… Thinking Outside the Pot While the wind is howling and the temperatures plunge, I like to repot my succulents and other houseplants—a fun … resurgence of interest in growing houseplants, especially as cuttings, rooted in water. (This is so 1970’s, but what’s old is new again.) A local garden center, this winter, is selling small rooted cuttings of pothos ( …
Type: Plant Info
… cherishes nature can wear a saree adorned with lotuses, jasmines, and vines. Choosing fabrics is done with care as well—silk over brocade for a garden event, or perhaps organza over georgette for an evening at the symphony. My favorite saree is the Paithani from my home state of Maharashtra, with its beautiful border of peacocks and … Lakshmibai by a court artist, via Wikimedia Commons . The art of wearing and draping a saree is also an outlet to express spirituality, culture, and beliefs. Traditionally, a petticoat is …
Type: Blog
… Is it Spring or Winter? Flowers Wage Their Bets As if on cue, tiny green leaves peek out from the … false start,” said Paul CaraDonna, Ph.D., a Chicago Botanic Garden conservation scientist. “It is important to keep in mind that plants have long dealt with variable and unpredictable environments. How they make a living right now is based on figuring that out over thousands of years.” “Figuring that out” is at once complex …
Type: Blog
… or containers that offer nectar for the adults and host plants for the caterpillars. Nectar is a sugar-rich liquid that butterflies, bees, and other pollinators rely on for energy. If you … have nectar plants that will attract them. Be a Butterfly Bartender A butterfly’s tongue is shaped like a flexible straw, which it unrolls and dips into the base of a flower. Native … small understory tree was once common in Illinois, its habitat has greatly diminished, which is a shame because the fruit, when ripe, is delicious. Some hairstreaks lay their eggs on oaks, …
Type: Plant Info
… favorite vegetables, but with the renewed interest in homegrown food, their popularity is growing through the "green" roof. Considered a warm-season crop because plants need warm soil … outdoors after mid-May in the Chicago area. Even then you might need to cover plants, which is why many gardeners wait until after Memorial Day to plant. Choosing the Best The best tomato varieties to grow depend on where you live. Our midwestern growing season is pretty short, so it’s important to know how many days a particular variety needs to produce …
Type: Plant Info
… Ayurveda is the popular health and healing system associated with yoga. If you’ve benefitted from your …
Type: Item Detail
… fibers, twigs, silk flowers, and more to create a truly unique piece. This weaving technique is popular for making free-form fiber art. All materials included. Natasha Lehrer Lewis, Esther’s …
Type: Item Detail
… Q: Is it safe to compost rhubarb leaves? A: Yes. Although the leaves of rhubarb plants contain a …
Type: Plant Info
… than 3,000 newly developed, man-made orchid hybrids are registered every year—‘Blue Birds’ is a glorious recent addition. Can you find the eponymous bird (in mid-flight) in this orchid? …
Type: Plant Info
… late winter. Place this kalanchoe in a brightly lit area and avoid over watering. This plant is tolerant of the drier humidity found in many homes during the winter months. …
Type: Garden Guide Plant
