscape Gardens, and McDonald Woods. An end-of-summer visit to these various gardens is a perfect way to admire goldenrod's many forms, as well as note … Notes #15  detailing the goldenrod study findings here. These recommendations are good news for all gardeners looking to incorporate the native goldenrod into their landscapes. …
    Type: Plant Info
  • … she learned everything about labeling and tagging the plant collection and created a schedule for the Integrated Pest Management scouting program that assisted Production staff in decision-making. She was hired to be the labeling coordinator, a job she did for a decade, where she established protocols and procedures and doubled the number of labels … high school, college, and graduate students, as well as veterans. Gabriela coordinated the visit of international Garden guests and has translated documents for educational programs …
    Type: Staff bio
  • … series of slats or latticework that provides partial shade. Like arbors, pergolas are suitable for growing climbing, twining, clinging, or trailing plants. They can also hold hanging baskets … set in a border, a trellis is a multi-purpose vertical element. Some gardeners want a trellis for growing vines or climbing roses, to screen views, or to delineate a space. There’s often an … shadows on the ground. Do you need to screen a funky view, such as garbage cans or a dog run? Free-standing trellis panels may help solve the problem. Before you take the plunge, consider …
    Type: Plant Info
  • … they prefer prik kee noo; in Ethiopia they enjoy piri piri; and the Brazilians use malagueta. (For the extremely local, no Chicago dog is complete unless it comes with sport peppers!) Use … This year’s picks encompass a variety of flavors. 'Joe's Long Cayenne' is a sturdy, problem-free plant that sets dozens of bright red, hot, delicious fruits. 'Red Marconi' is tasty and … roasted. 'Bulgarian Carrot' looks like its namesake, but tastes both hot and fruity. Read on for other top pics. Capsicum baccatum 'Aji Cristal' As the fruits ripen from lime green to yellow …
    Type: Plant Info
  • … bits of green—reminders of the resilience of nature. On a winter awe walk , when I’m looking for unexpected beauty, those bits of color bring my attention to the bigger world around me. My … plants that we may rush by in our hurry to get inside from the snow or cold. It’s a great time for everyone—especially kids and families—to cultivate an appreciation of nature by thinking … means many of their activities like flowering and fruiting have been paused. I might observe for Budburst that the tree outside my house has no flowers, fruits, or leaves, or that the …
    Type: Blog
  • … to know that although it looked like a bad infestation, aphids are not really a big problem for the plants. When they are very abundant, it does not take long for natural predators like praying mantises and ladybugs to find them and move in for a feast. … and devour on our flowers, and they will grow up over the summer. The next time you visit, stop by and see if you can find them helping our plants remain healthy and less bothered …
    Type: Blog