Flowers, Fruits, and Frass 2025

My Persimmon Journey ContinuesTwo years ago, I wrote a column about American persimmon (Diospyros virginiana) to spread awareness about the lesser-known tree – especially as an option for Bloomington-Normal area home orchardists. Having learned, tasted, planted, and taught...

On November 12, 2025, University of Illinois Extension welcomed 15 new Master Naturalist Interns into the volunteer program after they completed 13 weeks of hybrid training. Components of training include reading, watching educational videos, hands-on learning with field trips, and online...

The leaves are falling, rain is creating pockets of mud, and before you know it, we may have snowflakes covering the ground. These seasonal shifts keep many of us curled up indoors, but exciting and interesting signs of wildlife movement lie right below our noses if we know where to look.Forest...

With over 250 species of trees growing across Illinois, there is a guaranteed assortment of tree shapes, sizes, and forms throughout the landscape. This botanical diversity becomes especially striking in autumn, when the foliage bursts into a spectacular array of colors and hues.Fall brings a...

In early August, local farmer Kyan Glen of The Table Farm and Workshop asked me to join a volunteer crew in assembling his new high tunnel. I said yes immediately— Any excuse to get out of the office, work alongside producers, and soak in the seasonal weather is a good one.Glen’s farm...

Warm fall hues of chrysanthemums and asters will soon brighten the aisles of local garden centers. As summer gardens begin to fade, these trusty autumn bloomers offer a vibrant splash of color — perfect for reviving landscapes or patio containers and extending seasonal beauty well into the cooler...

July was quite a rainy month for us here in the Bloomington/Normal area! According to data from the Central Regional Airport and the National Weather Service, we received more than 6 inches of precipitation in July 2025, which is significantly more than the rainfall recorded in July...

Ever wonder what it means to be a “Master Gardener?” These individuals are community members with a love for gardening and a heart for service. Through countless hours of volunteer work each year, they share their passion, expertise, and encouragement with individuals throughout the community.A...

If your small farm or garden looks healthy one day, but the next you notice twisted, cupped, scorched, or discolored leaves on your vegetables, fruits, flowers, or trees – and you live near corn or soybean fields – you could be seeing the effects of herbicide drift. You are not alone.In the past...

I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: summer is my favorite season, and the past few weekends have included seeing and hearing various frogs and toads. Earlier this month, I had the opportunity to go camping, and from evening into the morning, we were surrounded by the sounds of...

Spending time in nature—whether you're relaxing in a backyard garden, helping in a community plot, or hiking through a state park—can do wonders for how we feel. Research shows that being in nature can boost our appreciation for life, improve our focus and brain function, and lower stress levels....

 Darci Webber, Natural Resources, Environment, and Energy Educator for McLean, Livingston, and Woodford Counties, recently returned from a trip to Sri Lanka with the University of Illinois College of ACES Global Academy. Together, nine professionals from the University of Illinois traveled to...

It’s not just kids who love going on vacation during the summer—your houseplants might enjoy one too! Many indoor plants originate from tropical forests, where they thrive in dappled sunlight and warm temperatures. Consider giving them a seasonal retreat by moving them to a shaded patio or covered...

Summer is a wonderful time to enjoy the outdoors, especially if you are near water where you might encounter members of the Odonata order. This group includes dragonflies and damselflies, which can often be seen resting on plants or rocks close to freshwater habitats.   Adult...

Most farmers’ market visitors are familiar with seeing tomatoes, peppers, eggplant, cucumber, and other high-value horticultural crops on vendor tables throughout the season. This fall, a new and promising specialty crop will likely appear on farmers' market tables across Illinois - fresh, baby...

Have you enjoyed a sweet, juicy strawberry this spring? If so, it was likely grown in a warmer climate and shipped to your local grocery store. While store-bought strawberries are convenient, growing them in a home garden is both rewarding and surprisingly simple.   Strawberries...

Happy Arbor Day! This celebration began in 1872 as a day to plant and appreciate trees in the natural world around us. With over 150 years celebrating Arbor Day, various states and countries have helped plant new trees and educate various populations about why trees are so important in our...

Earning a title like "Plant of the Year" is a true honor for any garden specimen. Chosen by garden and plant associations to highlight exceptional plants that offer both beauty and reliability, these plants carry significant respect in the gardening community. If you're looking to add new plants to...

As the seasons change and warmer weather arrives, I always feel a little lighter and my smile becomes a bit brighter. With trees awakening and the sounds of more birds outside my window, I’m grateful for the extra moments of sunshine and I enjoy watching the furry friends in my neighborhood....