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April 10, 2025

Gardeners Forum

New blooms: a look at the latest plants of 2025

Mary, my adult daughter, and I recently went shopping. Thanks to her patience and good decorating abilities, I now own a few new home décor items. While certainly not extravagant, each time I walk into the kitchen or living room I smile because these new items that seem to make the rooms more inviting and pleasing.

Spring brings the chance for us to add a few new things to our garden. Much like adding new items to the inside our home, adding something new to the outside of our home will often add interest and brings joy. Thankfully, plant growers and hybridizers have spent years researching and developing new plants for our yards. Often times these plants have been growing in trial gardens across America as a way to ensure that when they are planted in our yards, they will thrive.

Spring dreaming

For the first time ever, I decided to put up our Christmas tree before Thanksgiving. Usually, I wait until a few days before Christmas to decorate our home and most importantly the tree. After hauling from the basement box after box of tinsel, ornaments, and lights, I came to a disturbing realization. The decorations weren’t going to do me any good, because we didn’t have a Christmas tree. During our move last summer, we had made the decision to give away our old Christmas tree and planned on purchasing a new one. The problem was, we never purchased a new one. Thankfully a few trips to local big box stores and some shopping online helped us to ensure that we were still able to decorate the tree by Christmas Eve.

Outside in: Growing herbs and vegetables in your kitchen

Recently, I visited the home of my niece and nephew. Their home is full of love and vibrancy. They have two children under the age of two, a handful of chickens running around in their backyard, both work full time and still found time to host a party. As is frequently the case, we spent much of the time talking in the kitchen. While in the kitchen, I couldn’t help but notice a beautiful vegetable garden. Yes, inside the kitchen. As our outdoor gardens have stopped producing vegetables, fruits and herbs their hydroponic gardening system provided us cherry tomatoes for lunch.

Counteracting a drought: The importance of fall watering

Have you ever been in a situation where you just pretend things are a bit better than they actually are? Perhaps a doctor’s appointment was delayed and you are really hungry because you haven’t had anything to eat for hours. When the doctor comes into the room to apologize, you, of course, say “It’s ok. I’m fine.” Perhaps after taking your dog for a walk, your knees ache a bit and your neighbor asks if you are ok. “It’s ok. I’m fine” is of course the answer. As humans, we always try to put our best foot forward but don’t always let everyone know the price we pay for those actions. The plants in our yards are putting their metaphorical best feet forward with an abundance of fall color and gorgeous fall flowers. They are paying an incredibly high price though because what they are not telling us, yet, is that their roots are surrounded by dry soil.

Winter garden: Creating color during the cold months

Whether the discussion revolves around food or plants, there are some things we just don’t like. For me, it is sushi and junipers. Junipers are an evergreen shrub that have a coarse texture and for many cause a slight rash when touched. Years ago, we had some junipers left over at the end of the season and I made the spur of the moment decision to plant them in the back of our yard. Each January for over 20 years, I enjoyed looking at those junipers as they were partially covered in snow. Honestly, I never really noticed them in the summer, but in the winter, they were one of the few plants in my back yard that actually looked good as the temperature dropped below zero. Although I don’t advocate planting something in a yard that the homeowner doesn’t like, I do advocate at least considering what plants may provide some winter interest. As the leaves fall, the vast majority of the branches in our landscaping will be bare for five long months. This column will focus on evergreen trees and shrubs that provide winter interest and stability in our landscapes.

20 ways to support your garden this fall

Chris, my husband, and I recently traveled to Nashville for Labor Day weekend. Christopher, our 23-year-old son, moved into his first post college apartment two months earlier, and this was the first chance we had to help him with the move. By my count, this is the ninth time we have helped our adult children make the transition from one living space to another. We know the drill.

An operating manual for your tree

Chris, my husband and I recently purchased seven new appliances. While the process was a bit overwhelming, we honestly, just followed the advice of our sales person and made practical conservative choices. On the highly anticipated day of delivery, not only did our appliances arrive but so did reams of paper in the form of operating manuals. It took me hours to sort through the manuals, fill out the registration cards and luckily, in some cases, apply for energy rebates. My take away from this whole process was that plants should be sold with operating manuals. Specifically, trees. If all goes well, the trees in our yard will be alive and thriving decades after our appliances are relegated to the junk yard. More information should be given to the owner of the trees regarding their care than the owner of a microwave. In an attempt to right this wrong, this column summarizes a few key points for tree owners.

7 lawn diseases and what you can do about them

The healthiness of living things, at times, can be paramount. We spend a good portion of our lives either trying to remain healthy or fighting to become healthy again. We also worry about the health of those around us; our family, friends, neighbors and even, if applicable, our pets. As trivial as it seems, by comparison, we also want our lawn, flowers, shrubs and trees to remain healthy. This year unfortunately for many, our lawns are suffering from diseases. The symptoms of these diseases have become increasingly obvious over the past 4-5 weeks. This column focuses on identifying turf diseases as well as possible causes and treatments.

