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Why are my coneflower flowers green? Aster yellows. Purple coneflower flowers infected with aster yellows.

Why are my coneflower flowers green? Aster yellows

Purple coneflower (Echinacea purpurea) is among the most widely planted native plants in yards and gardens. They are long-blooming plants that produce domed flowers with orangish-brown spiny centers and drooping lavender petals. Occasionally their flowers will become green and distorted,...
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Unique blooms: rattlesnake master and buttonbush photo of white round rattlesnake master blooms against green foliate in background

Unique blooms: Rattlesnake master and buttonbush

Nature is an incredible artist and evolution has produced an overabundance of diversity. Plants in every form from spreading to climbing, vase-shaped, columnar, leaves in various shapes, colors, and arrangements. The two species featured in this article are about as opposite as plants get. One...
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man looking out over a field

I met a good farmer today: How land ethic shapes our future

I met a good farmer today. In recollection, I don’t think I’ve ever met a bad farmer, but this encounter was different. Immediately we hit it off. The conversation turned from the windbreak I came to look at to our former dogs. We talked about marriage and kids. It seemed like I had known...
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To rhubarb or not to rhubarb photo of rhubarb leaf with red stalks

To rhubarb or not to rhubarb?

I hope I am not the only one with a plant they have always been aware of yet never really paid attention to. For me, that is rhubarb. I recall my grandmother having a stand of rhubarb, and I am sure she made rhubarb pie, but that is where my memory stops. I do not recall eating rhubarb pie or any...
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ornamental grasses

Is it too late to cut back ornamental grasses?

Grass Faux Pas Every day I drive up to my house, I am confronted with the neglect of my landscape. Admittedly, I did not cut back my ornamental grasses this spring. At a Memorial Day pool party, the conversation turned to neighbors who don’t cut back their grasses. Everyone agreed, uncut...
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How to grow and care for hollyhocks. Dark purple hollyhock flower

How to grow and care for hollyhocks

Hollyhocks (Alcea rosea) have been growing in gardens for centuries and remind many of us of our parents’ or grandparents’ gardens. Despite being ‘old-fashioned,’ hollyhocks have had a bit of a resurgence in recent years. Their tall, stately flowers are an impressive sight in the garden....
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Champion Trees: Winning in size and wonder large spreading tree canopy backlit by sun green foliage

Champion Trees: Winning in size and wonder

Illinois Extension is a resource available for all community members. We work hard to help residents find answers to burning questions, and solutions to challenges, and keep current on industry and university research. We provide education and outreach through a variety of outlets- this article is...
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apple leaf with apple scab

Is your crabapple losing leaves? Apple scab may be to blame

The problem with many plant diseases is once you notice them it’s often too late. That’s especially true with our trees. We often don’t gaze at the canopies of our trees looking for problems. The typical homeowner won’t notice disease or insect damage until visible symptoms surpass 10 percent of...
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