Hollies are common landscape plants and even more common holiday decorations that belong to the incredibly diverse genus Ilex which contains over 400...
As fall progresses and most plants lose their leaves or retreat to their winter dormancy, portions of the landscape can appear bare and boring for...
News Releases
Make time to be inspired by nature's lessons
URBANA, Ill. — Spending time in nature allows people to take in the world around them. In today's busy world, learning how to hit pause to take lessons from nature and explore the benefits of outdoor activities is vital. University of Illinois Extension...
Use the resiliency and sustainability of plants to naturally beautify your garden
URBANA, Ill. – Seasons come and go, but home gardening never stops. Pick up the knowledge you need to embrace a resilient and sustainable home landscape. Sessions identify plants that could be problematic and ones that promote a natural display of beauty throughout the year.
Learn best...
Plant trees for every season
URBANA, Ill. – In a landscape, trees accomplish multiple tasks, from shading our homes to being a home for wildlife. They do everything from providing food to conserving water as well as contributing to our health and community well-being. As trees provide physical, environmental, and emotional...
Make the most of mulch by choosing from living, synthetic, inorganic, or organic
URBANA, Ill. – Every spring, gardeners turn to mulches for their landscapes and gardens for a variety of reasons. One of the main benefits of mulch is reduced soil erosion and compaction. Mulch also moderates soil temperature keeping it warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer. Another...
Landscaping with these plants will help reduce your watering this summer
Written by Jan Phipps, Edgar County Master Gardener
Looking back on 2022, did you have to spend too much time watering? If you are searching for plants that can tolerate dry spells and even drought in some cases, here are a few suggestions.
First, drought-tolerant plants refer to...