Flowers, Fruits, and Frass

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Strawberries Revisited

April 29, 2019

Strawberries: Signs of spring University of Illinois, Horticulture educator, Kelly Allsup says "plant strawberry plants this spring for next year's harvest of plump juicy berries." Strawberries can be greatly rewarding and only require a few simple timed garden tasks. Before planting bare root...

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What must an Illinois gardener know before planting blueberries.

April 24, 2019

Blueberries require acidic soil. They prefer a pH of 4.8 to 5.2 which is below our average soil pH of 5.5 to 7.0. Get a soil test done to determine your pH and the soil testing company will send you recommendations on how to amend the soil. If the soil is not acidic enough the blueberry...

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"What's Wrong With My Tree?" Series: Common Problems and Solutions

April 19, 2019

You are invited to attend these in-person hands on workshops designed to help you better able answer questions from the public. All the workshops will be at the Bloomington Extension office and start at 1:00. Sessions will run 60-90 minutes. The public is invited. The Extension office...

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Spring into Action with Livingston County Master Gardeners Help Desk on May 2nd

April 18, 2019

Spring into Action with Livingston County Master Gardeners Help Desk PONTIAC, Ill. – University of Illinois Extension Livingston County Master Gardeners will open the walk-in Help Desk for the 2019 growing season on Thursday, May 2. The Help Desk is located at the Livingston...

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When Magnolia blooms scout for Spruce Spider Mite, Zimmerman Pine Moth and Eastern Tent Caterpillar

April 12, 2019

Spruce Spider mite – Problem Feed on needled evergreens and most active during the spring. Damage appears as stippling as mites feed on chlorophyll. Heavily attacked foliage will turn brown. – Detection Hosts are Juniper, pine, douglas fir, fraiser fir, and larch....

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The Perennial Plant of the Year Is...

March 22, 2019

The Perennial Plant Association chooses a perennial plant of the year using the following criteria: It must be suitable for a wide range of climatic conditions, be low maintenance, have pest and disease resistance, be readily available in the industry and have multiple seasons of interest or...

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Raised Beds: Benefits and Considerations

March 15, 2019

With a little spring preparation, your garden season can be more rewarding than ever: raised beds simply make gardening vegetables and herbs easier. When gardeners choose to grow in raised beds, the soil stays looser which means the roots are happier. And every gardener knows happy roots means...

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Gardening Mistakes that Cost Big

February 22, 2019

Do not try to grow grass under trees or in shady areas of your landscape. Generally, lawns are seeded with a mix of Kentucky blue grass, fine fescue and rye grass. Each type contributes to the whole of the lawn, but none of them will grow well in full shade. Instead,...

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Gardening For Climate Change

February 11, 2019

Rain Gardening is among the newest buzzwords at University of Illinois. The buzz is a response to another buzzword in the news: climate change. Illinois' recently-retired state climatologist, Jim Angel, says one way climate change is affecting the Illinois landscape through more frequent...

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Bringing Mackinac's Beauty to Home, Lawn, and Garden Day 2019

February 1, 2019

He is an award winning garden designer from Mackinaw Island, author, overall plant enthusiast, and this year he will be the keynote speaker for Home, Lawn and Garden Day. McLean County Master Gardeners welcome Jack Barnwell for a presentation about landscaping and gardening on the island, on...

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