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Pollinator Habitat Blogs

Two syrphid flies visiting a rose flower

Syrphid flies: One of a gardener's best friends

Good Growing
Have you noticed small bee-like insects hovering around flowers, picnic tables, or even landing on your skin this summer? If so, chances are you've encountered syrphid flies. These harmless insects are often mistaken for bees or wasps. While their habit of buzzing around people can be annoying,...
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wooden raised garden beds planted with a variety of vegetables including gourds, cabbage, tomato, calendula and leaf lettuce

Flowers in the vegetable garden

Good Growing
Each spring, many of us get very excited about the abundant harvest we are going to enjoy from our vegetable gardens. We plan, then plant. We weed and water. And if all goes well, we harvest an abundance of nutritious and delicious produce.In addition to carefully planning what to plant, when to...
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plastic zip top bags labeled with various species of native Illinois prairie seeds

Start a native prairie garden using seeds

Good Growing
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...
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a naturalized landscape bed

Nature by design: Naturalistic landscapes

Good Growing
In recent years, landscape design trends have migrated toward naturalistic aesthetics- a style that equally prioritizes ecological function, native plant selection, and beauty. For some, this may seem like an abrupt turn from the more familiar formal landscape design often employed in home...
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