Search

  • … fragrant panicles of lavender-purple spikes that attract butterflies and hummingbirds. It’s best used for massed plantings in borders. It is deer resistant and will tolerate drought once it is …
    Type: Garden Guide Plant
  • … to try bigleaf hydrangea, tea olive, or another plant that you think only grows in a warmer place? The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) recently released a revised Plant Hardiness Zone … said Fred Spicer, executive vice president and director of the Chicago Botanic Garden. The latest version shows that about half of the country, including much of the state of Illinois, has … gardeners to try new plants that typically grow in warmer areas, Spicer said. Keep an eye out for new offerings at garden centers and in catalogs this spring, as retailers expand their …
    Type: Blog
  • … I started vermicomposting (composting with worms) in April for Earth Day. It has been four months and my worms have generated some nice castings (worm poop) … perfect, and they might enjoy digging in the bin and finding the worms. If a worm pokes out, place it on the bedding side. It is not necessary to move the worms because you are going to coax … food scraps to the bedding side, and cover with moist newspaper or other paper scraps. Then place the lid on the bin, leaving it partially open over the castings. During the next several …
    Type: Blog
  • … the reasons why a nature preschool is not just a  real  preschool, but should be a standard for all preschool environments to aspire to attain. Here are my top five reasons why a nature … perception (sensory awareness) and cultivates a rich vocabulary of search images (knowledge of place). Through these, our students connect to the natural world in a meaningful way.” —Fostering … just the latest new kid on the block, or is there more to this trend? Which ways do you find best for children to learn?   …
    Type: Blog
  • … large during the winter months, but will usually close during the growing season. It is common for these cracks to reopen the following winters and close again in the summers. While these … can allow diseases and other organisms to infect the tree, there is no treatment specifically for frost cracking. Keeping the tree healthy is the best way to protect it from decline. Focus on supplemental watering and avoiding compacted soils …
    Type: Plant Info
  • … Delicious apple is a classic that orginated in West Virginia in the 19th century and is noted for its sweet, mild flavor. It is used fresh as an eating apple and for cooking The difference between apples and crabapples is the size of the fruit. If the fruit … tree for the home garden that is smaller than its commercial counterpart. Apple trees produce best fruiting when they are between 10 and 30 years of age. Archived Copy: This content was …
    Type: Garden Guide Plant
  • … The Liberty apple was developed by the New York State Agricultural Experiment Station for its disease resistance. It is a late ripening apple recommended for eating fresh. The difference between apples and crabapples is the size of the fruit. If the … tree for the home garden that is smaller than its commercial counterpart. Apple trees produce best fruiting when they are between 10 and 30 years of age. Archived Copy: This content was …
    Type: Garden Guide Plant
  • … The McIntosh is one of the most popular apples and noteworthy for its versatility; it is recommended for both eating raw and cooking. Originating in the early 19th century, the McIntosh is also one … tree for the home garden that is smaller than its commercial counterpart. Apple trees produce best fruiting when they are between 10 and 30 years of age. Archived Copy: This content was …
    Type: Garden Guide Plant
  • … The State Fair apple features juicy, tart flesh. It is recommended for eating fresh or for cooking, but is not considered a good keeper. This cultivar was developed at the University … tree for the home garden that is smaller than its commercial counterpart. Apple trees produce best fruiting when they are between 10 and 30 years of age. Archived Copy: This content was …
    Type: Garden Guide Plant
  • … The Spartan apple is crunchy and sweet. It is recommended for eating fresh or for juice, but is not a good keeper. This cultivar was developed in 1926 in British Columbia and … tree for the home garden that is smaller than its commercial counterpart. Apple trees produce best fruiting when they are between 10 and 30 years of age. Archived Copy: This content was …
    Type: Garden Guide Plant