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A hand placing mulch at the base of a plant

Are You Falling for These Gardening Myths?

During my time as an Illinois Extension educator, I have run across many garden myths. Too many to keep track of. But some myths keep on coming up in teaching and talking with Illinoisians. Some myths are more localized, while others are widespread and often touted as garden “hacks” online. ...
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Planting in tight spaces: trees for confined spaces

Planting in tight spaces: trees for confined spaces

Trees are an essential element of a healthy, vibrant community. Trees, large and small, help clean our air, shade our landscapes, provide wildlife habitat, and improve our mental and physical well-being. Planting trees throughout our community, in parks, along streets and trails, at civic buildings...
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Wild ginger: A native groundcover for shady gardens. Wild ginger plant with hear-shaped green leaves and purplish-brown flowers.

Wild ginger: A native groundcover for shady gardens

Shaded areas can be difficult areas to landscape, especially when it comes to groundcovers. Turfgrass often struggles, and many commonly used groundcovers, like lily of the valley, wintercreeper, periwinkle, and English ivy, can become problematic because of their aggressive spreading and potential...
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Help! My forsythia isn't blooming like it used to. Forsythia shrubs with few blooms.

Help! My forsythia isn't blooming like it used to

Forsythias are planted for their stunning floral display in early spring. Have you ever seen a forsythia bush, and for some reason, there are only blooms at the very top or sparsely scattered around the plant? Or maybe wondered why it didn't bloom at all? While forsythia will produce an...
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Daffodils: a symbol of renewal and hope

Daffodils: A symbol of renewal and hope

Daffodils are among the most beloved spring flowers known for their bright blooms and easy cultivation. Beginner gardeners to experienced horticulturists alike have delighted in daffodils for centuries. As our spring advances, we take a closer look at the flower that has become an emblem of...
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a cedar waxwing bird sitting on a tree branch with a red berry in its mouth

Berry Succession: Creating a continuous food source for birds

One of the most favored hobbies of outdoor enthusiasts, gardeners, and wildlife lovers is feeding the birds. Setting out a bird feeder with seed or suet cakes is a popular way many people use to feed the birds, but there are other ways to feed birds. Birds scavenge seed from plants, they will get...
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