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Managing fire blight at home. Apple tree shoot infected with fire blight. Shot is brown and the tip has curled down forming a shepherds crook.
Read article: Managing fire blight in apples and pears at home
Managing fire blight in apples and pears at home
Apples and pears are popular trees to grow for people interested in growing their own fruit. However, they aren't without any problems. A variety of...
The weight of winter: snow and ice on trees image of ice on dormant tree branches
Read article: The weight of winter: Snow and ice on trees
The weight of winter: Snow and ice on trees
I write this article as I look out at a snow-covered landscape and give thanks for the warmth of my office. It is during these days that I’m reminded...
Read article: Holly: A native holiday decoration
Holly: A native holiday decoration
Hollies are common landscape plants and even more common holiday decorations that belong to the incredibly diverse genus Ilex which contains over 400...
Read article: Native Perennials with Winter Interest
Native Perennials with Winter Interest
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...
a thirteen-lined ground squirrel eating a seed
Read article: Managing thirteen-lined ground squirrel
Managing thirteen-lined ground squirrel
Gnawing Rodents and Landscape Shrubs This past spring, I found myself at a friend’s house enjoying some barbeque on the back deck. He remarked on...
Read article: Choose your garden tools to fit your needs
Choose your garden tools to fit your needs
Evidently every day this summer I deemed too hot to work in the garden was just another day for the weeds to celebrate and use their heat-miser...
Read article: False Indigo - A Native Shrub for the Home Landscape
False Indigo - A Native Shrub for the Home Landscape
Native plants are ever gaining popularity as gardeners seek specimens with high ecological value in support of declining insect pollinator...
Common poisonous plants of Illinois
Read article: Knowing poisonous plants can save a life
Knowing poisonous plants can save a life
Know which plants are dangerous and protect your family, pets, and animals. There are...

News Releases

lilacs in bloom
Lilac Care and Pruning
University of Illinois Extension is offering a workshop on basic care and pruning of lilacs, just in time for homeowners to learn what to do at this time of the summer to ensure full blooms next spring. Extension Master Gardener Michael Iacomini will be presenting this program on Thursday, June...
Some trees weather wet soils, floods better than others
URBANA, Ill. – The splendor of trees and shrubs comes from what is above ground, but don’t forget about what lies beneath. Poorly drained areas, easily identified after a downpour of rain, are not suitable for some trees or shrubs. “Soil plays a vital role in the survival of trees and...
Growing holly
URBANA, Ill. – Evergreens such as holly, with its bright green leaves and sparkling red berries, add excitement to an otherwise dull winter landscape. University of Illinois Extension horticulture educator Jennifer Fishburn provides insights on growing the winter favorite.  ...