Throughout the fall season, garden centers are filled with a beautiful selection of mums (short for chrysanthemums). It is a wonderful time to plant these attractive, fall blooming plants, but some consideration should be given when planting in fall. Many folks plant mums and don’...
It’s beginning to be that time of year again, when our vegetables gardens become less productive and most of the season’s bounty has been realized. Before you begin to look toward next year’s plans, why not consider planting something for the winter season? A hard-working cover crop is...
In recent years, a new gardening phenomenon has gained popularity in the US, but it gets its roots abroad. Keyhole gardening is a technique that was developed in Africa, for use in dry, arid climates with low soil fertility. It has proven to be such an effective, sustainable method of...
The American elderberry (Sambucus canadensis) is a native shrub to Illinois and much of eastern North America. Despite its weedy habit, often growing in natural areas and unmowed ditches, this plant has some remarkable features. It offers both natural beauty and utility as well...
Do you have a tree that is displaying fall color right now? Although it may be beautiful, this may be a sign of health issues. In our area, most trees do not begin to change colors for the season until October. A branch or two here and there or some yellow leaves in the...
This time of year, when most vegetable gardens are teeming with fresh produce, it is hard to think about starting additional plants. However, right now is the perfect time to start a fall garden and extend the growing season until the first frosts of the year, or possibly beyond with certain...
This weekend, I will be traveling to southern Illinois for the experience of a lifetime—a total solar eclipse. The eclipse will occur on Monday, August 21, and will only be viewable in “totality” within a narrow band of approximately 70 miles that extends across the US from Oregon to South...
For many of us, Monarch butterflies conjure cherished memories of childhood. However, this beloved butterfly once so familiar has become more and more absent from our gardens. Scientists believe a lack of habitat along with colder than usual weather patterns has caused their numbers to drop in...
Everyone likes a sale and gardeners are no exception. The Vermilion County Master Gardeners will hold their annual Plant Sale on Saturday, May 13 at The First Presbyterian Church, 100 North Franklin St. Danville from 7am - 2pm. The event will take place inside the First Presbyterian Gymnasium. As...
The landscape is drab and we impatiently await the first tulip. But hang in there, because the University of Illinois Extension Garden Day Workshop and Spring Festival is right around the corner! For over a decade, local gardeners have celebrated the arrival of spring by attending this yearly event...