Gardening resources, an interview with Brenda Dahlfors

Successful gardeners rely on all sorts of support. Personal experiences, friendly advice, research orientated books, plant-based events, and horticulture programs all can assist homeowners as they live and learn while trying to grow vegetables, flowers and shrubs. For 114 years, Illinois residents have benefited from the research and education of the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign’s Extension programs.

Making our new house a home: Creating an outdoor oasis

Chris, my husband, and I are traveling a path on which many of you have traveled before. We are empty nesters who are downsizing. We have chosen to sell the home in which we have raised a family, developed a beautiful private outdoor oasis, and created countless memories. We are grateful to be able to move into my grandparent’s old farm house. The farm house located only a few miles away from our current home holds wonderful memories but little in the way of landscaping and certainly no outdoor oasis. We have our work cut out for us and thankfully we have learned so much from homeowners, like you, who have successfully navigated from one phase of life to the next.

Bathing in the forest

Whether we like it or not, our world is becoming more electronics-focused. Information that we used to get from books, we now derive from our computer. Communication that previously took the form of face-to-face conversations is now done through our smart phones. The average American spends 7 hours and 4 minutes staring at a screen per day. Only 1/3 of all adults spend more than 1 hour a day outside. Children spend less time outdoors than any other generation.

Native plants always the right choice

Recently, while traveling back from Oregon State University for our daughter’s graduation, I had just enough time in the airport to choose a snack for the flight and then hurry to the gate to board the plane. The pressure was on. It was mid-afternoon when we boarded the plane but it would be well into the evening before we disembarked. What should I choose to provide sustenance for the next four hours? As I saw it, my options were a blueberry scone, a bag of potato chips, or a fresh-made salad. Ultimately, I chose the salad figuring that it was the option that was the healthiest for me and perhaps for the environment. Choosing what to plant in our yards is a bit like deciding what to put into our bodies. What not only brings us joy, but is also good for the environment and those around us?

Power plant: how your garden combats climate change

In life we all have choices to make. Some choices are mundane such as choosing which shirt to wear, figuring out what to make for dinner, or deciding on the next Netflix series to watch. Other choices can be much more difficult, such as at what age to retire, making medical decisions or picking a vacation destination. We also have choices regarding the plants that we grow in our yards. Those choices revolve around flower color, mature height and width, the maintenance required, and the environmental conditions in which the plant grows best. Another factor may be whether the plant is a native or non-native. This column includes a description of native plants, the benefits of planting native plants and resources for those who would like more information.

Ten trees to plant today

It finally happened. It. Finally. Happened.

For the past 25 years I have driven through this beautiful community while admiring the hundreds of trees planted along each side of the street. For the first time last week, I admired the gorgeous arches formed as a result of parkway trees, planted on opposites sides of the street, now being tall and wide enough to touch each other. This glorious sight coupled with the wonderful feeling of driving under blocks of majestic trees now mature enough to form a dense canopy was tremendously rewarding. As Del Webb’s Sun City Huntley celebrates its 25th year, the trees planted so many years ago are a testament to the residents who have nurtured them for the past two and a half decades.

Developing and maintaining relationships with annual flowers

Maintaining relationships can be difficult. We all have a variety of individuals with whom we have some sort of relationship. It may be a friend from elementary school that we have lunch with every few years, an adult child that we talk on the phone with each day or a cousin with whom we exchange Christmas cards annually. The level of the relationship, the type of contact and the frequency of contact varies. Some relationships ‘wither on the vine,’ as the saying goes, because we don’t invest enough time and energy in maintaining them others remain strong no matter the amount of effort.

Upcoming cicada emergence and what it means for your garden

While there are over 20,000 insects in northern Illinois, there is one insect that is receiving a tremendous amount of attention this summer. For good reason, it seems everyone is talking about cicadas. Millions of periodical cicadas from two different broods have begun emerging from the soil. This emergence is different because Broods XIII and XIX will emerge simultaneously. Dr. Stephanie Adams, a plant health specialist with the Morton Arboretum, has agreed to answer a few questions regarding the Cicadas.

Landscaping that stands the test of time: making wise choices saves money

Weddings are such happy family occasions. They are filled with joy, laughter, dancing and help to create memories that the couple will cherish for years. It is with great anticipation that Chris, my husband, and I look forward to celebrating our eldest daughter, Mary’s wedding. Both Mary and her fiancĂ© will work hard to create the day of their dreams. As the mother of the bride, the only decision I need to make is “What am I wearing to the wedding?” Honestly, the answer is a 15-year-old dress.

