Gardening

purple and yellow iris

Spring and summer care of irises

By Margaret Kelly, Extension Master Gardener serving Fulton, Mason, Peoria and Tazewell counties  Springtime is the best time to focus on iris care, allowing us to enjoy a breathtaking flower display throughout the iris season.FertilizerWhen getting ready for fertilizing, here is a...
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hummingbird at a zinnia flower

Welcoming hummingbirds to your yard

By Jennifer Bass, Extension Master Gardener and Master Naturalist serving Fulton, Mason, Peoria and Tazewell countiesThis past weekend I pointed out to my grandkids the first goldfinch of the season I spotted at my feeders.  Bird watching is enjoyable for many of us – I had an uncle...
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hostas in pots

Successfully overwintering hostas in pots

By Susan McCabe, Extension Master Gardener serving Fulton, Mason, Peoria and Tazewell counties  Thank you to Susan McCabe for sharing her method of overwintering hostas in pots. Susan is an Extension Master Gardener. I used to dislike Hosta very much. I thought, "They are just...
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native plants

When is a garden not a garden

By Ellen Denler, Extension Master Gardener serving Fulton, Mason, Peoria and Tazewell counties  Thank you to Ellen Denler for sharing her thoughts on "When is A Garden Not a Garden."  Ellen is an Extension Master Gardener and Conservation@Home member. She has a passion for...
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purple asters in the garden

Add fall bloomers to the garden

Adding flowers that bloom later in the season provides resources to pollinators into the fall.  As they prepare for migration or overwintering, this is a critical season to ensure they have the required resources. Native plants are an excellent way to ensure that the blooms have the necessary...
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