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.

The First Signs of Spring: Witch Hazels in Bloom

Witch hazel
Hamamelis x intermedia ‘Jelena’ in bloom in the Dwarf Conifer Garden

The Chicago Botanic Garden is showing the first signs of spring this week with the witch hazels coming into bloom. While these shrubs can be showy in three seasons, certainly their fragrant flowers that bloom at unusual times are of primary interest. They can be the latest (October) or earliest (February to March) shrubs to bloom, with their blossoms emerging while the brown seed capsules from the previous year are still attached to the branches. Hamamelis x intermedia ‘Jelena’ has flowers in an unusual blend of red, yellow and orange. Most other witch hazels have yellow blooms. Come out and enjoy this first sign of spring at the Garden!

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.