Making a Splash with Orchids

Anne Nies hopped off the corporate ladder and landed in a wetland. There, she was charmed by the enchanting yet elusive white lady’s-slipper orchid (Cypripedium candidum). Or maybe it was the mountain of data that pulled her in. After years of working in management, Nies enrolled in a master’s degree program with the Northwestern University-Chicago … Continue reading Making a Splash with Orchids

In Their Own Words: The People of Plants of Concern

Plants of Concern volunteers come from many backgrounds, but all share a common denominator: not surprisingly, they are concerned about plants. So concerned are these citizen scientists, in fact, that they are willing to traipse all over our region of northeast Illinois and northwest Indiana to monitor hundreds of rare, threatened, and endangered species in … Continue reading In Their Own Words: The People of Plants of Concern

Becoming a Plant Sleuth for Plants of Concern

Last year, with great anticipation, I became a plant sleuth. Tired of my relative ignorance of plants, I wanted to learn more about them and become more productive while being outdoors, which I am—a lot. So I joined Plants of Concern as a volunteer. Based at the Chicago Botanic Garden, Plants of Concern (POC) was launched … Continue reading Becoming a Plant Sleuth for Plants of Concern

Deeply Rooted: Garden educators, scientists, and horticulturists are made early in life

A growing body of research tells us that children are better off when they have daily contact with nature. Nature play encourages creativity and problem solving, boosts academic performance, helps children focus, increases physical activity, improves eyesight, reduces stress, and promotes positive social relationships.  Chicago Botanic Garden scientists, educators, and horticulturists credit their personal growth … Continue reading Deeply Rooted: Garden educators, scientists, and horticulturists are made early in life

Alice the Amorphophallus—An Update on Titan Arum Fruit

Thousands of visitors to the Orchid Show at the Chicago Botanic Garden have been delighted to see a special guest star at the Tropical Greenhouse: Alice the Amorphophallus is on display, in full and glorious fruit!  Visitors are asking: why are some of the berries on the titan arum (or corpse flower) skinny and small, while … Continue reading Alice the Amorphophallus—An Update on Titan Arum Fruit