Flowers, Fruits, and Frass

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Two Master Gardeners use pruners to trim leaves off a houseplant

Help others learn to grow through the Master Gardener program

July 21, 2023

Plants are all around us. We are connected to plants through nearly every aspect of our lives. From the fresh vegetables we eat to the trees that shade our homes and give us cleaner air, the gifts of plants – whether bundled, potted, or growing in the ground – provide us with the qualities of a...

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Embrace the heat, midsummer planting grows a fall root crop

July 14, 2023

Avoid the guilty feeling of an empty garden bed by planting root crops. Whether your garden has achieved timely crop succession, or the hustle and bustle of the growing season has led to an empty plot, there is always an opportunity to sow a few seeds in the vegetable garden. Early August planting...

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small-leaved green sedum grows into pink stalked green-leaved sedum

Grow a showy garden with less water: Plant drought-tolerant plants

July 7, 2023

Summer water stress in the garden happens. Scorching temperatures combined with little to no water can be tough on plants. Grow a stunning landscape and conserve water by selecting plants that are drought-tolerant. Suited for harsh, dry summers, these plants do not require daily watering or care....

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red strawberries with green tops laying on more red strawberries with green tops

Unveiling the diverse world of strawberries: June-bearing, ever-bearing, and day-neutral

June 23, 2023

When it comes to fruits that evoke feelings of summer, strawberries are undoubtedly at the top of the list. These delicious red berries have been a staple in many gardens and kitchens for centuries, and their popularity continues. Although we find it easy to love eating strawberries, growing them...

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a monarch sips nectar from a purple liatris bloom

Celebrate National Pollinators Week with practices that support pollinators all season

June 16, 2023

It is no secret; pollinators are in decline. Did you know, pollinators provide 1 out of 3 bites of food you eat? Over 80% of flowering plants are pollinated by small, but busy animals, like bees and butterflies. They are essential to life on Earth – for plants and humans. With such an important...

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white currant cluster hanging in foliage with white outlines of currants

Plant a piece of history that tastes delicious

June 9, 2023

Gardening enthusiasts on the lookout for unique garden additions should make space for red and white currant shrubs. Incorporation of perennial fruits in the garden is trendy and smart – they provide both ornamental value and food. With the addition of white currant (Ribes sativum) and red currant...

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a longview of a gardenbed filled with chives that is in focus close-up and blurred in the distance

Perennial herbs are easy to grow and good for the pocketbook

May 26, 2023

Adding new plants to a garden every year is hard on the back, and the pocketbook. Perennial herbs make great additions to any garden or landscape. Serving a dual purpose—beauty in the landscape and culinary uses in the kitchen— perennial herbs can save you money and labor. When added to existing...

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two small pies with full pastry tops and a large pie with a lattice work top cooling on a wire rack

Celebrate pie all summer long: Plant a pie garden

May 19, 2023

From tried-and-true favorites to exciting new possibilities, the season of pie has begun. There are few things tastier than a freshly baked pie. As the seasons advance, each month brings new “pies-sobilities.” Savor a tasty slice of pie this season and consider growing next year’s pie filling at...

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a painted lady butterfly on a mexican sunflower

Help the butterfly lifecycle: Plant a garden of pollinator favorites

May 12, 2023

Around 100 different species of butterflies call Illinois home. Unfortunately, our fluttering insect populations have declined over the years due to environmental stresses like drought and loss of habitat. Butterflies are a lot like us, they need food, water, and a safe, comfortable space to...

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squash seedlings in peat pots against a blurred background of green chives

Get a jump start on gardening: Plan now for a season of success

May 5, 2023

With chilly spring mornings nearly in the rearview, it is time to get busy in the garden.As the weather warms, satisfy the garden itch by preparing the ground for planting, creating a garden plan, and planting a crop of cool-season vegetables on Mother’s Day weekend. Preparing the groundClear...

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