… Here, Garden experts offer some suggestions for the small garden, whether an urban backyard or a rooftop, a border around a townhouse patio, … space is limited. "If you're planting a hedge, consider plants that are more narrow in habit. For example, Techny arborvitae ( Thuja occidentalis 'Techny') is popular, but for a small area, … botany, plant conservation, and landscape design, in formats from rare books to e-books. Visit Wednesday through Sunday, from noon to 4 p.m. To learn more about small-space gardening, …
Type: Plant Info
… flowers dry better than others, and there are conditions and techniques that can set you up for success, so I set out to learn more. Nancy Giardina, one of the Garden volunteers who made … markets this summer. Selecting flowers to dry Annuals: Annuals are a good starting point for beginners as they bloom all season long, providing ample time to harvest. Perennials: They … white and then fade back to green. Wait until they turn green again, in mid- to late July, for best results. Panicle hydrangeas dry well too. Drying tips Gather about four stems and …
Type: Blog
… An Herbal Fix for Winter Doldrums The winter solstice arrives on December 21. It marks the official start of … using these aromatic workhorses, fresh or dried, home grown or store bought. They’re sure to get you through the long winter months ahead. DIY Herbal Facial Steam Take time out for an … you have “compound butter,” a tasty condiment to spread on bread, bagels, poultry, fish—you get the picture. You’ll need: 1 cup sweet, unsalted butter, softened 1 tablespoon snipped fresh …
Type: Plant Info
… As summer winds down you may be thinking about stowing your shovel and other tools for the season. (But don’t stow that rake—the leaves won’t be falling just yet.) Before you clean … good time to find them on sale. The Basics Just getting started? Invest in a few good tools for digging, weeding, pruning, and watering. Inexpensive gardening tools have a short life. They … often bend, break or rust. Well-made tools may cost more, but with maintenance, they’ll last for years. And, if you’re already growing flowers, veggies, or herbs, what gardener couldn’t use …
Type: Plant Info
… imagination. You may not have to look beyond your closets, shelves, basement, attic, or garage for things that you can transform into outdoor art. And there are always resale stores with … with durable paint. The local hardware or big-box store has sprays and cans of paint designed for outdoor use. Many paints now come in an assortment of wild colors—mauve, purple, yellow, red, … outdoor art and what some might consider strange odds and ends plunked down among the plants. Get crafty Paint your garden with your own creations. Classes at the Garden’s Regenstein School …
Type: Plant Info
… ever wished those beautiful summer hydrangea blooms could stick around a little longer, good news—they can. With the right timing and by learning a few simple techniques, drying hydrangeas … can be a rewarding way to enjoy them well into fall and beyond. Find the Perfect Moment for Picking The most important step in drying hydrangeas is knowing when to cut them. “The best … the plant, which means they’ll hold their shape and color better once you bring them indoors for drying. For hydrangea varieties that bloom in colors, such as pink, blue, purple, red, …
Type: Blog
… Green lawns can also be "green" (as in ecofriendly) lawns. In fact, some of the best tips for lawn care actually reduce our carbon footprint. For example, watering and mowing less often generally is more beneficial for grass. Tom Tiddens, … rainwater in barrels as your first watering resource. When it comes to grass seed, you get what you pay for. Invest in high-quality seeds, but don't limit yourself to one type; lawns …
Type: Plant Info
… don’t put away your trowel, shovel, hose or clippers just yet. Autumn is another great time for planting and many garden centers have a fresh inventory of trees, shrubs, perennials, annuals … kicks in. As we ease into fall, night temperatures start to drop, but the soil will stay warm for some time. Planting in fall gives many trees and shrubs an “extra” growing season. Root … seasons are based on the annual temperature cycle. Take a break from planting and come visit the Garden to see what’s in bloom . Nina Koziol is a garden writer and horticulturist who …
Type: Plant Info
… just about everywhere you go you'll see pumpkins. These Central American natives are great for crafts, decorations and food. A member of the squash family, pumpkin is high in … and vitamin C; low in fat; and high in fiber. Smaller, three- to six-pounders are the best for pies since they're sweet and non-stringy. As with all squash, the flowers are edible too! If … October 15, theoretically providing almost 150 frost-free days, although we're lucky if we get 120. Pumpkins prefer well-drained, fertile soil in full sun. Sow seeds directly into the …
Type: Plant Info
… Why Best for the Midwest is Best for the Planet Think twice before you plant those flowers! Are they a native species that promotes healthy habits for plants and animals, or could they be an invasive species? The Chicago region has a diverse …
Type: Plant Info
