Flowers, Fruits, and Frass

Latest Posts

Spring Bloomers for Bees

September 20, 2019

Get your gardens buzzing next spring by planting bee-friendly bulbs and spring bloomers this fall. Bumblebee queens, honey bees and solitary bees start emerging from their winter homes ready to feast on the landscape as early as March. Feed them from your garden by planting a mix of crocus, snow...

Finish this story

The Art of Planting the Bulb

September 13, 2019

In Illinois, we plant hardy spring-flowering bulbs like tulips and daffodils in the month of October. For the most part, these can be easy ways for gardeners to add color, and non-gardeners to be successful in growing flowers because they really need little care aside from a few tips. Even though...

Finish this story

In The Know on Spring Flowering Bulbs

September 6, 2019

Daffodils, Tulips, Crocus and Hyacinth bulbs seem to materialize from snow on the saturated ground, provoking gardeners to celebrate the coming spring. However, gardeners are not planting these hardy bulbs in the spring soil, but the previous fall to over-winter in their garden beds. Bulbs require...

Finish this story

Vegetable Swap at Heartline and Heart House in Eureka

July 9, 2019

Vegetable Swap at Heartline and Heart House in Eureka EUREKA, Ill. – It is time again to share the harvest with our neighbors. On Friday, July 12, beginning at 10 a.m., we will host the second annual Vegetable Swap at Heartline and Heart House at 300 Regan Drive, Eureka (...

Finish this story

Hydrangeas on the Mind at Eureka Library on June 25 with Ellen Culver

June 13, 2019

She's dynamic. She is researched, and she was born to garden. She has shared her experiences growing succulents to the Eureka Library participants and is back to share her gardening observations on growing hydrangeas. The Eureka Library will be hosting University of Illinois Extension...

Finish this story

Get outside and Celebrate National Trails Day with us on June 1 by Sherry Thomas

May 21, 2019

BLOOMINGTON, Ill. – University of Illinois Extension's Illinois Grand Prairie Master Naturalists will hold their annual Trails Day Celebration from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, June 1 at Sugar Grove Nature Center. The event is free and open to the public so plan a family outing and spend National...

Finish this story

creeping charlie and dandelion among turf grass

Weed Now, or Forever Hold Your Peace

May 19, 2019

Originally published by Kelly Allsup on May 19, 2019. Mammoth dandelions, carpets of Creeping Charlie and a smattering of lambsquarters, purslane and foxtail are flourishing while we stay in our homes during the rainy spring. Weeds can be a conundrum for most gardeners and may even cause...

Finish this story

Looking to make your gardenpop? Try annual flowering vines by Brittnay Haag

May 15, 2019

Each spring gardeners begin looking for new and colorful plants to make their garden pop. "If you are looking for a plant that grows quickly, has interesting and colorful flowers, and will add a vertical element to your garden, look no further than an annual flowering vine," said Brittnay...

Finish this story

Become a citizen scientist for pollinators with University of Illinois by Deborah Seiler

May 3, 2019

University of Illinois Extension is calling all lovers of bees, butterflies, and other pollinators that keep our crops and gardens growing to join scientists in tracking their distribution and habitat use across the state, from the comfort of your home, school,...

Finish this story

Ants in the Kitchen

May 2, 2019

Ants are thriving in my kitchen, my bathroom, and at my office. They usually enter buildings after heavy rains and persist as long as the environment is to their liking. In the kitchen, they are seeking out sweet treats, and are attracted to the moisture in the bathroom. Despite ants not causing...

Finish this story