Good Growing – Pawpaw: America’s tropical treasure
The time of year is nearing when the pawpaw (Asimina triloba) fruit will ripen and those lucky enough to have access to the fruit (and beat the wildlife...
Good Growing
Good Growing – Termite Troubles: Three tips for preventing infestations
Finding interesting insects is fun! At least for me. I enjoy observing the intricacies of most insects. However, there are a few creepy crawlies I do...
Good Growing – What’s that white stuff on my magnolia tree? Magnolia scale
Magnolias are popular trees and shrubs in many landscapes. Their large, showy flowers can range from white to pink to yellow and provide a burst of color in the spring. While they are relatively pest-free, one of the biggest pests is the magnolia scale (Neolecanium cornuparvum)...
Good Growing – The duality of American pokeweed
Generally speaking, native plants are considered desirable since they support wildlife, can improve water quality while requiring less water themselves, are beautiful in the landscape, are generally more tolerant of climate conditions and soil types, and much more. However, from time to time a native species is not as appealing as others, and therefore, attempts are made to avoid it or remove it from the landscape. One example is the dreaded poison ivy (Toxicodendron radicans). A second example, and the one we will explore today in part because my mom asked me to, is American pokeweed (Phytolacca americana).
Good Growing – Seedless watermelon
Summer officially began last week and for many, it means melon season. According to the UDSA, in 2022, approximately 21.1 pounds of melon was available per U.S. consumer. Of the melons available and enjoyed by consumers, the three most popular melons ranked, in order of availability: watermelon (14.1 pounds), cantaloupe (5.3 pounds), and honeydew (1.6 pounds).
Good Growing – Gardening for a hummingbird’s travels
Hummingbirds are unlike any other bird. Spanning the Americas with over 330 species, hummingbirds belong to Trochilidae, the second-largest bird family in the world. However, only the ruby-throated hummingbird (Archilochus colubris) inhabits the Midwest. This hummingbird migrates south in late summer, with the males migrating first, typically in August. Before the non-stop flight to overwintering sites, this bird needs abundant food sources to fuel its journey to Florida, Texas, Central America, or Mexico.
Good Growing – Spotting the danger: toxic plants that look like carrots
The other day, I had the opportunity to chaperone a school group at a local state park. While on the field trip, a volunteer-led the students on a nature hike through the woodlands. At one point during the hike, the group leader grabbed a handful of two plants to share with the students but in doing so, misidentified one of the plants. Luckily it wasn’t a harmful plant that was picked. Yet, as I scanned our surroundings, noting stinging nettles and poison ivy, it reminded me of the importance of knowing which plants have the potential to cause harm.
Good Growing – A bad year for ticks? Take steps to protect yourself
Ticks! I can’t stand these parasitic arachnids. I have had far too many run-ins with ticks throughout my life. They seem to find me every year. So far this spring I have found one lone star tick (Amblyomma americanum) attached to me and I have caught several other ticks headed my way looking for a bite to eat.
Fortunately, lone star ticks are not known to transmit Lyme disease, but there are plenty of other ailments they can impart to their human host. One such affliction is the dreaded alpha-gal syndrome that makes humans allergic to red meat.
Good Growing – Periodical cicadas are here…now what?
The long wait is finally over! After spending 13 (or 17, depending on where you’re at) years underground feeding from roots, periodical cicadas have started to emerge (at least in central and southern Illinois). Soon, many places will be awash in cicadas. So, what can we expect now that they are beginning to emerge?
Good Growing – A plant of many colors: Virginia bluebell
Extension With the arrival of warmer weather in the spring, we start to see signs of new life in our landscapes. Birds begin singing, our landscapes start turning green again, and spring ephemeral plants start to emerge. Among the spring ephemerals in Illinois, one of the most captivating and commonly encountered are Virginia bluebells (Mertensia virginica).