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Redbud tree with fall webworm webbing over foliage

Webs in trees: The life and impact of fall webworms

There are many ways we mark the 'end of summer'. Some refer to the beginning of school or the closing of the pool, while others view Labor Day as the 'unofficial end of summer'. Another way, if you're more entomologically inclined, is the appearance of fall webworm.Fall webworm (Hyphantria...
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Cottonwood branch against blue sky

Understanding cottonwood

A recent family trip westward to Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks offered a chance to observe the changing landscapes of the Midwest. While Iowa’s familiar fields of corn and soybeans resemble much of Illinois, the transformation across Nebraska—from tallgrass to shortgrass prairie—...
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Green tomatoes growing in the garden

Stalled Green Tomatoes: Why won’t they turn red?

If you have grown tomatoes, it is likely that at some point in your gardening journey, you have encountered a stubborn tomato plant that refuses to ripen. In the past, there have been a few of my tomatoes that have sat green for a few weeks, but eventually they turned red. However, in the summer of...
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Goldenrod soldier beetles on goldenrod blossoms

Fall flower visitors – Goldenrod soldier beetles

As fall approaches, our landscapes begin to transition. Summer bloomers like purple coneflower, prairie blazing star, and milkweeds begin to fade while fall bloomers like asters and goldenrod begin their colorful displays. These plants are commonly covered in pollinators, one of which is the...
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a naturalized landscape bed

Nature by design: Naturalistic landscapes

In recent years, landscape design trends have migrated toward naturalistic aesthetics- a style that equally prioritizes ecological function, native plant selection, and beauty. For some, this may seem like an abrupt turn from the more familiar formal landscape design often employed in home...
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A fungal leaf disease on maple leaves in the form of dark spots caused by the pathogen Rhytisma acerinum, tar spot

Sick plants? Rotate fungicides to prevent resistance

We have hit the other side of the precipitation pendulum. In 2023 and 2024, we experienced drought conditions. Now in 2025, the sump pump sales have surely hit a high note. For instance, Macomb's total July 2024 rainfall averaged around two inches. In 2025, many Macomb rain gauges recorded over ten...
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female keeled treehopper protecting nymphs on a leaf

Keeled treehoppers, the bugs with bodyguards

If you take some time to look closely at a plant, chances are you’ll see a variety of different insects. Take sunflowers, for example: many different pollinators can be seen visiting the flowers, from bees and wasps to beetles, butterflies, and flies. Other insects can be found feeding on the plant...
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person standing in strawberry garden in flood water

Flooded gardens: Safety, cleanup, and recovery

Rain, during summer months, is usually a welcome assist when caring for a vegetable garden. But when there is too much of a good thing, a flooded garden can be devastating. Beyond the physical damage to plants and structures, floodwater can introduce biological and chemical contaminants, making...
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Tomato leaf with small brown spots caused by septoria leaf spot

Common tomato diseases in the garden and how to manage them

Tomatoes are one of the most commonly grown vegetables in home gardens. While tomatoes are relatively easy to grow, there are a few diseases you should keep your eye out for. Three of the most common diseases people encounter are early blight, Septoria leaf spot, and anthracnose. All of these...
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