… Leaf. Surely it was at end-of-life this time. It looked sad, and so was I. Why not just get a new one? We had a good run. It was time. I threw the plant into the compost heap, where it … Then a lot of leaves, and finally a flower! And recently, the plant produced what I think is its largest red blossom ever. It took some time, but somehow, we found in the earth what it … are from the day the hibiscus re-bloomed in my garden. This fall, I'm buying it a bigger pot. Get more info on hibiscus , see which varieties we have growing at the Garden , or contact our …
Type: Blog
… promotes flowering. Follow the instructions on the label so that only the correct amount is used. Too much fertilizer can damage the roots. What’s growing out your windows? Besides a … stems, or dill foliage. Be creative—think outside the Phlox. Make the Cut Once the flowers get going, plan on cutting stems a few times each week. By frequently harvesting the flowers, you’ll encourage annuals (and some perennials) to continue blooming. Get ready to harvest by filling a bucket with an inch or two of warm water and take it outdoors …
Type: Plant Info
… fade green by summer. Flowers are white to deep pink and bloom in early summer. An added bonus is that late spring pruning prompts a new flush of reddish leaves in summer. Fall color is variable but can be a stunning purplish-red. The dense reddish-brown twigs are attractive in … with the midseason bulbs. Its delicate leaves have an attractive white edge, and its arching, free-form habit makes it a good combination with perennials. It prefers partial shade. …
Type: Plant Info
… A favorite destination for gardeners and nature lovers alike is the woods. The Chicago Botanic Garden's McDonald Woods was once a part of a large oak … side. If the soil is too rich, many plants will put out leggy but weak growth. Water only to get plants established. Native plants are used to competing in stressful situations. Encourage … weeds. Plant the entire community of plants together at the same time. It will be easier to get the many species growing together. The healthy competition and relationships among plants are …
Type: Plant Info
… view part 2 Worm Composting View part 3 Why compost? Reducing the volume of your garbage is good by itself. Removing food from the waste stream is especially beneficial because food … because they show many different variations and much more information than you need to get started. Below are simple directions with minimal explanation so you can set up a worm bin … Part 3 will explain how to harvest worm castings and what to do with the “black gold.” Let’s get started! What you need A rectangular, dark-colored, plastic container that can hold at least …
Type: Blog
… Q. I have a small aquatic garden in my yard. How do I get it up and operating for summer? A. Performing basic maintenance on your water feature as part …
Type: Plant Info
… can be planted outside and treated like outdoor bulbs after they have flowered but there is no guarantee they will flower the following year. Get a head start on summer-blooming bulbs and tubers by starting them indoors in moist, soilless …
Type: Plant Info
… so many plants to grow and just not enough time to grow them. Even when days shorten and frost is on the pumpkin, there are some important duties left before gardeners can truly call it a … through prevention techniques employed this fall. Water Regular watering of trees and shrubs is one of the most beneficial of all gardening activities; it shouldn't stop simply because … left sticking out of the leaf pile can conduct cold right down to the crown of the plant or get broken by winter winds. Deer Homeowners with deer problems might consider "walling off" or …
Type: Plant Info
… of Mother Nature. Of course the weather creates exceptions to the rule. The regular rule is 1 inch of water when daytime temperatures are in the mid-70s Fahrenheit. If temperatures soar … Cool nights slow evaporation. For some gardeners, an electronic or written garden journal is a helpful tool for plotting rainfall and keeping track of weekly conditions. Water deeply not … frequent, lighter watering (two to three times a week, depending on the weather and planting site) for a few weeks until they establish roots out into the native soil. Growing medium used in …
Type: Plant Info
… In December, winter officially arrives. Most gardeners get a break from their responsibilities—a welcome respite since the winter holidays often occupy … winter—whether it’s snow, ice, temperature swings, or the products used to combat the weather—is the chief task. Indoors, houseplants may need some TLC, as do many of the holiday-centric … and don’ts Light pruning of deciduous trees and shrubs can be done this month. Heavy pruning is best done in late winter or very early spring before buds break. Protect evergreens from heavy …
Type: Plant Info
