Can you hear them? Probably not yet, but soon, Illinois will be awash in the songs of periodical cicadas. This year is a big year for periodical cicadas in Illinois, where Broods XIII and XIX will be emerging throughout much of the state at the same time for the first time since 1803. Despite some talk of an impending insect apocalypse, cicadas don’t pose a threat to humans (or pets).
Have you ever seen a lilac bush that only blooms at the very top, or maybe not at all? Perhaps you’ve seen or have a forsythia bush that doesn’t bloom nearly as prolifically as it once did. This often happens due to a lack of or improper pruning. When done correctly, pruning can help flowering shrubs thrive and produce a bounty of blooms.
As we hunker down for winter, some of us may begin longing for summer’s warm, sunny days. Perhaps it’s the cold weather or the desire to return to gardening. Whatever the reason, there are plenty of opportunities to continue our gardens indoors. While we often associate citrus with warmer climates (and possibly Christmas stockings), it is possible to grow citrus in Illinois at home as a houseplant.
Ken Johnson, Horticulture Educator University of Illinois Extension As the days get longer and the temperatures start to warm, we often get the itch to… Login to continue reading Login…