As the gardening season gets into full swing, we can be assured of a few things: flowers will bloom, weeds will grow and our bodies will ache. However, preventing some aches and pains is within our control. Gardening could be viewed as a workout. Therefore, consult your doctor before starting an exercise program. Also discuss […]
Jennifer Fishburn
Unit Educator, Horticulture University of Illinois Extension www.extension.uiuc.edu/sangamon
Posted inArts & Culture
It’s time to grow spinach
The arrival of spring is a sure sign of yellow daffodils, green lawns and garden fresh salad. This spring try growing leafy greens, one of the easiest vegetables to grow. You are sure to enjoy the best tasting salad with greens that you have grown. Spring greens such as spinach and lettuce are easy to […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Kids find joy in gardening at the governor’s mansion
Fried okra, collard greens and fresh salsa have become favorite food dishes of junior gardeners from the 21st Century Program, Graham Elementary School. This summer these students nurtured a 484-square-foot vegetable garden at the Illinois Executive Mansion. The garden was started on April 22 by six youth and nine Master Gardener volunteers. The students were […]
Posted inSpecial Issues
It’s apple-picking time!
What tastes better on a cool fall day than an apple plucked right off the tree? Well, maybe a fresh apple pie, homemade applesauce, or apple butter. This month the fruit is ripening in backyards and commercial pick-your-own orchards. Besides tasting good, apples are also good for you. They’re fat-free, sodium-free, and cholesterol-free. A medium-sized […]
Posted inSpecial Issues
When to save your seeds
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 available at garden shops and in seed catalogs everywhere, and most gardeners prefer to buy fresh seeds each year from a reliable company. However, a few […]
Posted inArts & Culture
The fair is a family affair
After more than 150 years, many Illinois State Fair traditions remain. Since its beginning in 1853, the Illinois State Fair has encouraged the production of high-quality agricultural livestock and commodities through the award of cash premiums. Contests include livestock, agriculture and vegetable products, flowers, Christmas trees, culinary products, textiles, hobbies, dairy products, bee culture, arts, […]
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A family farm’s market
Just a short 15-minute drive northwest of Springfield is a unique roadside market that offers freshly picked sweet corn, a variety of garden-fresh produce and Illinois agriculture products. Seaney Farms, at 10544 State Highway 97, Tallula, is owned and operated by Roy and Beth Seaney. In 1985, Roy moved from Newfield, N.Y., to a 325-acre […]
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What to do about Japanese beetles
Sightings of adult Japanese beetles began in mid-June. Since then they have been seen munching on roses, crabapples, lindens, raspberries, apple trees, basil and much more. Feeding on plants generally lasts from mid-June until mid-August. The Japanese beetle, Popilia japonica Newman, is approximately 1/2 inch long and is metallic green with coppery wing covers. The […]
Posted inArts & Culture
June is for garden tours
This month, gardeners have the opportunity to explore the backyard sanctuaries of several Springfield private properties. In addition gardeners can enjoy watching the creative transformation of nature into art at Lincoln Memorial Garden. Symphony Garden TourThe Illinois Symphony Guild will host its 21st annual garden tour on Saturday, June 19, from 11 a.m. to 3 […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Plan ahead to plant the right tree
Selecting a tree is one of the most important landscape decisions a homeowner will make. Trees should be considered as an investment for the future, since most people move before a tree that they planted reaches mature height. Keep in mind, a properly placed and cared for tree will most likely outlive the person who […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Native plants like it here
Illinois, known as the “Prairie State,” has several native plant species. Prior to European settlers in Illinois, 60 percent of the 22 million acres was prairie. Today less than one hundredth of one percent of the original undisturbed prairies exists in Illinois. Some of these original prairies can still be found in pioneer cemeteries, fencerows […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Conserve water with rain barrels
According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, lawn and garden watering makes up nearly 40 percent of total household water use during the summer. One way to reduce outdoor water usage and conserve water is to collect rainwater. A rain barrel is a system that collects and stores rainwater. A typical 1/2 inch rainfall […]
