Potting Parties at the Chicago Flower & Garden Show

The horticulturists at the Chicago Botanic Garden are leading potting parties at the Chicago Flower and Garden Show at Navy Pier this week. The cost is $20 and includes a pot and five plants that will make for a wonderful spring display. For more information, visit www.chicagoflower.com.

Anticipating the 2010 Antiques & Garden Fair

Donna LaPietra, one of the co-producers of the 2010 Antiques & Garden Fair, tells us about plans for the Fair on April 16-18, 2010. She talked to Alessandra Branca, honorary co-chair of the Fair and Preview, about what she’s bringing to the show, her new book and her lecture on Friday, April 16.

Creating Coneflowers

Here at the Chicago Botanic Garden, Dr. Jim Ault has developed and introduced many plants, including a series of coneflowers: Orange, Mango, and Pixie Meadowbrite. Jim works with plants that are native to the Midwest and are adapted to this environment, creating new plants that can enhance a primarily native garden. We talked with him about some of the coneflowers he is looking to introduce in the next few years, and how he goes about the breeding process.