Smooth hydrangea (Hydrangea arborescens) is one of only two hydrangea species native to Illinois. This small and often overlooked native shrub is much more prevalent in southern Illinois, although it occasionally occurs in our part of the state as well. Its dainty lacecap...
Greening spring lawns are a welcome sign to many of us, but they are also a sign of yardwork to come for the rest of the growing season. The desire to get a jump start on mowing for season, or perhaps to get outside and be active after winter dormancy, spurs a lot of early season grass...
Noteworthy plants in natural areas can be the superstars of landscaping when gardeners learn to harness their natural tendencies and display their most virtuous attributes. One group of plants that I have often underestimated are sedges (Carex spp.).
These tough native...
Our sun has special significance in the gardening world. It offers sunlight, which plants use to generate energy and directly influences plant lifecycles in a variety of ways.
Have you ever considered the role of the moon in plant growth? Historically, many agricultural and...
The timing of spring can vary each year based on weather, but there are always ques in nature that line up in similar fashion year after year. While climatic conditions on exact calendar dates my vary, the sequence of emerging biota is consistent and based a long evolutionary history which...
The spring vegetable gardening season is nearly upon us. If you haven’t started making preparations, now is the time to “spring” into action before you miss the opportunity to capitalize on unique weather conditions early in the season. Cool season vegetables, such as lettuce, kale, spinach,...
Each spring as temperatures warm, there is a narrow window of weather suitable for plant growth prior to tree leaf out. During this time, the forest understory begins to awaken as some of our earliest emerging native plants take advantage of the unique conditions.
Ideal conditions...
The spring-like weather this past week has been phenomenal. Although we may see a return to cooler weather since March is known to “come in like a lion”, it was certainly a sign of things to come. I’m really looking forward to March’s exit as it “goes out like a lamb” and the 2022...
The benefits of green space in urban areas has long been documented to improve our lives in a wide variety of ways. However, recent research has Illuminated the special role that trees and larger woody plants serve in our communities. Beyond ecological and environment benefits, these...
On a recent trip to southern Illinois I couldn’t help but notice an incredibly unique native plant whose evergreen foliage is reminiscent of something from the tropics, making it seem so out of place in the winter landscape of Illinois.
Giant cane (Arundinaria gigantea)...
