Garden – Jennifer Fishburn

Plant a Row for the Hungry, a national program promoted locally by the University of Illinois Extension Master Gardeners, encourages all vegetable gardeners and commercial growers to donate extra produce for the poor. Clean, fresh produce — especially melons and other fruits, potatoes, onions, tomatoes, peppers, sweet corn, carrots, and beans — is sought. In […]

Does anyone remember what rain looks like? According to the U.S. drought monitor (drought.unl.edu/dm/monitor.html), central Illinois is experiencing a moderate-to-severe drought. Some areas of central Illinois have received a little more of the liquid stuff than others have, but “little” is the operative word. In Buffalo, for example, we received one rainfall totaling just an […]

If you’re like most gardeners, you’ve been toiling away in the yard for a few months now and are seeing the results of your hard work. You’re also ready for a well-deserved break.  The University of Illinois Extension Sangamon-Menard Unit Master Gardeners have the perfect answer: a summer garden walk. Join us on Sunday, July […]

You’re sure to walk away with ideas on sprucing up your garden after attending one of the many upcoming area garden walks. • Enjoy “Town and Country Gardens,” 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, June 25, hosted by the University of Illinois Extension Master Gardeners of Champaign County. Featured gardens include some in the Champaign-Urbana area and […]

This week, while visiting my grandmother, I made the mistake of standing near a hummingbird feeder. Ruby-throated hummingbirds buzzed around my head on their way to the feeder. My initial reaction was to run for cover, but once I realized that they weren’t after me, I was able to enjoy these amazing birds. The smallest […]

Master gardeners with the University of Illinois Extension receive hundreds of calls each month from homeowners worried that their prized plants have suddenly taken a turn for the worse. A tree leafed out fine, but then the leaves quickly turned yellow and dropped. Sometimes the problem is easily remedied; sometimes it’s serious. How do you […]

Butterflies add surprise, beauty, color, and motion to a garden. Why not invite them into your back yard? Planting a butterfly garden not only attracts these beautiful creatures but is also a great way for children to learn about the life cycle of butterflies and develop an interest in nature. Luring and maintaining a butterfly […]

The International Herb Association has declared oregano the 2005 Herb of the Year. Most of us can’t imagine what a pizza would taste like without the warm, spicy flavor of oregano, one of the most familiar herbs used in cooking. Oregano loves heat and thrives in a full-sun garden location with a light to medium-rich […]

You can build an exotic oasis in your yard by incorporating tropical plants into an annual or perennial garden. Tropical plants offer great elements for the landscape: huge, shiny leaves; bold, outrageous colors; and ferny textures. Using tropicals in the outdoor garden is nothing new. Plant collectors have grown and collected them for hundreds of […]