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Winter Hosta Care

Hostas are among some of the most cherished perennials of all time, creating a lush pallet of bright greens, muted greens, chartreuse greens, variegated greens and creams, and blue greens. They come in miniature versions to lofting leaves as tall as a small child. Hostas are commonly described as...
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Grow and Decorate with Air plants this Holiday Season

URBANA, Ill. – Plant enthusiasts should check out tillandsia this holiday season, according to University of Illinois Extension educator Kelly Allsup. "Even if you describe yourself as a brown thumb and are allergic to soil, you are going to love growing these super easy plants. The strappy...
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Chestnuts by Elizabeth Whale

URBANA, Ill. – Many Americans only know chestnuts from the famous line, "chestnuts roasting on an open fire," from the 1945 song, "Merry Christmas to You," by Bob Wells and Mel Tormé. Prior to its demise in the first half of the 20th century, the American chestnut (Castanea dentata) was one of the...
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Staghorn Fern: A growing work of Art

Staghorn Fern: A Growing Work of Art BLOOMINGTON, Ill. – Do you have an empty spot on your wall that is just screaming for a touch of green? "Create a unique art installment this winter in the form of a beautifully mounted Staghorn Fern," states University of...
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An Acknowledgement of Lichens

What is that green stuff growing on my tree, and will it kill it? a homeowner wonders. They are lichens, and they are not harmful to your tree but an indication that you live in an area with good air quality. It can be common to see lichens growing on trees in Illinois, but they can also grow on...
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Woodford Master Gardeners win State Awards

Woodford Master Gardeners win state awardsEUREKA, Ill. – The University of Illinois Extension would like to congratulate Woodford County Master Gardeners, Barry Ankney, Karel Kaufman and Karen Kaufman-Dixon for their 2016 Outstanding State Master Gardener awards. The Outstanding...
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