Flowers, Fruits, and Frass

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Aphids, Leaf hoppers and lacebugs

August 7, 2015

Aphids, leaf hoppers, and lace bugs are plentiful this wet spring because of all the lush succulent growth. This flush of growth is ideal for these sap feeders that insert their mouthparts into the food conducting tissues of the plant and suck out sugars and cellulose. Generally, low populations of...

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Dobson flies and Damselflies-Aquatic Garden Invaders

August 4, 2015

Unusual insect visitors have been popping up in the garden the past few weeks -- mainly the Dobson fly and the damsel fly. There has been a report of Dobson flies congregating around bee hives by a local bee keeper and the lemon grass growing in my straw bale has become a haven for dozens of damsel...

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Iron Chlorosis

July 30, 2015

Many Illinois gardeners have been noticing yellowing leaves on their trees this spring states University of Illinois Extension Horticulture Educator, Kelly Allsup. This leaf condition is most likely caused by the frequent rains and consistently wet soils. Iron chlorosis is the yellowing of the...

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Wet summer could be problematic for tomatoes

July 27, 2015

Gardeners are wondering if they are going to get a crop of red, ripe tomatoes because of rains across the state states University of Illinois Horticulture Educator, Kelly Allsup. If you suspect disease, here are few signs to look for and what you can do about it: Septoria leaf spot is the most...

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Could your favorite tree have Verticillium Wilt? by Diane Plewa

July 11, 2015

So far this year we've had 5 confirmed cases of Verticillium wilt in woody ornamentals at the University of Illinois Plant Clinic. Four were Japanese maple trees, and the fifth was a redbud. Verticillium wilt is fairly common in Illinois. This fungal disease is usually lethal to the host, and...

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Too much Rain by Dave Robson

July 7, 2015

Plants need water to grow, but too much water can be as bad as too little, and in some cases, maybe even more problematic. Several things occur when there's too much moisture for plants. The biggest negative is the lack of oxygen around the roots, which need as much air as leaves. While not big...

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ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE TO OFFER FREE RECYCLING PROGRAM FOR AGRICHEMICAL CONTAINERS Locally

July 1, 2015

ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE TO OFFER FREE RECYCLING PROGRAM FOR AGRICHEMICAL CONTAINERS SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – The Illinois Department of Agriculture is encouraging farmers and agrichemical facilities to save their empty agrichemical containers. The department announced today...

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Awesome August Bus Trip with the Master Gardeners on August 5th

June 26, 2015

For Immediate Release: June 18, 2015 August 5 Garden Tour Planned Have you been busy all spring and summer planning, planting and WEEDING your gardens? Do you enjoy beautiful gardens and need a get-a-way from your daily summer routine? Our "Awesome August Adventure" one-day...

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Butterflies Adapting

June 20, 2015

Illinois Butterfly identification programs have been popular among the prairie walkers and flower gardeners. It is these delightful visitors of flowers or tree sap or in some cases dung and mud puddles that capture our interests and cause us to ask "What kind of butterfly is that?" and "Where did...

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Tree Walk at Illinois Wesleyan Campus on June 19

June 10, 2015

Tree Walk at Illinois Wesleyan Campus on June 19 "University of Illinois Extension is celebrating the language of trees this spring and summer with a Tree Walk Series," states University of Illinois Extension Horticulture Educator, Kelly Allsup. Join us in different locations...

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