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Plants with a spooky side

October 23, 2026

Halloween is right around the corner, and festive décor is lining streets and front yards. Talking skeletons, glowing pumpkins, giant spiders, and ghostly figures transform neighborhoods into spooky scenes. But some of the creepiest sights may already be growing in the landscape. Plants with eerie...

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Give Pollinators a Boost This National Pollinator Week

June 26, 2026

Flowers, Fruits, and Frass

National Pollinator Week, June 22–28, is the perfect time to evaluate how pollinator-friendly your backyard is and to explore ways to support these essential creatures. Why should we care? Pollinators are responsible for one out of every three bites of food we take by transferring pollen between...

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a cluster of ripened and ripening blackberries on the bush - the photo is called "Blackberries" by jared_smith and is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0.

Plant a Small Fruits Garden and Increase Perennial Household Food Security

March 17, 2026

Flowers, Fruits, and Frass

Plant a Small Fruits Garden and Increase Perennial Household Food SecurityThe spring thaw is happening albeit in fits and starts. Gardeners across central Illinois are chomping at the bit to plant their annuals. But they should also consider planting certain perennials this year....

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Bloom into Spring at Home, Lawn and Garden Day 2026

February 6, 2026

Flowers, Fruits, and Frass

Get ready to shake off winter and welcome spring! Picture a lively gathering of gardeners eager for the season ahead, hallways filled with local vendors and exhibitors showcasing their products and services, and engaging presenters sharing their expertise on everything from new plant varieties to...

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A person digging into soil in a raised flower bed

New Year's resolutions of a gardener

January 2, 2026

Flowers, Fruits, and Frass

The New Year brings fresh traditions, opportunities, and resolutions. For gardeners, it also signals the start of a new growing season. Why not set a few personal gardening resolutions to become a more sustainable and successful gardener? Here are some ideas for one gardener to another....

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Mums and asters: Fall favorites for a colorful landscape

August 25, 2025

Flowers, Fruits, and Frass

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...

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It’s Berry Easy: Grow Your Own Strawberries!

May 2, 2025

Flowers, Fruits, and Frass

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...

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Embrace fall: Seasonal gardening tasks

October 1, 2024

Flowers, Fruits, and Frass

As September ushers in the changing seasons and offers a period of rest for the garden, there are still a few essential tasks to complete this fall. Taking these steps will help ensure your garden thrives with health and beauty come spring.Cut back plants (or not!) Any diseased or insect-...

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Exploring the World of Succulents

May 31, 2024

Flowers, Fruits, and Frass

Succulents are among the easiest plants to grow, having adapted to hot, dry conditions by having the ability to store and conserve water in their fleshy stems and leaves. Whether you are looking to brighten up your home with a few potted succulents or create a stunning outdoor succulent garden,...

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Grow annual flowering vines for vertical interest in the garden

April 5, 2024

Flowers, Fruits, and Frass

Vines add height and color to a garden by elegantly climbing an arbor or trellis, creating a lush green backdrop to the space. If you would like to add height to your garden quickly, along with interesting and colorful flowers, consider planting annual flowering vines. All these vines are easily...

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