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Special Vegetable Edition - Straw Bale Gardening

I typically write about landscape improvements, however, Illinois Extension has been getting a number of calls regarding vegetable gardening in straw bales. So, I decide to write a special edition on the basics of straw bale gardening. If you are gardening on a budget, have poor soil, or lack...
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Time to Prune Roses

Spring has sprung and I am back! I was on leave for quite some time but, I am happy to be back and blogging again. Looks like it is time to prune my roses. In my area of northeastern Illinois the forsythia are in bloom so, it must be time to prune the roses. Many gardeners use this as a sign to...
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Butterfly Weed: Perennial of the Year

Late spring to early summer is a good time to incorporate perennials into the garden. As you contemplate plant selection, why not consider butterfly weed, named the 2017 Perennial Plant of the Year™ by the Perennial Plant Association. Butterfly weed (Asclepias tuberosa) is a well-behaved,...
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The Marvels of Spring Ephemerals

Spring will be arriving soon, and with the new season comes brand new foliage followed by a burst of flowers. Gardeners poking around the yard may discover plants emerging here and there. Some of the earliest of these plants are native spring ephemerals. Ephemerals, or short-lived plants, are...
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Upcoming Native Landscaping Conference

West Cook Wild Ones Presents: The Naturally Beautiful Garden Conference 2017 Saturday, February 11, 2017 from 12:00 PM – 5:30 PM Triton College Performing Arts Center, River Grove, IL. 60171. I highly recommend this conference if you are looking into incorporating native plants in your yard....
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Learn About Invasive Species That May Be in Your Yard

Extension is hosting an upcoming workshop that may interest you. First Detector workshops bring awareness to pests and diseases that are invading our region. Space is limited, so be sure to register soon. If the south suburban (Orland Park) session is full, please contact me to learn about other...
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Fertilizing Trees and Shrubs - It Can Wait!

As your plants may be looking a little sad or dwindling down as temperatures cool, some of you may be wondering if you should fertilize these plants. When it comes to fertilizing trees and shrubs at this time, the answer is NO. Fertilizing woody plants (trees and shrubs) while they are still...
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