Horticulture Blogs

During these dormant months, my houseplants are receiving more of my attention than they usually get (which is usually very little). While watering and rotating my collection, I noticed new growth on my ZZ plant, and I couldn’t help but celebrate this small victory with all of you.This plant was...

Voles are active in the winter, even if you aren'tWhile I may not be out in the garden during this time of year, the frozen landscape of Illinois during January still has plenty of life. In fact, there is one animal that toils in the garden all winter, the vole. What are voles?Voles are small...

While we use them year-round, spices often take center stage during the holidays. From bread and pies to cookies and drinks, spices provide many holiday foods with their distinct and memorable flavors. One of the most popular spices around the holidays (and year-round) is cinnamon. A...

Maybe this is your first year with a farm-raised cut Christmas tree. Or perhaps you’ve used them for years, but something seems off. Drooping branches, fallen ornaments, and even a few bugs can make you wonder if a fake tree is the better option. Before you switch, let’s look at common issues with...

As we’ve already experienced this year, winter in Illinois commonly means snow and ice. Though plowing and shoveling are the primary means of removing snow and ice where they aren’t wanted, deicing salts also help prevent slick, hazardous conditions. While salt is great in its place, it’s not so...

Herbs are among the easiest plants to grow, whether in a backyard garden, a small container on the patio, or indoors on a sunny windowsill. Their versatility and resilience make them a favorite for home gardeners, and many varieties thrive with regular harvesting—often producing more the more they...

During the dreary days of winter, we often long for the colors of spring. With a little planning, we can bring those spring colors indoors by forcing flowering bulbs to bloom indoors during the colder months. Choosing Bulbs to ForceWhile many different bulbs can be forced, some are easier to...

The splendor of fall color on deciduous trees is a beautiful indicator that winter is coming. In the months ahead, the outdoor landscape will experience freezing temperatures, piles of snow, and an abundance of dormant or dead plants. For the animals left to survive the winter season, the trees and...

Many homeowners are beginning to incorporate more native plantings into their home landscapes. There can be a variety of reasons people choose to have native plant gardens—perhaps less mowing, a desire for more wildflowers, or providing benefits to wildlife and local ecosystems. However, buying...

Plants like caladiums, cannas, dahlias, elephant ears, and gladiolus bring vibrant color and tropical flair to summer gardens. Unfortunately, they’re no match for our Midwestern winters. These plants, commonly referred to as tender or summer-blooming bulbs, will be killed by...