All animals that inhabit this area, including humans, have to cope with the changing of the seasons. There are four basic responses to the cooler temperature and shorter daylight. Which is your favorite strategy for surviving the winter? Do you eat more food during this time of year, loading up on high calorie goodies? You … Continue reading Snacker, Flapper, Sleeper, Napper
When I mention endangered species, what comes to most people’s minds are pandas, bald eagles, or maybe the gray wolf. It’s probably not Pitcher’s thistle (Cirsium pitcheri), prairie bush clover (Lespedeza leptostachya), or the host of other plants that are on the United States federal endangered and threatened species list. Plants make up nearly 60 … Continue reading It’s not easy being green!
The story has been passed down through generations of Native American cultures: There are three sister spirits who dwell among the fields and protect the crops. Sister Corn, with hair of gold, stands tall as the guardian of the crop. Sister Bean feeds the shallow roots of Sister Corn (beans draw nitrogen from the air … Continue reading The Three Sisters: Another Reason to Give Thanks
Have you seen the sunflowers in the Grunsfeld Children’s Growing Garden this month? Let’s take a closer look to see what’s going on. Many of the blossoms have lost their yellow petals and are bending down.We need to take a closer look. Just a little closer … There! Now you can see that one sunflower is … Continue reading Sunflowers in the Grunsfeld Children’s Growing Garden
We stopped by the Production Greenhouses to see what they are growing for the upcoming spring garden displays. Tim Pollak, Outdoor Floriculturist, said we are growing 66,000 spring annuals and vegetables onsite this year for displays in the ground, in hanging baskets and containers. Tim explained that the foxgloves you will see in the Circle … Continue reading Spring Garden Display Preview
