Jennifer's blog

Learn the best tools and techniques for planting fall bulbs  in this great segment from WGN. The Lurie Garden staff and volunteers just finished planting over 11,000 bulbs and would like to share tips for making bulb planting easy and fun with our fans. Happy Planting!

http://www.wgntv.com/news/middaynews/middayfix/wgntv-midday-fix-lurie-garden-bulb-planting-tips,0,5447675.story

http://www.tomrossiter.com/#mi=1&pt=0&pi=6&p=-1&a=0&at=0

Our first annual Lurie Garden Fall Festival and Plant Sale is taking place this Saturday, September 17th from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. We will be offering a variety of perennials and grasses and Roy Diblik of Northwind Perennial Farm will be on hand to answer questions also.  We will also have a number of activities for both adults and children throughout the day. Be sure to come by for a fun kickoff to the fall season. Read more about the plants available for sale and other activities here.

There is a book signing tonight after Piet's Lecture. Piet's new book, Landscapes in Landscapes, is available in the Chicago Cultural Center Shop prior to the lecture. The shop will remain open until 6pm, so if you want to purchase Piet Oudolf's new book, you need to do so prior to the lecture. Hope to see you at the lecture tonight!

The prairie smoke is smokin' this weekend! One of the most stunning and longest lasting prairie perennials, the prairie smoke has finished flowering and is now smoking. Most people don't realize that the 'smoke' of the prairie smoke becomes apparent after the flowers bloom.  As the flower fades, seeds begin to form, and the styles elongate to create the smoke, which gives this plant its common name of prairie smoke.  The smokey or feathery seed tails help to disperse the seeds.

Are you starting to make your spring plant list? If you're looking to add durable plants that will provide four season interest and attract wildlife to your garden, be sure to visit the Lurie Garden Spring Festival and Plant Sale on Saturday May 7th!

Check out this article in the Chicago Tribune to learn about the Lurie Garden Plant Sale and other great plant sales in the Chicago area.

Thank you to Ginger Zee of NBC5 Chicago for profiling the Lurie Garden this fun segment http://www.nbcchicago.com/news/green/Lurie-Garden-Green-In-Dead-Of-Winter-115655794.html

Piet Oudolf created an stunning landscape that captures the essence of the four seasons in Chicago. Read this article in the New York Times to learn more about his inspiration and design philosophy. Piet Oudolf will be lecturing at the Lurie Garden on June 2, 2011 at 6pm in the Chicago Cultural Center. Mark your calendars now so you don't miss his inspirational presentation.

The third biggest snow event  in Chicago's history dropped over 20 inches of snow in the Lurie Garden over February 1-2, 2011.  Though the snow creates logistical challenges for Chicago residents, it is great for the garden.  The heavy blanket of snow will help insulate and protect perennials from cold and variable temperatures.

Thanks to Gustafson, Guthrie Nichol for nominating the Lurie Garden to be part of the Landscape Architecture Foundation's  Landscape Performance Series.  The landscape performance benefits of the Lurie Garden illustrate the numerous benefits os sustainable design. The feature on the LAF website provides an online interactive set of resources to show the value of sustainable landscape solutions.  It is a great tool tool for designers, agencies and advocates to quantify benefits and make the case for sustainable landscapes.