This time of fall, most of our native, deciduous vegetation is turning beautiful autumn colors and nearing the annual leaf drop that occurs before winter. In the next few weeks all of our native vegetation will drop the leaves that have worked so hard to produce energy all year. However...
Fall is an excellent time to reflect on the past growing season and look toward next spring’s gardening opportunities with the lessons from this year in mind. I often look back with spite on the insects and pathogens that caused problems or ruined crops, but there is one aspect of our gardens...
On a cold, dreary day with misting rain last week a group of Master Gardeners met at the Idea Garden, in the University of Illinois Arboretum, for a ritual that has occurred for many years. Each year, most plants in the “Tropicals Section” of the Idea Garden are removed from the ground and...
One of the most glorious aspects of fall is bringing in the apple harvest. Every year around harvest time I wonder when exactly to pick my apples, which raises some questions. What does the apple maturity chart say for this variety? Has the weather this year impacted fruit quality?...
Have you ever wondered what the earth looked like when the dinosaurs roamed? Humans didn’t realize that we have a living fossil among us that offers a glimpse into the past until the 1940s when the dawn redwood tree (Metasequoia glyptostroboides) was “discovered” by scientists in...
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...
