Get Growing Blog
Connecting people with the wonder, beauty, and value of trees and plants.
Most Recent
January 20, 2021
Photosynthesis
Photosynthesis is the process by which plants use solar energy from the sun to turn carbon dioxide from the atmosphere into food (sugar). Photosynthesis can be one of the more... more
January 20, 2021
Tree Seeds
Seeds are the beginning of life for most plants. Trees seeds are a perfect way to teach many standards. They are hardy, diverse, easy to obtain and store well. more
January 20, 2021
Tips for Perennial Trimming
Annie Rzepka, Horticulturist, is out this week near Blueberry Pond cutting back perennials of all kinds. Here are some tips on how to trim a Hellebore, more commonly know as... more
January 20, 2021
Learn How to Identify Red Maples
Learn how to identify red maples with step-by-step instructions from HF&G Plant Recorder Margeaux Apple. more
January 20, 2021
Tropical Rainforests of Costa Rica and Deciduous Forests of Northeast Ohio
Though they vary from place to place, forests around the world share important similarities. Neotropical rainforests of Costa Rica share some similarities to our temperate deciduous forests in Northeast Ohio.... more
January 20, 2021
Maintaining Healthy Trees
Learn how to maintain healthy trees with a guide on site selection, tree planting, watering, pruning and other tips. more
January 20, 2021
Structural Pruning of a Young Tree
Nursery grown trees are often pruned to produce a compact, bushy appearance, resulting in branches packed closely on the stem. Begin a pruning program after planting to create a mature... more
January 20, 2021
Neighborhood Tree Suggestions
Threats to trees and landscape goals determine which tree to plant. View our helpful list of the recommended trees to plant for your site and conditions. more
January 20, 2021
Street Tree Identification
Learn how to identify Red Maple, River Birch, Ginkgo, Honeylocust, and Sweetgum trees with our easy-to-use guides. more
January 20, 2021
Tree Care Toolkit
It is obvious that healthy trees beautify our urban environment, but did you know they also provide numerous environmental, economic, social and health benefits that make our communities more livable?... more
January 20, 2021
Of Plants and People: From the Past to the Present
South Africa is world renowned for its biodiversity and many have recognized that its botanical wealth presents with unique opportunities for conservation and commercialization which can drive economic development. It... more
January 20, 2021
Rethinking Nontraditional: Navigating a Biology Career While Black
Scientists often face career hurdles when they take what some see as a “nontraditional path.” The traditional scientific career, however, has been defined primarily by white scientists. In this talk,... more
January 20, 2021
Uncovering the Black Botanical Legacy
We have a deep connection to plants. Even if we are not actively aware of it, we are interacting with plants in almost every aspect of our lives. From breathing... more
January 20, 2021
Identification & Discovery: A Botanical Love Story
What’s in a name? Is it who you are? Do your traits make you small or tall, bud or blossom, bright or uniquely subtle? Is it your deep roots, tucked... more
January 20, 2021
Toxic Soils & Special Plants: Serpentine Endemism in California
California’s is home to both a majority of North America’s serpentine soil as well as a biodiversity hotspot that includes countless adaptive radiations. Serpentine rock is derived from volcanic rock... more
January 20, 2021
Habitat Scavenger Hunt
Gather your family and head outside for a scavenger hunt focusing on the wonders of the natural world. Become a detective as you search for clues of nearby critters or... more
January 20, 2021
Backyard Scavenger Hunt
Encourage your children to engage with the natural world around them with a simple backyard scavenger hunt that will have you searching for nearby plant and animal life. more
January 20, 2021
Toilet Paper Roll Tree Craft
What trees have you seen today? What lives in the trees? What kind of trees do you see when we go for walks? Do you have a favorite tree? Have... more
January 20, 2021
Beauty View Finder
Spring has sprung. Time to get outside and explore. Make a simple Beauty View Finder and walk out the door to see what you can find. more
January 15, 2021
Meeting the Grand Botanic Garden Challenge at Holden Forests & Gardens
By Juliana S. Medeiros, PhD, Plant Biologist
When we consider the major challenges facing humanity today, it is exciting to think that plants can provide a myriad of sustainable solutions. Problems with water quality, our dependence on... more
January 8, 2021
How do deer and forest edges shape Northeast Ohio forests?
One of Northeast Ohio’s most charismatic consumer of plants within our forests is the white-tailed deer. Perhaps you’ve even noticed their impacts in your own backyard garden. As yards and... more
December 11, 2020
Sowing Orchid Seeds In Vitro
By Connor Ryan, MS, Rhododendron Collections Manager
Orchids are among the most ornamental and diverse groups of plants in the world. We often think of them as epiphytes, growing on trees in the tropics. Many would be... more
December 8, 2020
Stories in the Garden: Winter’s Tremendous Trees
Get curious about the winter landscape with these ideas for ways for your students to engage with nature by taking a winter walk, making a craft and reading a poem. more
December 4, 2020
The Biodiversity Belowground: Celebrating World Soil Day
By David J. Burke, PhD, Vice President for Science and Conservation
Each year on December 5th, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations celebrates World Soil Day. World Soil Day began in 2014 to focus attention on the importance of... more
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