… flowers can be found in patriotic shades of red and white, the color blue is very difficult to find at the Garden. In fact, blue is a rare sight in the entire natural world. Less than ten … the plant kingdom features blue flowers, which is extraordinary, since pollinators don’t seem to have a problem with them. Scientists have been investigating the origins of blue flowers for a long time, and it was not until recently that they came up with a result. Blue sea holly ( …
Type: Blog
… In fact, its other name is snout beetle. Weevils, or snout beetles, make up what many believe to be the largest family of insects in the world—estimated at almost 40,000 species. The majority … relationship between plants and insects is a very close one. Insects can be very beneficial to plants, as pollinators, or very destructive to plants, which is the basis of the weevil … sense if you have some background on the life of these two groups of prairie plants. Look for the white-and-cream wild indigos in a prairie near you—they are blooming now. Of course you …
Type: Blog
… in how species interactions, population dynamics, and the timing of biological events respond to various types of environmental changes. My work so far has investigated the consequences of climate change and species invasions for plant-pollinator mutualisms, plant populations, and plant communities. Using … key questions: Why is there so much variation in how species adjust their biological timing to a changing climate? What are the demographic consequences of changing environmental conditions …
Type: Staff bio
… which monarchs lay their eggs, and its caterpillars, also called larvae, eat milkweed leaves to grow. But these plants have other interesting characteristics, including blooms that are amazingly complex. Milkweeds are found mostly in open prairies and savannas and are known to most by their fruits, which are pod-like structures (follicles) that split open to release … are not large enough to escape the pollinarium’s grasp on its leg — an unfortunate situation for the insect! There are so many flowers in close proximity on a milkweed plant that it seems …
Type: Blog
… When plants are introduced to a new location, either intentionally or accidentally, they can spread prolifically, out-compete native species for resources, and eventually even dominate the landscape. Biologists are studying the mechanisms underlying a taxon’s ability to become invasive, but it can be difficult to predict whether or not a species will become …
Type: Research
… the Grounds department since 1991, when he started out as a seasonal employee. He was promoted to Grounds crew leader in 2009. Patino has broad expertise in landscaping, particularly in … Also, Patino is the lead employee on the team that puts outdoor lights on the large trees for Wonderland Express, a task that takes him more than 240 hours every fall. Patino grew up in …
Type: Staff bio
… I am the Managing Ecologist for the prairie and river at the Chicago Botanic Garden. The natural areas I maintain at the … and the 22-acre riparian buffer of the Skokie River. Management includes but not limited to, removal of invasive species, controlled burns, tree removal, planting local genotype plants, …
Type: Staff bio
… the orange dead leaf (Kallima inachus) . If we didn’t point out this character to guests, no one would ever suspect that they were looking at a butterfly. I like to describe the orange dead leaf butterfly as being able to mimic a dead leaf better than an … at rest on a branch Kallima inachus with its wings open The butterfly has another surprise for visitors: It has incredibly vivid coloration on the dorsal side of its wings. When the …
Type: Blog
… summer or early fall container gardens looking tired? Change out your container gardens to extend your displays well into the fall. Gardening in containers can offer us year-round seasonal interest, and we can extend the garden seasons to create vibrant container gardens. I’m a huge fan of fall container gardens with a rich variety … combinations in your container gardens. Cold-hardy vegetables and herbs can also be added for interest and texture. I like using swiss chard, broccoli, Asian greens, parsley, and alliums …
Type: Blog
… Landscape Waste Program As manager of horticulture services, Cindy Baker is responsible for the care and maintenance of more than 100 acres of ornamental landscaping. She also manages … 250 college students and public garden professionals. She also was the first project manager for the Skokie River Restoration Project—an 11-acre transformation of an eroded stream bank zone … events, and classes at the Garden since 1988. She is a regular guest on the WGN-TV Morning News "Botanic Backyard" segments. Baker is also a frequent speaker at the American Public Garden …
Type: Staff bio
