During the winter months, outdoor garden activities are few, but it’s still a great time to learn. Books, garden catalogs, and seed catalogs are a good way to start, but a more exciting option is to learn with others in a gardening program. Registration for an upcoming program would make a great gift for a […]
Garden – Jennifer Fishburn
Posted inArts & Culture
Ho, ho, the mistletoe!
Kissing under the mistletoe, a popular American holiday tradition, is held by some to increase the possibility of marriage in the coming year. In North America this tradition became established in the 1880s. One of the most mystical and sacred plants of European folklore, mistletoe has long been a symbol of love, peace, and goodwill. […]
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The worm’s turn
Have you ever wondered what an earthworm thinks? I recently purchased a children’s book, The Diary of a Worm, for my son. The book is about the life of a young earthworm. As I read this book to my son, I found myself laughing hysterically. My 6-year-old didn’t understand all the humor, but he enjoyed […]
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Pure popcorn puffery
Whether we’re at the theater or curled up on the couch watching a movie at home, popcorn is our favorite snack. Snacking may be the American way of life, but healthful choices can provide the body with the nutrients we need to keep us moving. According to the Popcorn Board, a nonprofit organization funded by […]
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Pumpkin trivia
This week, as my children carved their second set of pumpkins (the first bunch succumbed to black mold, in part because of the warm weather), they had plenty of questions: How do pumpkins grow? How big can they get? What can you do with pumpkins besides carve them? Here are some pumpkin facts to share […]
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Plant your spring surprise now
Bulbs are a good way to add color to the garden from Feburary into June. Most gardeners are familiar with such spring bulb flowers as the tulip, daffodil, and hyacinth, but there are many more to choose from. Often the first sign of spring is the appearance of snowdrops, winter aconite, crocuses, glory-of-the-snow, netted irises, […]
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Trees for the landscape
Two things will determine your happiness with a tree selection: matching the tree to your site conditions and picking a tree with characteristics that you like. Remember: Right tree, right place. Here’s a short list of trees that are sure to add beauty and character to your landscape. These selections, which may all be successfully […]
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Right tree, right place
Planting the right tree in the right place is an investment not only for you and your property but also for your community and future generations. You really don’t need a reason to plant a tree, but it’s a good a way to celebrate a special event, such as the birth of a child, a […]
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The sting’s the thing
Many of us are enjoying cooler temperatures by getting outside and having a picnic, attending a family reunion, or spending the day at an arts-and-crafts festival. These activities, which usually involve food and beverages, may attract some uninvited guests. You know who I’m talking about: those stinging bugs sporting yellow-and-black jackets. Believe it or not, […]
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A second chance
If you’ve been waiting for cooler weather to finish your garden-chore to-do list, now is the time to get going. September gives gardeners a second chance to get around to unfinished garden tasks. Here’s a checklist to get you started: Trees and shrubs • Fall is a great time to plant trees and shrubs. Be […]
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Get out of your gardening funk
By now, most of our gardens have started to look a little worn, flowers have started to fade away, and plants are looking tired from lack of rain. In some gardens, weeds have taken over. It’s time for a burst of energy — and what better way to get fired up about your garden than […]
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Behold, the great pumpkin
Besides corn dogs, lemonade shake-ups, the butter cow and giant slide, the Illinois State Fair has much to offer. My favorite part of the fair is seeing products that Illinois residents have grown or made. Therefore, my first stop is the Hobbies, Arts and Crafts building, which houses the finest Illinois produce, handmade textiles, yummy […]
