Invasive species can be characterized as any non-native species that is introduced to a new location, has the ability to spread and causes some kind of harm. Across Illinois and around the globe, invasive species cause significant ecological and economic damage each year. In the...
We all have our favorite spring wildflowers for one reason or another. Maybe they are part of a native plant community we visit often, such as a close-by natural area or favorite park trail? Perhaps our preference comes from the plants we are able to cultivate at home, in our own gardens?...
Vegetable gardening takes some forethought and planning to ensure your garden space is ready, select the best crops, and get everything planted while working around spring rains. Our enthusiasm and planning in early spring typically culminates in the planted garden and often wanes as the work...
Although this past week’s weather trended toward more winter-like conditions, we all know that warmer spring weather is just right around the corner and next week looks quite promising. One of the key factors in knowing when to plant your vegetable garden relates back to weather since some...
In last week’s blog, I covered the basics of site selection for a new vegetable garden. Finding the best location in your yard, or understanding that containers may be the winning option is a really important part of setting up your growing space for success. I would like to continue...
As the local food movement has grown in popularity, an interesting subset of “foodies” have emerged that forage in nature for their dinner. Many native, wild plants are edible and these folks seek them out in our forests, prairies, and sometimes even our yards.
One plant that is often...
With an increased amount of time at home these days, there is an increased interest in gardening. It is such a great way to get outdoors and get some exercise while growing some neat and interesting plants.
For many, the start of a new gardening experience can be stressful. Still, I...
Trees represent some of the most long-lived vegetation in the landscape. As such, these perennial, woody plants are also some of the highest valued plant material in our yards, parks, and urban areas. Tree identification is an important first step in understanding the care of these...
Warming spring weather is often enough motivation to get many of us out looking for the first blooms of the growing season. In my home garden, snow crocus (Crocus sieberi) is about the only plant that has started to show life over recent days, reaching full bloom sometime earlier this week....
Spring is a time of an awakening plant world full of blooms and endless possibilities for the coming growing season. It’s a time that many of us think about updating our landscaping, making it the most popular time of year to plant trees and shrubs.
When you combine the mild...
