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In the far Northwest Corner of Illinois, gardening is a very popular pastime! Get your info here!

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Xeriscape style garden

Beat summer heat with low-water xeriscape gardens

Every summer, gardeners notice that the summer heat steals the beauty of certain plants. They fade and wither, leaving us with only the memories of what once was. To keep these plants happy and healthy, watering becomes a nightmare during high heat and periods of no rainfall. Xeriscaping, or low-...
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Think about Gardening in Containers this Spring

The weather is warming up and thoughts of planting fill my head. The new hope that spring offers is exhilarating, the air is warmer, the grass is looking greener and the robins have returned. As I formulate garden plans in my head, my heart leaps when I think of getting my container gardens out of...
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Plant your native garden this fall

By Gemini Bhalsod If you missed the window for planting native plants in your garden this spring, don’t worry, you still have time to get them in the ground in the fall. “Growing native plants is a great way to benefit the environment, wildlife, and bring some interesting and beautiful plants to...
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Summer Planting of Trees, Shrub and Evergreens

By: Richard Hentschel, Extension Educator, Horticulture If you think you missed the spring planting window for your favorite tree, shrub, or evergreen, do not despair. Summer planting can be done with some extra care at planting time and the weeks following. Container-grown plants have the...
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Summer Care of Roses

By Martha Smith, Extension Educator, Horticulture Roses, the "Queen of Flowers," should be in full glory in the month of June. The many colors, scents, and flower sizes are all qualities the rose connoisseur craves. Rose care is not difficult. What roses require, however, is consistent care. "...
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Tips for Growing Tricky Heirloom Tomatoes

By Austin Little, Extension Educator, Horticulture Gardeners across Illinois have been climbing the walls waiting for the last frost of spring so they can finally transplant all those fantastic warm-season crops. That day is finally drawing near! When dreaming about the bounty of warm-season...
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Summer Watering Tips

By Andrew Holsinger, Extension Educator With summer heat approaching, University of Illinois Extension reminds gardeners to think about watering. All plants need water to survive. Some plants can tolerate dry conditions, but gardeners should investigate the requirements of plants...
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Gardening in Containers

By Nikki Keltner, Program Coordinator, University of Illinois Extension For those of us that garden, winter is a time of planning. The seed catalogs arrive in our mailbox and we flip through the pages making grandiose plans for the coming growing season. In Extension, we offer educational programs...
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Winter is for the Birds

By Nikki Keltner, Program Coordinator, University of Illinois Extension As a gardener, I find joy in the winter months. It is a time of rest and rejuvenation. I embrace the break from the multitude of tasks that face us in the home landscape and vegetable garden during the growing season. This...
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Amaryllis Care

By Nikki Keltner, Program Coordinator, University of Illinois Extension One of my all-time favorite plants is the amaryllis. This plant is a very popular holiday plant, sold in many stores and often given as gifts. If you received an amaryllis as a gift I hope you have enjoyed its beautiful bell...
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