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...

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...

By Laura Hertz, Illinois Extension Master Gardener serving Fulton, Mason, Peoria, and Tazewell countiesIn 2018, I became aware of the importance of native plants after listening to a webinar featuring Doug Tallamy, an entomologist from Dartmouth most known for his books ...

Supporting pollinators has become increasingly important as concerns over pollinator population decline are more evident. The good news is that even small spaces can provide resources for bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. Container gardens are one solution for growing pollen and nectar...

By Mike McGraw, Extension Master Naturalist serving Fulton, Mason, Peoria, and Tazewell countiesIn September, 2023, my wife and I were honored to have our yard certified as eco-friendly by the Conservation@Home program. It has been a 29-year journey from “nothing” to a small haven for...

Effective communication in invasive species management relies on consistent and accurate terminology. Confusion is a problem when terms are not clearly defined. Agreeing on terminology helps to clearly communicate so that everyone can understand what invasive species are and why there is concern...

In August of 2020, I received a call with the news that is every mother’s nightmare. There had been an accident and my six-year-old daughter did not survive. That week, her lovely kindergarten teacher brought us five plants to start a butterfly garden. Although I already loved gardening, at that...

Pollinators are an important part of healthy ecosystems. There are a few easy steps you can take to help support pollinators in your landscape.   Provide diverse nectar and pollen resources Native plants are a good source of nectar and pollen that...

Conservation@Home is making its way to our region, thanks to the collaborative efforts of University of Illinois Extension, Conservation Foundation, and the Fulton County Farm Bureau.  What exactly is Conservation@Home, and...

Are you looking to select plants that support local wildlife, conserve water, and enhance the overall ecosystem in Central Illinois? Here are some steps to assist you:  Research Local Native Plants Begin by researching native plant species that are indigenous to Central Illinois. Find...

The USDA Hardiness Zone Map has been updated to reflect temperature data collected over the last 30 years. This new map version used GIS technology and input from climate, botanical, and horticulture experts to create hardiness zones on a much finer scale.   Updated to Zone 6A Locally, the...

Join us for the 21st Gardener’s Big Day 9 am to 4:30 pm on April 13, 2024 at Spoon River College in Canton, IL. Registration begins February 1, 2024. go.illinois.edu/GBD24. Keynote What do pollinators do for us? Imagine how much an apple would...

Weeds may be unwanted, but armed with the right information they can be very helpful tools to improving your garden. There are some weeds that are called indicator species because they are more likely to be found in specific environmental conditions. Their presence in your garden or landscape can...

Pruning perennial flowers takes a garden from looking fair to fabulous. Deadheading, cutting back, and pinching are all pruning techniques that can keep perennial plants looking well cared for, healthy, and colorful. Pruning perennials is a complex topic because different plants need different...

There are many types of mulch that can be used in landscapes and gardens. Here are some things to consider as you choose the mulch that works best for your space. Benefits of mulch Even though there are different types of mulch, they do have some important things in common.  One of the big...

North America has lost 3 billion birds since 1970, according to a study from the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. This is a 30% decrease. This statistic may feel devastating and overwhelming, but you don’t have to feel...