… the horticultural and the culinary. Of the few orchids that are used as edibles worldwide, one is world-famous and probably already in your kitchen cabinet: Vanilla planifolia . One of the 110 species in the orchid genus Vanilla, V. planifolia is a vining orchid that's indigenous to Mexico. Its flower, a lovely greenish-white orchid … with yellow, produces a fruit/seedpod (technically a capsule) that, when cured and dried, is familiarly called a vanilla bean. Once upon a time in a land far away... Vanilla was …
Type: Plant Info
… A Multifaceted Resource A herbarium (say the “h”) is a place where preserved plants are collected and classified. The Chicago Botanic Garden’s Nancy Poole Rich Herbarium is home to 12,000 specimens of plants—from our own Cook County backyard and the Upper Midwest—all … database and images available online via vPlants: The Chicago Regional Virtual Herbarium . The site contains data for 80,000 plant specimens, and can provide real-time reference for scientists …
Type: Plant Info
… Q. What is the recommended procedure for overwintering annual geranium plants? A. There are several … hormone with Pelargonium cuttings. Place in a sunny window. Water only when soilless mix is dry. As plant begins to grow, pinch back growing tips to encourage bushy habit. Fertilize with … With reduced watering in winter, eliminate or greatly reduce fertilizer unless the plant is producing flowers. In that case, fertilize once a month with a dilute balanced mix. Take the …
Type: Plant Info
… when a new generation of larvae hatches underground and begins feeding on roots. There is only one adult generation per year. Damage The visible notching of leaves is rarely harmful to plants, although it is unsightly. Root feeding by the larvae causes more serious damage and in severe cases can kill …
Type: Plant Info
… Vanilla Cream false indigo is notable for its compact habit and soft yellow buds that open to creamy blooms on 10" spikes. It is part of the DECANDENCE® series of Baptisia . Members of the genus Baptisia are commonly known … as wild or false indigo due to their use by early Americans as a blue dye. Although "indigo" is in the common name, the blooms of native species may be blue, yellow or white and the blooms …
Type: Garden Guide Plant
… Blue Bonnet false indigo is a dwarf variety is a clone selected from seeds collected in Texas. It features blue flower spikes that emerge … as wild or false indigo due to their use by early Americans as a blue dye. Although "indigo" is in the common name, the blooms of native species may be blue, yellow or white and the blooms …
Type: Garden Guide Plant
… survival in the Chicago region, where they don’t do well in heavy clay soil in winter. This is a butterfly and bee magnet when in flower from mid-summer through fall. Insect and disease resistant, the fragrant foliage is also a turn-off to rabbits and deer. This cultivar is a classic example of "what’s in a name." Arthur Simmonds was a gardener in Clandon near …
Type: Garden Guide Plant
… to take wool and shape and sculpt it into felt. Perfect for the novice crafter, needle felting is an easy-to-learn technique that is both creative and relaxing. It uses a special needle to tangle the wool fibers into felt. Come …
Type: Item Detail
… Q. When is the best time to divide perennials? A. Perennials can be divided in either spring or fall. As … cycles. The majority of perennials are divided in spring when temperatures are cool and soil is moist. Dividing perennials in spring also allows plant roots to become established over the …
Type: Plant Info
… Q: Ants are all over my trumpet vine and garden in general. Is there an environmentally safe way to remove them? A: Wet weather is likely the cause of an unusual pattern of behavior in the ants around your home. Frequently …
Type: Plant Info
