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Flowers, Fruits, and Frass

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2014 AAS Winners by Ron Wolford

URBANA, Ill. – All-America Selections is an independent, non-profit organization that tests new varieties then introduces only the best garden performers as AAS Winners., said a University of Illinois. "The AAS Winners offer gardeners reliable new varieties that have proven their superior garden...
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What Gardeners Can do about the Monarch Population?

The recent news of the declining monarch colonies in Mexico has many Illinois gardeners and schoolchildren worrying about the impact here in Illinois. The butterflies, which spend the winter hibernating in the forests of Mexico, occupied only 1.65 acres in December 2013 –a 44 percent drop from 2012...
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Don't get started too early on planting seed

Don't get started too Early on Seeds University of Illinois Extension Educator, Kelly Allsup, warns gardeners with that early onset gardenitis from starting their seed too early but rather encourage using the following guidelines. Just as snow, ice, fierce wind and tough driving conditions are...
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Landscape Trends of 2014

Landscape Trends of 2014 How does one predict the landscape design trends of 2014? Well they look at some of the most popular trends of 2013. In the past the landscaping was a row of perennials or shrubs around the foundation of a house, some nice shade trees...
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Woodford County Open House Menu

Goat's Milk Chevre Cheese from Prairie Fruits Farm in Champaign Apple Cider Cider from Rockome Gardens Foods in Arcola Aronia Berry Muffins with Jam or Jelly Berries, jams, and jellies from Sunny Lane Aronia Farm in Eureka Meatballs...
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Garden Schedule by Bill Davison

Garden Schedule Average last spring frost May 10th. January-February Order seeds and garden supplies. Prepare lights and tools for starting seeds. Clean and maintain garden tools. March Frost seed white...
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Seeing Beauty in the Natural Cycle of Life

For Christmas, my father, asked me to pick out a piece of art from his studio to take home to add to my collection of all things "Karlton Allsup, the potter." I was conflicted between two pieces: one, a pristine turquoise and white plate that was perfectly symmetrical with not a flaw in sight; and...
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Layer of Snow May Benefit some Plants

The snow-covered landscape and bitterly cold temperatures are leaving gardeners and homeowners wondering, "Are my plants faring better than me this winter?" Personally, this gardener has been fighting multiple colds, dry sinuses, dry skin and bone-chilling walks from my car to work. From my...
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Home, Lawn and Garden Day 2014

Attending the 2014 Home, Lawn and Garden show can only compare in excitement to the sight of the first yellow of the daffodil. The excitement derived from nearing of warm sunny weather, the presence of lush green growth and blossoms of the coming spring. An excellent way to prepare for the upcoming...
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