Archive for Februari 2015

Knowing When and Where to Prune

Even though this morning's sun has been replaced by dull overcast sky, I couldn't fight the need to be out in the garden today. Perh...

As a political science and philosophy major in college, I read more commentary on the human condition than anyone probably needs in a lifeti...

As the buds begin to swell and bulbs send their shoots up through the soil, I am afflicted from two directions. A long, cold and overcast wi...

Spring is slowly coming to Cherry Creek. Temperatures fluctuated within a seasonable range this week, but grey skies returned. A couple of i...

During my visit to the University of Illinois Arboretum today, I stood at the base of a Scotch Pine ( Pinus sylvestris ) whose remaining nee...

Our world teetered between winter and spring today for my fourth visit of the year to the Japan House Pond. A few scattered patches of snow ...

How often do you come across an unfamiliar plant in a local garden center that just blows you away? You know, the kind of plant that demands...

If the start of 2012 is any indication, this year could end up being one of the busiest (and most fulfilling) of my life. So much has happen...

Last week on my Facebook page , I rejoiced in the first bloom of the witch hazel in my garden. A few days of unseasonably warm weather signa...

When it was first announced that University of Illinois academic employees would be put on involuntary furlough for four days this spring, I...

It doesn't take but a few seconds outside today to realize it is still winter here in Central Illinois, as the temperatures are hovering...

We've enjoyed a crisp, sunny day here as February comes to a close, and I don't think I can do it more justice than George Harrison ...

Toad lilies. Astilbe. Switchgrass. All plants that I should be able to grow well here in Central Illinois (Zone 5b). All plants that have ne...

A few weeks ago, I made a trip to the city recycling center. We've never been pleased with the quality of our trash hauler's recycli...

Last month, while attending the National Green Centre trade show in St. Louis, I had the good fortune to meet and talk with Raymond Evison, ...

The winter in Central Illinois has been, dare I say, boring. A couple of light dustings of snow, a heavy frost here and there. Nothing to wr...