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  • … then lays eggs in the spring. These eggs hatch into tiny immature scales called crawlers that, for a brief period, move along stems and leaves until they become immobile, grow a protective … before they lay eggs. Dormant oil must be applied when temperatures will be above freezing for 24 hours for deciduous plants and above 40 degrees for evergreen plants.  Once plants have started to leaf …
    Type: Plant Info
  • … dead brown patches to appear. Timing & Life Cycle Adult beetles emerge in early July and feed for four to six weeks on more than 300 species of plants. Female beetles lay eggs in the soil 3 inches below the surface of a lawn. Grubs hatch two weeks later and feed on grass roots for about eight weeks until they are full-grown. Grubs burrow deeper into the soil to hibernate for the winter, coming to the surface the following May or June to feed on roots again. These …
    Type: Plant Info
  • … senescence, in leaf drop and return. The passing of the year unfolds in living form around us. For those of us who work in gardens, these rhythms shape nearly everything we do. Gardeners do … seasons; we respond to them. Our work is an act of stewardship more than ownership. We care for plants and spaces, guiding them gently while allowing them to unfold. It’s humbling to … so that we understand where we are in the year and what the world is revealing to us. For horticulturists, observation is one of the most important skills we develop. A walk through …
    Type: Blog
  • … most of you know what I am referring to when I say “leap year.” “Lep Year”—“lep” being short for  Lepidoptera  (from the Latin “scaly wing”), the order of insects that includes butterflies … by the females when they are ready to mate. Some moths can follow these chemical trails for miles. Moths are not only extremely diverse in shape and pattern, they also have a wonderful … their prey by homing in on the scent of their droppings. Interested in finding out more? Visit the Moth Photographers Group at  mothphotographersgroup.msstate.edu  or BugGuide at  …
    Type: Blog
  • … removed and discarded, leaves thinly sliced 1 lemon, juiced 1/4 cup olive oil, plus extra for drizzling 2 teaspoons honey Fresh ground black pepper 1 mango, diced small (about 1 cup) or … removed and discarded, leaves thinly sliced 1 lemon, juiced 1/4 cup olive oil, plus extra for drizzling 2 teaspoons honey Fresh ground black pepper 1 mango, diced small (about 1 cup) or …
    Type: Page
  • … with environmental sensitivity. Lush growth at the water’s edge provides a rich ecosystem for birds, insects, fish, turtles, and other wildlife. At the same time, the shores of the Great … with environmental sensitivity. Lush growth at the water’s edge provides a rich ecosystem for birds, insects, fish, turtles, and other wildlife. At the same time, the shores of the Great …
    Type: Page
  • … Southern Illinois University Carbondale—a position that became permanent. He remained at SIU for 33 years, retiring in 1990.  Key contributions: Widely considered the leading authority on … Southern Illinois University Carbondale—a position that became permanent. He remained at SIU for 33 years, retiring in 1990.  Key contributions: Widely considered the leading authority on …
    Type: Page
  • … winter burn on evergreens ( read our blog about it here ), lots of dead branches, and, for many homeowners, the loss of key "hardscape" elements: the shrubs that are the backbone of … and garden. In this month's Smart Gardener , we look at shrubs that are worthy replacements for those that you may have lost this year. Unfamiliar with some of these? All are valuable in … Bayberry ( Myrica pensylvanica ) Bayberry could be the "foundation plant" you're looking for when evergreens are lost or it's time to replace those decades-old shrubs that have reached …
    Type: Plant Info
  • … is a familiar one. Each bird’s pose is seen daily at sunset as flocks of geese settle in for the evening on the lakes. Caricia Olivier Sequin, French (b. 1945) Black lava stone, 1986  Landscape Gardens A gift from Mr. and Mrs. John Stetson Caricia is the Spanish word for caress. This name may refer to the smooth surface or to the figurative aspect of the shape. … a collector’s enthusiasm. The prominent bird in the sculpture — a golden plover, which can fly for thousands of miles — refers to the many students of Linnaeus who traveled the globe …
    Type: Page
  • … at the bulbous purple lump on your plate as a little kid with pure disdain—beets were not for you. You’re not alone. Beets have a bad reputation as one of the most hated veggies around, … Christian Health Center (LCHC), and the University of Illinois-Chicago’s Chicago Partnership for Health Promotion (CPHP)—are showing a tastier side of beets. VeggieRx provides boxes of … beet salad (below) that won over the Sanchezes. “I tried this recipe and it was different for me. Kale was new to us and Hector’s not crazy about it raw. We ended up sautéing the kale and …
    Type: Blog