… Give the gift of a plant In December, winter officially arrives. Most gardeners get a break from their responsibilities—a welcome respite since the winter holidays often occupy a large portion of everyone’s to-do lists. Protecting outdoor plants from the consequences of winter—whether it’s snow, ice, temperature swings, or the products used … or garden compost. After the holidays in late December and early January, evergreen boughs from seasonal wreaths or small sections of Christmas tree branches may also be used as winter …
Type: Plant Info
… difference when you make a positive change.” Williams is a retired machine operator originally from Louisiana. His father was a farmer, and at dinner, the younger Williams would try to sneak … offered this summer by Windy City Harvest. More than a dozen urban agriculture leaders from throughout the country came to the Chicago Botanic Garden for the program sponsored by the … that is new to urban agriculture, it was reassuring to see that something great can grow from a small initiative.” There were sessions on partnerships, food safety and distribution, and …
Type: Blog
… the tree. Spores overwinter on fallen leaves on the ground and are released in the spring to start the cycle all over again. Damage Although unsightly, apple scab rarely kills a tree. …
Type: Plant Info
… often have periods of hot weather and little rain. Without adequate water, plants can suffer from drought stress and stressed plants are an invitation to insects. Spider mites, flea beetles, … can be found on many annuals, perennials, shrubs, and trees where they suck the fluids from leaves. Mites are extremely small and difficult to see without a hand lens or magnifying … plants well watered and they can withstand a mite feast. A summer downpour or a forceful spray from a hose will knock them off the plants. Chemical controls should be used only as a last …
Type: Plant Info
… this woodland habitat. In 2013, these efforts were recognized with a “Gold Accreditation” from the Chicago Wilderness Excellence in Environmental Restoration Program. McDonald Woods is located along Lake Cook Road from the Garden entrance east to Green Bay Road. Hiking trails are accessible from parking lots 2 and 5; 5-minute walk from the Visitor Center. Spring ephemerals put on quite …
Type: Page
… all plants. The titan arum story relates directly to the following Disciplinary Core Ideas from the Next Generation Science Standards: Grade 1 LS1.A: Structure and Function All … Grade 5 PS3.D: Energy in Chemical Processes and Everyday Life The energy released from food was once energy from the sun that was captured by plants in the chemical process that forms plant matter (from …
Type: Page
… a journal, birdwatch, or just daydream. (Avid gardeners take note: it’s o.k. to take a break from spring sowing, planting, weeding, watering, fertilizing, pruning, mulching, or mowing and … but soothing, secluded, and peaceful. A garden can be a rejuvenating oasis, offering respite from the pressures of day-to-day activities. The garden is also a place where you can reflect on … and listen to the sounds around you. Breathe Easy Once you’re seated, turn your thoughts away from the many daily distractions that cause stress and worry. Focus on things such as specific …
Type: Plant Info
… the Design Museum of Chicago’s founder and executive director. “It felt like the best place to start.” Pride & Promise tree design Tree topper design The tree, topped with a 5-foot-tall … of flying and flight when he created glowing birds with metal wings that could swoop down from the sky, rustling tree leaves. “Each piece takes about a month to make. I go through …
Type: Blog
… collection as it grows and ages, so may a home owner approach the elements in his/her garden. Start with a fresh eye The first step is to go outside, walk around your property, and take a … spot? under the downspout? surrounded by concrete?) and overall health or condition. Work from the top down (trees and tall items, shrubs and medium-sized features, perennials, bulbs, … an aging garden in just a year's time—it's a process. As you prune, remove, transplant, or start afresh, you'll have many opportunities to tweak, re-think, and revise. All are possible …
Type: Plant Info
… with seven very different basil varieties, laid out in a pinwheel design, and all grown from seed. It’s enough to make a gardener’s—or a foodie’s—head spin with plans for dinner…and for … ‘Ararat’) Five Tips for Harvesting Basil Use scissors to clip individual basil leaves from the plant rather than tearing them off—much neater! Harvest basil branches with a clean cut … stem, leaving at least one leaf node with two shoots—the plant will rebranch from there. Start a new batch of seed every month from February (indoors) through September (bring plants in …
Type: Blog
