Analytic data from my ILRiverHort Facebook Page shows significant increases since it began in 2011. The number of people following the Page increased steadily, with a slight bump up in 2013. Currently the Page has 636 followers. The number of impressions made a dramatic leap in 2016. Impressions...

Written by Rhonda Ferree, retired horticulture educator Hundreds of minute, barbed bristles poked out of the bottom of my foot as Dad gently plucked each one away from my throbbing flesh. Our family was camping in Spring Lake State Park near Havana, Illinois one summer when I was about 10...

Written by Rhonda Ferree, retired horticulture educator The odd weather patterns over the past few years have played havoc on my lawn. As a result, I now have out-of-control crabgrass in areas of my front yard. Crabgrass is an annual weedy grass that, from a distance, blends into your...

Written by Rhonda Ferree, retired horticulture educator The goldenrod is making a fantastic display this fall in my prairie and other unmown areas. I love watching the waves of gold sway on a sunny fall day. Goldenrod (Solidago sp.) thrives in sun to part sun and is a deer-resistant...

Community gardens can turn stark vacant lots into productive keystones in a community. The reasons for starting community gardens are varied, and the rewards are numerous. However various pitfalls can turn noble intentions into negative neighborhood drama. Proper planning, excellent communication,...

Parts of my backyard and woodland are covered with fallen pine needles. We have a large number of mature white pine trees that yearly drop their needles. Annual needle drop is normal and beneficial. Martha Smith, Horticulture Educator with University of Illinois Extension said it well, "There is...

Just what are frankincense and myrrh? Certainly, they are part of many Christmas stories, but do you know what those products are and why they were so valuable? Here is more information on both of these plant-based products. Frankincense and myrrh are both resins -- dried tree sap -- that come...

Issue 9, June 26, 2017 Illinois Pesticide Review Newsletter Japanese Beetle ShareThis Adult Japanese beetles have emerged in Illinois. Early control reduces damage through the...

Written by Rhonda Ferree, retired horticulture educator I am seeing more butterflies this summer than I have in recent years. As I walk my property, I see monarchs, swallowtails, buckeyes, hackberry, painted ladies, cabbage whites, and more. This year I even saw a viceroy while mowing!...

Written by Rhonda Ferree, retired horticulture educator I recently overheard a conversation while shopping for plants. The shoppers were discussing whether or not to prune their tomatoes. Pruning tomatoes can help some types produce more fruit. University of Illinois Extension educator...

Written by Rhonda Ferree, retired horticulture educator A friend of mine recently vacationed in Florida and purchased a bromeliad at a flea market. I can see why she picked it out since bromeliads are especially eye-catching. Bromeliads are in the pineapple family. There are many...

Written by Rhonda Ferree, retired horticulture educator March 19 – 25 is National Horticultural Therapy Week. Its purpose is "to encourage others to help expand and elevate horticultural therapy as a profession." People who interact with plants are healthier. Thus, using plants in...

Written by Rhonda Ferree, retired horticulture educator Big trees seem to fascinate and almost mesmerize us. They bring wonderment as we surmise how old it is and what it has "seen" through its life. Here are some of my favorites. No words can describe what I felt when I saw my first...

Written by Rhonda Ferree, retired horticulture educator I have a couple orchids at home but have not had great success with them. Sandy Mason, Illinois Master Gardener Coordinator, writes the following about orchids. She also teaches a webinar about moth orchids. I'm hoping that Sandy...

Written by Rhonda Ferree, retired horticulture educator I've mentioned many times that I love to journal, and I usually write surrounded by plants and nature. I use nature journaling as a creative form of self-expression, but I find that it also promotes relaxation and calmness. Many...

Written by Rhonda Ferree, retired horticulture educator I grow several different types of basil, and try new ones each year. Usually, I end up preferring the basic sweet basil to other kinds, but not this year. A new favorite this year is lime basil. Basil (Ocimum basilicum) has many...

Written by Rhonda Ferree, retired horticulture educator Once again, University of Illinois Extension Master Gardeners and their partners have rounded up a top-notch Gardeners' BIG Day. The 18th annual event will be Saturday, April 29, 2017, from 8:00-3:00 at Dickson Mounds Museum....

Written by Rhonda Ferree, retired horticulture educator Old-fashioned flowers and flowering shrubs like roses, hydrangeas, sweet pea, lilac, and more have always been common garden plants. Technically, an heirloom is defined as a plant that is open-pollinated. These are pollinated by...

Written by Rhonda Ferree, retired horticulture educator The winter series of University of Illinois Extension's Four Seasons Gardening program focuses on seeds, houseplants, and orchids. The first session of the series is titled Seed Starting and is offered twice – on January 31...

Issue 10, July 5, 2017 Illinois Pesticide Review Newsletter White Grubs ShareThis This is a good time to observe the abundance and activity of white grub adults. This...