… colors and unusual shapes, gourds are not only beautiful, but are also a wonderful medium for craftspeople. Carve, wax, stain, or varnish them; paint or dye them; use wood-burning tools … with thick, soft shells; and the less commonly grown luffa gourds that are valued in Europe for their spongy interiors. Lagenaria gourds come in several different shapes that define their … to absorb sunlight and warm the soil since gourd plant roots need as much heat as they can get. Gourds require full sun, regular fertilizer, water, space, and support. Plant them either in …
Type: Plant Info
… More colorful? Are you craving more privacy, or feeling claustrophobic? Think about the goal for your garden and curate toward that goal. Make a simple map A basic layout of your space (including key measurements) will prove invaluable for reference over time, whether you use garden-planning software or a simple piece of drawing … Mature tree questions? Consult your local forester or arborist first, and request an on-site visit. Their expertise and knowledge of the neighborhood "forest" will give you fresh insight …
Type: Plant Info
… are dwarf conifers? Simply stated, they are conifers that do not reach the normal height for their species. True dwarf conifers average about one-twentieth the typical size, with most … to 15 feet tall over the same decade. With their small stature, dwarf conifers can be perfect for a small yard or urban plot. Many types maintain their evergreen beauty during winter, … Blue Spruce) has the blue foliage of the Colorado Spruce in a weeping, dwarf form. Be sure to visit the Dwarf Conifer Garden at the Chicago Botanic Garden to view these and many more dwarf …
Type: Plant Info
… and reds of the torch lilies, the evaluation garden will be a riot of colors and a haven for pollinators. The masterworts sulked last summer so we worried that winter might end the trial. But, after a strong start this spring, we’re hopeful for a bounty of their pincushion-like flowers in June and July. Visitors and staff were sad to … on Instagram and Facebook. Keep an eye on our social media channels, but better yet, come visit us in person. …
Type: Blog
… Gardening in shade can be challenging for gardeners who want to grow great plants. That’s where hellebores come to the rescue. They … about 20 species of hellebores that inhabit Europe and Asia. The leaves tend to be evergreen for most of the year and plants bloom for almost two months before the flowers begin to fade. Although many hellebores have nodding, …
Type: Plant Info
… added, “being able to rely upon the high-quality produce from the Garden is something we all get excited about.” This year, all produce grown at the Chicago Botanic Garden, which is roughly … “Now that we have this wonderful relationship with the Roberti House, we’re hoping we can plan for more production, too.” Indeed, the need is great. About 130 families facing food insecurity … complement the Garden’s produce, including bread, avocadoes, oranges, yogurt, and mangoes, for example. Some produce is used in the Roberti House’s Culinary Pathway program, a workforce …
Type: Blog
… are found in many environments with quite differing soil conditions. When choosing a goldenrod for your garden, consider its native habitat before siting it in your own garden. Wet and dry … Garden, Fruit & Vegetable Garden, Landscape Gardens, and McDonald Woods. An end-of-summer visit to these various gardens is a perfect way to admire goldenrod's many forms, as well as note … Notes #15 detailing the goldenrod study findings here. These recommendations are good news for all gardeners looking to incorporate the native goldenrod into their landscapes. …
Type: Plant Info
… Spring is the time to start seeds—especially for the veggies and herbs that thrive in summer's heat. Tomatoes. Peppers. Onions. Basil. … of the most popular plants to grow in Chicago area gardens, and they're the main ingredients for the tomato sauces that you'll can and freeze this year for next winter. Seed starting how-tos … them. Some packs include a seedling illustration—a big help if your plant labels happen to get out of sorts. And there's invaluable information about transplanting, watering needs, and …
Type: Plant Info
… swear by it, but you need to have all-around good horticultural practices, like scouting for pests.” Japanese beetles Aphids Katja Schulz from Washington, D. C., USA , CC BY 2.0 , via … of different insects is not a bad thing. Beneficial insects come when there’s something for them to eat. “We want to mimic Mother Nature by having diversity in the landscape to strike a … scouting or monitoring the Garden for pests, Tiddens says, “When I see my first aphid, I don’t get too worried. I’ll come back in a week and look at the plant. Often a beneficial insect is …
Type: Plant Info
… Like many flowering plants, clivia prefers to be kept rootbound and can remain in the same pot for as long as five years. Since it takes a few years for a clivia plant to bloom, it's best to purchase a mature plant, unless you are very patient. … base to prevent seed set. In spring, resume normal watering and feeding AT THE GARDEN If you visit the Greenhouses at the Chicago Botanic Garden in late winter, you can see both the yellow …
Type: Plant Info
