… was having trouble because traveling wasn’t going smoothly. Keira responded, “Oh, they need to get her some music.” Keira had just wrapped up her school year at the Garden’s Nature Preschool, … “She had tools in her toolbox to be kind to other children.” For these preschoolers, the logic is simple: Different people need different things, and if you can help, you help. Nature … and renowned preschool, seemed like a perfect fit. For children with sensory issues, nature is a great regulator; as Amber Schmiesing, TrueNorth’s early childhood level lead, said, it “puts …
Type: Blog
… Nelumbo lutea , the American yellow lotus, is the only lotus native to the United States. Hardy from Zones 4 to 11, it grows naturally in … and lakes as far north as Ontario and south to Texas and Florida. Our true American native is not to be confused with the Old World lotus, Nelumbo nucifera , the sacred lotus of the Nile, … in foliage, often yellowing, with no blooms. When grown in the wild, the yellow lotus has free run of whatever waterway it inhabits. It is extremely aggressive, and its many runners will …
Type: Plant Info
… plants, tools, books, or other items to make the garden a work of art. Stumped about what to get? Here are a dozen suggestions to inspire you. Books There are many field guides to help … hoe? Many garden centers now offer lightweight collapsible hoses that curl up when the water is turned off. Most gardeners could use a spare watering can, too. Wind Chimes Give the gift of … produces large showy flowers indoors during winter when the winds are howling and the snow is blowing. Discover what they look like and how to care for them. You’ll find them in garden …
Type: Plant Info
… A quick primer for successful combinations Every gardener is an artist. After all, you “paint” your garden with plants. Just as an artist moves paint from … coleus makes for a hot-colored tapestry that feels tropical and exotic. At the other extreme is a grouping of pale blue ageratum, pastel pink roses, and white sweet alyssum, which creates a … that is a sprawling suburban lot. Understanding how color combinations work can help you get the most out of your garden, big or small. Here's to Hue Most people see a violet afterimage …
Type: Plant Info
… back from extinction in the wild? Chicago Botanic Garden scientists think so. Their belief is reflected in the rows of rare alula ( Brighamia insignis ) growing discreetly in a Garden … decade ago, with just one plant clinging to a wind-swept sea cliff on a Hawaiian island, alula is still seen today by visitors at botanic gardens around the world. These living collections of … of extinction. And this is a relatively easy way to stop extinction and biodiversity loss and get things back into the wild.” …
Type: Blog
… Some outdoor tasks can be undertaken, but resist the temptation to work outside if the soil is too wet or extreme weather is on the horizon. Garden To-Do List Spring cleaning On dry days, … sprouts to grow naturally. Tend to emerging perennials As spring begins, help perennial plants get ready for the robust growing season ahead: Freeze-thaw-freeze cycles may cause some plants to … and tubers can be planted directly outside after all danger of frost has passed, gardeners can get a head start on these exotic blossoms by starting them indoors. Choices include caladium ( …
Type: Plant Info
… the autumn palette, especially when it announces itself gradually, very gradually. Change is good, we say, as we bid farewell to lavender, frothy pink, cerise, and soft yellow, and … the spring, early summer, and late-summer garden? This foliage remains relatively healthy and free from insect or disease problems. What might mar the edges of the leaves are poor drainage or … them. They do tolerate partial shade but not poor drainage, whether in summer or winter, so site your plants carefully. Their bare, round stems are often compared to waving wands with …
Type: Plant Info
… in the depths of winter? With just a few adjustments to the basics. Today's temperature is… Did you know that cold outdoor weather can even affect indoor orchids? You may need to move … or add a light-filtering curtain if orchids that prefer shade are getting too much sun. There is an upside to the short days and lower light of winter: it triggers the flowering process for … Nonetheless, your orchid may not need too much extra water. In any season, overwatering is the number one indoor orchid threat! Since every orchid has its own water preference, it pays …
Type: Plant Info
… the plants, harvesting the bounty, and eating the delicious, nutritious final product is a priceless education in itself. Gardening and the subsequent cooking activities transcend … at the garden center. To prevent the tallest plants from shading out the low-growing ones, site them at the back, on the sides, or down the middle of the garden, depending on the … spinach, peas, and carrot seeds can be scattered lightly in prepared soil, or, once you really get going with vegetable gardening, can be started indoors in March. Radish seeds are a perfect …
Type: Plant Info
… ideas. Here are some things to do now before your garden winds down. Time to Plant September is a great time to plant some types of trees and shrubs. Cooler days, warm soils, and rain or supplemental watering help woody plants get established before going dormant. Some trees are marginally hardy in the Chicago area and … should be planted in the spring. Be sure to ask an expert before planting. Think Ahead This is the month to start planning and planting for a spring display. Daffodils, snowdrops, crocuses, …
Type: Plant Info
