Flowers, Fruits, and Frass

Scientists believe brilliant fall colors may be a sign of healthy trees in the expanse of the North American forests. The presence of brilliant reds of the black tupelo, orange and purples of sassafrass and the luminescent yellows of birch may actually contribute to deterring leaf-eating pests and aid in storing energy and the function of dropping leaves. Fall colors seem to have...

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Gardening trends have an underlying theme of bettering the community, improving health and developing an appreciation for the environment and can be seen in statistics for the country as well as our backyards in Central Illinois. According to the National Gardening Association, about 35 million households in the United States are growing food in their gardens, up 17 percent in th...

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The droughts of 2011 and 2012 continue to take a toll on tree health. Rhonda Ferree, Extension Educator in horticulture, says that trees can take three to five years to show symptoms from a severe event such as drought. Unfortunately trees under stress are less able to fight off insect and disease problems. Plant diagnosticians at the University of Illinois Plant Clinic describe the...

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University of Illinois Horticulture Educator, Kelly Allsup encourages gardeners to collect seeds from milkweeds to add this much needed plant to the landscape for Illinois monarchs. Kelly warns that you may see butterfly enthusiasts along roadsides collecting seeds from coveted weeds and prairie plants known as the milkweeds this fall. The milkweed species in Illinois is required for mo...

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Eureka College Campus Tree Tour Would you like to add trees with brilliant fall foliage to your home landscape? Would you like to learn how to identify some common Illinois trees? Or would you like to learn the environmental value of these trees in your community? Please join Kelly Allsup, University of Illinois horticulture educator on a stroll through the hist...

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The hosta is a popular landscaping plant, loved for its beautiful variety of foliage, and ease of cultivation. Around this time, delicate purple or white flowers develop before frost. Below are some of the most prevalent pathogens on hosta in Illinois. Foliar nematodes The plant clinic has received several hosta samples damaged by foliar nematodes ( Aphelenchoides...

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Sign up today for Master Gardener Would you like to learn about growing vegetables, landscaping, trees, insects or turfgrass from the University of Illinois Extension? The McLean County Master Gardeners want you to join their training program this winter and take you on a amazing garden learning experience to find your inner gardener. The Master Gardener program is a g...

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