The Garden Scoop 2026

In early April, cherry blooms were in full bloom at the Illinois Arboretum, and I joined a large crowd of admirers for this spectacular display on a Friday afternoon.  Each year, many seek this wonderful awakening, attracting students and community members of all ages to observe the signs of...

Herbs are a hearty group of plants that can fit into most any landscaping, adding beauty from flowers orfoliage, while providing an easy-to-access fresh supply for use in everyday cooking. Thyme is a perennialherb that has been a garden staple in my home garden. From the more ornamental, creeping...

Houseplants are a great way to keep the gardening season alive year-round, especially during the long and cold winter months. It's safe to say that “there is a houseplant for everyone,” given the wide range of sizes and shapes available. From towering fiddle-leaf fig trees to numerous tiny...

I have always marveled at pinecones and the seeds of other conifers. Whether I was picking them up for a “collection” as a kid or watching them dangle in the treetops more recently, these exotic-looking, seed-housing structures are often a point of interest for native Illinoisians like me. ...