Much has been in the news lately about “exploding trees”, caused by the extreme cold temperatures. But is this something to be worried about? Can trees explode?The short answer is, yes, but it’s very rare. More likely is a loud popping noise caused when trees crack due to the...
Have you seen microgreens on the menu of a fancy restaurant and wondered what they were? Or maybe you saw them over the summer at a farmers’ market but passed them up because of the hefty price tag. It turns out, with the right setup, you can have this fresh, nutritious add-on all year...
You may have seen the recent headlines about Illinois listing nine more invasive species to the Illinois Exotic Weed Act. But what’s the big deal? And what does...
From decorating and carving pumpkins to visiting a pumpkin patch, pumpkins bring excitement during the fall season for people of all ages. Carving jack-o’-lanterns is a common tradition amongst families for fall fun, but where should they go after they start to deteriorate? Pumpkins thrown into...
Once fall hits, I feel myself starting to lose interest in my garden. As I pull the last few tomatoes out and look at the squash with their dessicated, powdery mildewed leaves, I long for the fresh new promises of spring. But, like it or not, there are a few chores left before shutting down for the...
There are a number of animals that feel very exotic to me, here in Northern Illinois: platypuses, lions, capybara, and armadillos. At least one of those may not be so exotic for much longer.Nine-banded armadillos are mammals that are closely related to sloths and anteaters. The name “armadillo”...
This summer season has been hot and dry with scattered rain events in Northen Illinois, which makes it difficult to regulate plant growth and quality of vegetables in the garden. When temperatures exceed 90 degrees Fahrenheit, vegetable crops may not perform as anticipated. Excessive heat can cause...
While Halloween might be a few months away, it’s already spooky season in the woods! Today, I’ll be introducing you to Monotropa uniflora, also known as Ghost Pipe or Ghost Plant, a plant that is ...
Sometimes a walk to the mailbox can yield pleasant surprises—a birthday card from Grandma, a letter from a faraway friend. But sometimes there are not-so-nice surprises. Reports are starting again from area residents about mystery seeds they didn’t order showing up in their mailboxes....
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...
