Garden - Jennifer Fishburn | Wednesday, November 29,2006

Gardening book gifts

Who can refuse a good book about plants?

If you have a gardener on your holiday shopping list, consider yourself lucky. Gardening enthusiasts may be the easiest people to please when it comes to buying gifts: We’re always excited about

Garden - Jennifer Fishburn | Tuesday, November 21,2006

Nutritious cranberries aren't just for Thanksgiving dinner

Use them in salads, sauces, beverages, and desserts

By Jennifer Fishburn

This week we celebrate the many things for which we are thankful. Many of us will sit down to enjoy a Thanksgiving meal with our family and friends. A traditional meal for my family includes turkey, d

Garden - Jennifer Fishburn | Thursday, November 16,2006

Evergreen winter survival tips

Tips for minimizing the stress of cold weather

By Jennifer Fishburn

Untitled Document Although a few of us enjoy cold winter temperatures, most of us can’t wait for 70-degree temperatures to return, and plant species are no different. This

Garden - Jennifer Fishburn | Thursday, November 2,2006

Tool time

Preventative maintenance now will pay off next spring

By Jennifer Fishburn

Except for leaf-raking, your fall garden chores are probably nearing completion. Before you lock up the garden shed for the season, though, be sure to care for your tools. A little preventive maintena

Garden - Jennifer Fishburn | Wednesday, October 25,2006

Bats are a gardener's friend

They pollinate, they eat insects, and they’re fuzzy

By Jennifer Fishburn

Many symbols indicate that Halloween is on its way. Yards are decorated with pumpkins, ghosts, witches, spiders, and bats. Fake bats and spiders may be popular decorations, but the real deal makes peo

Garden - Jennifer Fishburn | Wednesday, October 18,2006

Sign up, become a master

Applications are being accepted until Nov. 1

By Jennifer Fishburn

The highlight of my job as horticulture educator for Sangamon and Menard counties is providing direction for the master-gardener volunteer program. I have the pleasure of working with 125 individuals

Garden - Jennifer Fishburn | Wednesday, October 11,2006

Grow your own spinach

Plan now for a spring crop

By Jennifer Fishburn

I have not-so-fond childhood memories of being force-fed cooked spinach topped with sliced hard-boiled eggs. As an adult, I still have trouble eating cooked spinach, but I do enjoy fresh spinach in a

Garden - Jennifer Fishburn | Wednesday, October 4,2006

Saving summer bulbs

Know the procedure for each type of plant

By Jennifer Fishburn

Dahlias, cannas, caladiums, and gladiolus make great additions to our gardens, but the bulbs of these summer bloomers have trouble with Illinois’ harsh winters and need special attention in the

Garden - Jennifer Fishburn | Thursday, September 14,2006

When to save your seeds

Things to know if you’re a gardener who believes in self-sufficiency

By Jennifer Fishburn

Until the end of World War II, most gardeners saved their own vegetable and flower seeds because high-quality seeds were not always readily available. Today, affordable high-quality seeds are availabl

Garden - Jennifer Fishburn | Thursday, September 7,2006

Beyond tulips and daffodils

Time to plan something different in your spring garden

By Jennifer Fishburn

Looking for something different to add to your spring garden? Try fritillaria. Varieties of this old-fashioned spring-flowering bulb, which puts forth interesting bell-shaped hanging blooms in middle