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  • … the steamy period romance Bridgerton . But we’ve barely noticed all the sex and scandals in the show’s depiction of early nineteenth-century London high society. Nope, we’re too busy looking at the wisteria . The show is based on the popular series of novels by bestselling author Julia Quinn. With all of its … plant stand by the blue gate. And don’t forget one of the prettiest seats at the Garden, the site of (wink, wink) many marriage proposals. Just past the pergola of white wisteria, you’ll see …
    Type: Blog
  • … Valentine’s Day has special meaning for us at the Chicago Botanic Garden. With that in mind, we’ve gathered a few stories about how orchids will do just about anything to attract a … attracts a wasp that hunts the spider as potential food for its own larvae. Thus the wasp is fooled into landing on the flower—and picking up its pollen—while hunting. So cheeky!   A … (Check out more on orchids fooling mating bees with this famous video:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-h8I3cqpgnA .)   Oncidium  Sharry Baby ‘Sweet Fragrance’ has dancing skirts and …
    Type: Blog
  • … There’s less mystery in the natural history of aquatic green algae and its relationship to land plants, thanks to … research co-led by Chicago Botanic Garden scientist  Norm Wickett , Ph.D., published this week in the  Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences . The study examined how major forms of … a common ancestor with green algae, but there has been some debate as to what form of algae is the closest relative, and how some of the major groups of land plants are related to each …
    Type: Blog
  • … this past May that 15 veterans from the Thresholds Veterans Project began a journey to be well in the Buehler Enabling Garden. Inspirations: “Keep Going” planter, with a side of coffee. We … herbs to cook with, as well as a message of encouragement they could reference for inspiration in their daily life. After the first retreat was done, I thought to myself, “Wow! That was a … had success with traditional medicine often begin to seek out alternative ways to heal. That is where the Garden comes into play. We believe beautiful gardens and natural environments are …
    Type: Blog
  • … stories, and green-thumb tips.    Panache sunflower ( Helianthus annuus  ‘Panache’) With that in mind, here are five simple secrets for seed-starting success 1. Quality seed starter.  Give your seeds a healthy jump start by planting them in a really good seed starting mix. Don’t skimp on quality here—plants grown in inferior mix will … and residues before filling with starting mix. 4. The right light.  A strong light source is crucial for stimulating plant growth. Without it, plants turn leggy, making them weak and more …
    Type: Blog
  • … Some vegetables are more satisfying than others when it comes to harvest. Parsnips are in that category. The sun was out, the air was crisp, and the nights were frosty: parsnip weather. Cold weather is actually a good thing for parsnips—in fact, they need it to convert the starch in their roots to sugar, transforming them from …
    Type: Blog
  • … Jamie Berlin is the horticulturist for the Lavin Evaluation Garden and Green Roof Gardens at the Daniel F. and … Plant Evaluation Program, featuring plants best suited for Midwestern gardens and those in similar climates. The Green Roof includes a south garden with plants native to North America … she was a child and went on camping trips with her father. She received a bachelor of science in forestry from Michigan State University and has been with the Garden since 2013. Previously, …
    Type: Staff bio
  • … stroll. Find the places where the two of you can hear the music across the water, take in a different view, and have a bench all to yourselves. Our top ten hideaways at the Garden: Stop and smell the roses.  In between the entrance to the Krasberg Rose Garden and the Linden Allée is a tiny terrace, tucked behind a hedge. The chairs there are perfect for taking in the scent of …
    Type: Blog
  • … For the past week, the big forklifts and trucks with their whimsical cargo have been rolling in to set up for the U.S. debut of Lightscape on November 22. Popular time slots are selling fast for the new holiday event at the Chicago Botanic Garden. Lightscape is a festive, immersive trail of color, imagination, and sound, a night out for families, couples, and friends who want to get in on something new. This is a holiday lights event for a new generation, jolly with the sound of …
    Type: Blog
  • … are my favorites. The other day, when the rain cleared and the sun came out, I found myself in warbler heaven! Yellow-rumped warblers ( Setophaga coronata ) are some of the most common … anywhere! Photo © Carol Freeman As soon as I walked out of the Visitor Center, I saw movement in the trees next to the bridge: my first warbler of the day—a prothonotary! ( Protonotaria … ) photo © Carol Freeman While I can’t promise you will see this many warblers in a day, there is always something to see, and the fun part for me is never knowing just what might show up. …
    Type: Blog