… tiny soil organisms—all of which evolved with the plants. (One well-known example is the monarch butterfly, which only lays its eggs on milkweed ( Asclepias ) species. The … and attract some butterflies, but most are not native to the United States. However, there is a native woodland sedum, aka wild stonecrop— Sedum ternatum . It is the only sedum species native to central and northern Illinois. A miner bee visits the sedum …
Type: Plant Info
… they offer the home gardener outstanding foliage plus a long bloom time, learning their ways is well worth the time. Most of the 1,500 species and 10,000 begonia hybrids share a few common … during the daytime and no cooler than 60 degrees at night. Water the plants when the soil is dry. Noted begonia expert Tovah Martin revealed that she and her begonias "slowly developed an … plants compact, rounded and, in many cases, suitable for hanging baskets. When the new plant is 6 inches tall, pinch the top growing shoot; lateral shoots will develop in a few weeks. Allow …
Type: Plant Info
… Why Best for the Midwest is Best for the Planet Think twice before you plant those flowers! Are they a native species that … are not left with a monoculture. Much of our research in the Garden and in our Midwest region is studying how habitat degradation, invasive species, and other disturbances change plant and … practices help to combat global warming by reducing carbon dioxide (CO 2 ). How? One way is through limiting the use of lawn equipment. In addition, native plants help to reduce the …
Type: Plant Info
… that distribute water close to the ground, reaching the entire root zone. The root zone is a circle that runs around the tree, extending from the trunk directly outward to the end of … moisture and improves soil texture. Water early and choose wisely At this time, less water is lost through evaporation. This is also the preferred time to water plants susceptible to powdery mildew. By watering in the …
Type: Plant Info
… Your herbs are flourishing, but you know the first frost is about to hit. How can you bank up herbal flavor and save it to enjoy all winter long? One popular and simple method for preserving herbs is to infuse them into vinegars — a simple way to keep herbs at their summer's peak of flavor. A … a sunny windowsill for three to four weeks. After this time, taste the vinegar to make sure it is strong enough, strain it into decorative bottles and add a sprig or two of fresh herbs for …
Type: Plant Info
… disease and insect problems. Keeping an eye on a rain gauge in your own backyard “ecosystem” is an important step to keeping your carbon-absorbing, oxygen-producing plants both healthy and looking beautiful. When natural rainfall is less than 1 inch a week, it's time to think about providing supplemental irrigation, … will provide future dividends on your landscape investments. The golden rule for most plants is to water root zones deeply but infrequently. Too little water provided too often can result in …
Type: Plant Info
… perhaps what endears them to city gardeners, container aficionados, and flowering plant lovers is their adaptability to indoor conditions — they bring summer’s beauty to a cold winter’s night. What is a miniature rose? Originally, it had to fit under a teacup. Growers agreed that to be a … feet, with each plant a dwarf version of the full-sized variety. Culture for miniature roses is the same as for the full-sized plants. Minis purchased in winter must be grown in a southern …
Type: Plant Info
… Some outdoor tasks can be undertaken, but resist the temptation to work outside if the soil is too wet or extreme weather is on the horizon. Garden To-Do List Spring cleaning On dry days, remove winter debris from lawn … turf, that might be in the path of salt spray from salted roads. Prune trees and shrubs March is an ideal time to prune many trees and shrubs. Make sure garden tools are sharpened and you …
Type: Plant Info
… “Gollum” ). Kalanchoe, also called “mother of thousands” ( Kalanchoe daigremontiana ), is a fright to anyone who remembers the 1951 science fiction classic “Day of the Triffids” where … from insects and other small animals to thrive. The Venus flytrap, ( Dionaea musipula ), is well-known for its jaw-like leaves that close on unsuspecting flies. We also love the …
Type: Blog
… I overwinter coleus plants so I don’t have to buy new ones each spring? A: The easiest method is to pot up stem cuttings. Most growers and home gardeners use this method in late fall to … a fuller shape. In spring, gradually introduce the plants to outdoor conditions. Coleus is very frost-sensitive, so bring the plants inside if cold nights threaten. By mid-May, the …
Type: Plant Info
