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  • … As days get shorter in fall, the diminishing hours of sunlight trigger processes that turn summer-green … which are also influenced by temperature, moisture, and genetic makeup of each plant, are the way deciduous plants prepare themselves for winter. Leaf Pigments Several types of pigments are … involved in the process of photosynthesis — the absorption of light energy and its conversion to sugars, which are then converted into usable energy by plants. It is relatively unstable and …
    Type: Plant Info
  • … Plant Breeding The Garden’s plant breeding program develops new perennial plants for introduction to the horticulture industry and gardeners alike. Focusing predominantly on plants native to … collecting and germinating seed. Growing and evaluating thousands of progeny plants. Selecting best plants for further breeding and/or evaluation as potential releases. This process repeats …
    Type: Page
  • … front lawn. Mushrooms are growing out of part of the circles. What are the rings and how do we get rid of the mushrooms? A.  The lawn grass circles you see are referred to as “fairy rings.” They are diseased areas characterized by lush, fast-growing grass growing in … remedy for controlling fairy rings. Fungicides are not effective; nor are home remedies. The best option is to prevent fairy rings from occurring. Before establishing a new lawn, be sure …
    Type: Plant Info
  • … Q. I would like to grow asparagus. How do I get started? A. Asparagus is a perennial vegetable crop that can be planted as soon as the ground … without forcing the plant to push through 6 inches of soil all at once. Growth will be spindly for the first couple of years. Plan to harvest in year three when the diameter of the stems is …
    Type: Plant Info
  • … temps, you might wonder how any plants can survive a Chicago winter—and even hold on to a welcome splash of color. As curator of plant collections at the Chicago Botanic Garden , … makes them waxy, durable, and less prone to wilt or tear. These leaves are also less likely to get diseases or be browsed by critters. But the main reason that a perennial has evergreen leaves … perennials and help provide additional winter interest. While both spring and fall are the best times to plant perennials, it is easiest to find what you want in the spring, when nurseries …
    Type: Blog
  • … Garden’s production department grows nearly a half-million plants every year. Join Tim Pollak for a behind-the-scenes tour through the Chicago Botanic Garden’s greenhouses and nursery. Be the first to see which spring annuals will appear in the 2018 annual display beds, hanging baskets, containers, and hanging hayracks. You will also get a preview of the start of fall mums. Tim Pollak, outdoor floriculturist, Chicago Botanic …
    Type: Item Detail
  • … higher than the surrounding soil. Visit Chicagoland Grows for suggestions on trees and plants best suited for the Chicago area. Break the cycle When you bring home a containerized plant, you … must be broken before planting or the roots will eventually strangle the plant. Here's what to do: For container-grown shrubs and small trees, take a sharp pair of pruners and vertically … only for "p" surfaces: pathways, picnic areas, playgrounds, parking, etc. Water the right way For at least one month after planting a tree, water at least 2 inches per week (as long as …
    Type: Plant Info
  • … Kick up your heels with SALSArobics ® . Get fit moving through the Garden, learning footwork to traditional Latin American rhythms that … and condition your entire body, including both walking and dancing. This class is designed for all fitness levels, with your instructor expertly adjusting to different endurance abilities. …
    Type: Item Detail
  • … in our national seed bank at the National Seed Storage Laboratory (now the National Center for Genetic Resources Preservation). Hundreds of other varieties have disappeared—not only of cabbages, but also of lettuce and corn and tomatoes and too many other crops to list. And that, in a nutshell, is why it continues to be important to plant heirloom varieties. Vintage Varieties, Still in Vogue Stunning color …
    Type: Blog
  • … Winter is actually the best time of year to prune your deciduous plants. Wait for a relatively mild, sunny day, get out your pruners, and take a critical look at your trees and shrubs. As soon as trees and …
    Type: Plant Info