Winter Holiday Edition

Holly: A native holiday decoration

December 31, 2022

Hollies are common landscape plants and even more common holiday decorations that belong to the incredibly diverse genus Ilex which contains over 400 species, both evergreen and deciduous, that hail from all corners of the globe. A locally adapted holly species or cultivar is relatively easy to grow and they are fairly disease and insect free. They are incredibly prunable, with...

Blog articles

Keep food gifts safe for the holiday

December 15, 2022

Simply Nutritious, Quick and Delicious

The holidays are a wonderful time to experience the joy of giving. While store-bought gifts are nice, homemade gifts offer a more personal touch. When you’re famous in your family and friends circle for your homemade caramels, pecan pie or barbecue sauce, it’s a welcomed gift to give. However,...

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dough in mixing bowl on flour-covered counter with fresh eggs

Don’t eat the dough: 4 food safety tips to follow this holiday season

December 4, 2022

Live Well. Eat Well.

Transform your kitchen into a safe mini bakery this holiday season. Holiday baking brings family and friends together and creates lasting memories as friends share recipes, stories, and meaningful time together. Amid the flurry of flour-covered countertops and mountains of messy mixing...

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assorted cut evergreen trees and wreaths for sale at a market

Christmas tree selection, sustainability and identification

November 30, 2022

This time of year, many folks have questions while searching for the perfect Christmas tree. In recent years, I have written several blog posts on this topic, covering various aspects of Christmas tree care, identification, selection, and sustainability. Take a look at our collection of...

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A red and green Poinsettia against a brick wall

Keep your Poinsettia looking great and boost your post-holiday mood

December 23, 2022

With an estimated 35 million Poinsettias sold annually, you may spot this colorful plant on many holiday tables every year. Native to Mexico, Poinsettias are large perennial shrubs growing over 12 feet tall. Introduced to the United States in the early 1800s, it has become one of the most popular...

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Holiday cacti - Identification, care, and getting them to rebloom. Red tubular flowers of a Thanksgiving cactus emerging from green, toothed stems.

How to identify and care for holiday cacti and get them to rebloom

December 9, 2022

Good Growing

Poinsettias, Amaryllis,...

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Manage holiday stress

November 27, 2022

Family Files

With the anticipation of the holidays, there can also be that feeling of dread – how are you going to get everything done on an already busy schedule? For many people, the extensive preparations they engage in to pull off those picture-perfect holidays create so much stress, that they can’t even...

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Managing emotions during the holidays

December 6, 2022

Connection Corner

The holiday season is filled with joy! Well…usually. Except when it isn’t. The truth is, we experience all of the same emotional ups and downs around the holidays that we do any other part of the year. Some might argue that extra excitements and stresses of this time of year cause an even greater...

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Family holidays…not always merry

November 11, 2022

Family Files

Do you dread the holidays because… You are you an adult who is single and your family and friends wish you were happily coupled? Are you a parent of an adult child wishing you had grandbabies? Every time you are gathered with family do you still feel judged for the life choices you made? Time spent...

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News releases

mixing bowl with eggs and flour food safety

December 2, 2022

Protect your holiday baking traditions with 4 food safety tips
URBANA, Ill. – Holiday baking brings family and friends together and creates lasting memories as friends share recipes, stories, and meaningful time together.  Amid the flurry of flour-covered countertops and mountains of messy mixing bowls, keep food safety in mind. “Baking and...

Holiday Tips and Treats

We have just what you need for a hearty holiday meal. Visit our Turkey website for safe cooking tips and recipes.
Keep the Poinsettia living longer with these care tips.
Video: DIY Holiday Decorations
Video: Gifts for the Gardener You Love, Plus Holiday Decorations
Podcast: Eat Your Leftovers
Podcast: Christmas trees: Real, fake, potted, and alternatives
Kids Thanksgiving Activity Book

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Kids Winter Activity Book

Learn how to make DIY Holiday Decorations