University of Wisconsin-Madison
Gardening offers many benefits. It’s an enjoyable form of exercise and provides physical activity that helps increase strength, balance, flexibility and endurance. Just being outdoors surrounded by greenery can reduce stress levels and promote relaxation. Plus, for vegetable growers, there are the added benefits of having easy access to fresh, home-grown produce and the satisfaction […]
Peonies are blooming and what a lovely sight. Down through history, peonies have been held as a symbol of beauty, prosperity and honor. Conveying the meaning of a ‘happy life’ or ‘happy marriage’, it’s not surprising that you can find them in countless paintings, stories and myths. Cherished by gardeners for centuries, peonies continue to […]
Some people consider shady areas in their landscape a challenge when trying to grow flowering plants. One of the many yards I have gardened in had quite a bit of shade. As I explored shade-tolerant plants, I discovered that there is a wide range of possibilities. The first step to planning your shade garden is […]
Flowering bulbs can really liven up a landscape. They come in an enormous assortment of sizes and colors that some folks say is unequalled by any other flower group. If you are like me, when you think of flowering bulbs it’s the hardy types that come to mind. Spring just wouldn’t be announced without the […]
It appears that spring has finally arrived and we are now enjoying the spectacular color and aroma of many spring-flowering shrubs. I wait patiently through the months to experience the intense, orange fragrance of my mock orange shrub when it blooms this time of year. However, that scent also reminds me that it is time […]
Hollyhocks are a classic flower. While they aren’t as common in gardens today, they can often still be found growing alongside older homes and on established farmsteads throughout the Midwest.In recent years, though, there has been a renewed interest in growing hollyhocks, which makes me happy – I’ve long been a fan. As a child, […]
A traditional favorite, Easter lilies are often given as gifts or used in decorative displays during the weeks leading up to Easter. Throughout history their beautiful, white trumpet-shaped flowers have been a symbol of joy, hope and life. As spring approaches, Easter lilies become widely available. Growers carefully time their blooms to coincide with Easter. […]
Add some leafy greens to your garden this spring Growing up, my mom always told me to eat my greens because they were good for me. She actually said that about a lot of vegetables if she saw them just sitting on my plate. An avid gardener, mom always had various leaf lettuces, spinach and […]
The week of February 23rd is National Invasive Species Awareness Week. This past gardening season, I had several questions about two invasive critters that plagued gardeners: 1. Jumping Worms – Jumping worms are invasive earthworms first confirmed in Wisconsin in 2013. They feed on organic matter, such as leaf litter and mulch, and within the […]
As we move forward into a new planting season, there are several steps gardeners can take to make their gardens more sustainable. The definition of sustainable landscaping can vary but generally speaking, it means to use resources in a way that will meet our needs today while preserving environmental health and resources for future generations. […]
It is estimated that about 66% of all households in the United States decorate their homes with at least one houseplant. This is not surprising since houseplants add beauty and interest to our indoor space as well as provide a boost of green cheer through the long winter months. When it comes to the winter […]
Source: University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Extension (https://extension.illinois.edu/christmas-trees/christmas-tree-facts)
