… are estimated to emerge around May 15 to 30 and stay active through June—but their emergence is weather-dependent; given the warm winter, we could be looking at emergence on the early side. … out. In a given area, most cicadas will emerge over only a two- or three-day period, which is an amazing sight. Once they’re out, they make a lot of noise, which at peak levels can be as … larger side, approximately 1 to 2 inches long. Another thing that differentiates the species is that annual cicadas have a two- to five-year life cycle, with some emerging each season. That …
Type: Blog
… within the parameters of that design, and after the initial design and build phases, pruning is the most important tool that will keep your garden spot-on with what you envisioned. Willows … of your toddler standing taller than the plant. Come back in ten years when the toddler is a kid and the plant is a real tree. Avoid the disappointment and frustration at the beginning … shedding this (plant’s version of a hangnail), and as it unevenly sloughs off over time, the site becomes an entry point for rot, disease, and pests. You don’t want that. And by …
Type: Plant Info
… The new USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map can help Is this the year to try bigleaf hydrangea, tea olive, or another plant that you think only grows … Zone Map , which can help you decide what plants might survive the winter. The update is the first since 2012. “It’s a great tool, and we’re glad the USDA continues to update these … much of the state of Illinois, has shifted to a slightly warmer zone. Most of the Chicago area is now in zone 6a, including the Chicago Botanic Garden, which previously was in 5b. (Zone 1a is …
Type: Blog
… garden. With leaves long gone from deciduous trees and perennials sticklike and bare, December is a good month to assess your yard/garden hardscape. Pyramidal or cone-shaped conifers are … yard from looking empty and brown? Conifers are commonly called evergreens, and "ever green" is just one of the benefits they bring to midwestern yards: many, many conifers are reliably … things first for your yard Think about the conditions that most conifers prefer. Full sun is the rule for all but hemlocks, some yews, and some arborvitae. Slightly acidic soil is key. At …
Type: Plant Info
… hate, focusing on the top ten weeds most commonly found in gardens in the Chicago area. What is a weed? Essentially, it’s a plant that’s growing where you don’t want it to be. Weeds are … arrow-shaped leaf and search for the first tendrils at ground level while weeding. If the weed is already established, pull and clip the plant repeatedly to exhaust its roots. Our plant … stake. #2: Buckthorn Rhamnus cathartica North Shore residents know buckthorn well. It is the shrubby tree that pops up in a hedge or wooded area, then chokes out every other plant, …
Type: Plant Info
… Q. I want to remove buckthorn from my yard but I'm not sure what to do with it after it is taken out to prevent the seeds from germinating. A. Buckthorn ( Rhamnus cathartica ) remains … a delicacy and contribute to the plant's invasive spread. Because birds relish the fruit, it is more than likely that there won't be a lot of fruit remaining on the plant. Chipping the plant … A good way to remove stands of buckthorn and lessen the risk of spreading the plant is to remove the plants before they flower and set seed. Buckthorn plants bloom from May to June …
Type: Plant Info
… A. Preparing cut flowers properly will prolong the life of your bouquet. Make sure the vase is clean and free of any soap residue. Add a commercial preservative to the vase and immediately fill it with warm water in order to dissolve the granules thoroughly. It is important to add a preservative that is specifically formulated for cut flowers. Home brews have not proven to be effective in …
Type: Plant Info
… to keep them healthy. When Mother Nature provides an inch or more of rainwater per week, it is not necessary to water. If supplemental water is needed, water deeply one or two times per week. Annual plants usually require more water, … down 2 to 3 inches below the surface. Soil at that level should be moist, not wet. If the soil is dry, it’s time to water — but not overwater. Clay soils retain moisture longer than sandy …
Type: Plant Info
… the Colosseum, and Galleria dell’Accademia di Firenze (home of Michelangelo’s David). The cost is $6,092 per person (based on double occupancy), with land transportation only (air transportation can be made through Frosch Travel or on your own). Included is a one-year Director’s Circle membership at the Ambassador Level (a $250 tax-deductible gift to the Chicago Botanic Garden). A $250 per person deposit is required to reserve your spot; space is limited. For more information, call Frosch Travel at …
Type: Event for Calendar
… Wylie Crawford is the senior university carillonneur at the University of Chicago, having served for 31 years as the fifth university carillonneur. He is also the resident carillonneur for the Chicago Botanic Garden in Glencoe, Illinois (since … he became the proud proprietor of his own personal carillon in Venice, Florida. Mr. Crawford is the past president of the World Carillon Federation (www.carillon.org), a federation of 15 …
Type: Event for Calendar
