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Nasturtium flowers

Spice up the garden with edible flowers

May is finally here, when Spring has sprung and homeowners are rushing to get the garden ready. As gardeners start their season, consider something new this year: edible flowers. Integrating edible flowers into gardens and cuisines are growing in popularity amongst home gardeners and chefs and can...
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chocolate lab dog in green yard with purple flowers

Paws-itively pet-friendly landscape tips

If you have pets, chances are they spend time with you outside.  If you have a yard for them to play in and explore, you’ve likely caught your pet chomping a plant, sniffing a flower, or chasing a critter.  But have you stopped to think about whether something in your yard could make your...
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hand scattering egg shells by tomato seedling

Garden MythBusters: The dos and don’ts of natural remedies

From homemade pesticide applications to adding eggshells to the soil, gardeners are always looking for natural alternatives to current gardening practices. Over the past few years, there has been an influx of gardeners adding eggshells, coffee grounds, and dish soap to their gardens to improve soil...
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native flowers growing by a typical house

Mix it up smart with wildflowers

This spring, you may be thinking about starting a new pollinator or wildflower garden or looking for a quick way to add a few more species to an existing garden.  As you browse the seed aisle, a colorful packet announcing a “wildflower mix” catches your eye.  This would be an easy way to...
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different holiday plants like poinsettia

From gift to growth: Nurturing your holiday plants

The holiday season is that special time of year when family, friends, and neighbors come together to celebrate the conclusion of a year in peace and fellowship. December, specifically, is a great month for holiday horticulture; an entire month dedicated to decorating your house with various plants...
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collection on houseplants in an office

Gardening inside with houseplants

The weather has turned cold, and your gardens have gone to sleep.  But your hands still long to touch the dirt and crave a little green in your life. Consider adding some houseplants to your space!  With a bit of research and forethought, even the brownest thumb can keep their space...
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close up of old jack o'lanterns in a pile

Don’t trash pumpkins this Halloween: Smash them!

Apple cider and crisp fall air call for Halloween festivities and of course, you can’t forget about pumpkins! It would not be an Illinois Halloween if pumpkins were not involved. Jack-o’-lanterns are festive gourds that make great decorations, but what do you do with them after Halloween? Instead...
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Purple Lovegrass in a native bed

Grasses: Beyond the Lawn

Grasses are an often-underappreciated component of landscaping.  They don’t have the showy flowers of many forbs and are thus overlooked.  But when it comes to keeping out weeds, adding structure and winter interest, or preventing erosion, you won’t find much better than grasses.While...
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close up of orange mum with red and yellow in background

Mum's the word

Certain things just say “fall” to me—changing leaves, apple cider, pumpkins, and of course, mums!  This is the time of year every garden store is filled to the brim with mums in every color and size.  With the right care, those blooms will last and maybe even come back next year!...
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