Makes sense: how gardens can appeal to the big five

The Great British Baking Show is one of my guilty pleasures. As time allows, I enjoy watching the bakers prepare indulgent treats such as Charlotte Royale, Stuffed Mouse Crumpets and CrĂšme Filled Donuts. In between the inevitable kitchen mishaps and lighthearted competition are scenes of the gorgeous British countryside. The producers of the series focus on the plants almost as much as the recipes.

Total eclipse of the park: preparing for a rare solar event

We all have those ‘Where were you when’ memories. For some it may be, ‘Where were you when man first walked on the moon?’ or others ‘Where were you on September 11, 2001?’ Although not nearly as globally significant many of us remember the answer to the question, ‘Where were you when you first experienced a solar eclipse?’

We take it for granted that whether or not we see it, the sun is above us in the sky each and every day. Clouds may obscure our view, but we know that the sun is there shining bright. This star influences our planet in several key ways. It determines our seasons, influences the climate, drives our weather patterns and assists in controlling the ocean currents. All living plants are dependent upon the sun and could not survive without it.

The dos and don’ts of landscaping

When raising my children, I emphasized that you don’t take no for an answer. You overcome your obstacles, create opportunities, and persevere through situations. While respecting rules is always the way forward, you don’t necessarily need to listen to what other people tell you is or isn’t possible. I say all that in preparation for telling you what is or isn’t possible in your own yard.

Updating the outside of your home

Chris, my husband, and I have been updating our home this winter. As we have lived here for over 20 years, it was time for the inside of our home to be refreshed. Our gold fixtures are being replaced with brushed nickel, we are installing hardwood flooring in place of carpeting and the beige walls are being painted over with shades of grey. While we aren’t trendy people, it does feel good to be making these improvements. The inside of our home will soon reflect the beauty that we have created on the outside. Just as there are interior design home trends, there are also gardening trends. Here is a preview of the top gardening trends for 2024.

Giving thanks to all that surrounds in nature

As we approach the much-loved Thanksgiving holiday, it feels like an appropriate time to give thanks to all that our landscaping, our community and nature give to us. As I write this column, I am able to view the beauty of sunshine filtering through the bright red leaves on a maple tree. This common fall sight has brightened my afternoon and brought joy. It is by our interactions with nature, that joy can be found throughout the day.

Tucking your plants into bed for the winter

Tucking our children into bed used to be a treasured ritual. It included snuggling and reading a book, a bath, combing their hair, brushing their teeth and, of course, hugs, kisses, and a made-up story about something fanciful. Our wonderful little ones are now fully independent and employed adults living in three different states, so the bedtime ritual in our home, while no less important, is not nearly so treasured. Taking medication, brushing one’s teeth, and setting out clothes for the next day just doesn’t hold the same appeal.

Giving tree: how caring for nature can lead to real joy

My son, Christopher, graduated college in May. He lives in Tennessee, and we have been meeting virtually each Friday to discuss his job search. I can unabashedly say it is the highlight of my week. Our weekly chats give him an opportunity to let me know what he has accomplished and for me to give him feedback and ideas of where he should be focusing his efforts. The feeling that I am tangibly helping him to chart his future is very rewarding. As Elie Tahari observed “Sooner or later, you realize that real fulfillment comes only from helping others. All of the rest is just temporary.”

Reading between the vines

In the hopes that all of us have a few extra moments this fall to read here is information about a few gardening books, blogs, e-newsletters and a YouTube channel that I thought you might enjoy.

Water works: bringing another element into your garden

Last Sunday afternoon, my husband, myself and our puppy, Annie, headed off to the nearby Conservation District area. Spending time in nature is something that we all thoroughly enjoy and do as often as possible. What was different during this outing is that went to a park that had access to a stream. The addition of water meant our level of joy skyrocketed. Our English Springer Spaniel literally galloped on the banks of the stream as she seemed to smile with delight. We sat, talked, and watched in amazement as she swam, ran and bathed in the fresh water. Her joy at the addition of water to our outdoor activity was obvious to everyone who hiked by us.

Seven farmers markets you don’t want to miss

The season of summer brings many things: ample sunlight, conversations outdoors with neighbors, quiet time spent reading outside and recreational activities with family. For many of us, one special highlight of summer is eating farm-fresh fruits and vegetables. Farmer’s markets offer a very special experience of bringing people together in a fun, friendly environment.

Thankfully, our area has a wide variety of different options when it comes to Farmer’s Markets. Each market has its own personality. The markets vary based on their type, the array of offerings, number of vendors, location and hours. While not a comprehensive list, here are a few area farmer’s markets that you may want to check out.

A different breed: new plants to expand your garden

Plant breeders often spend their entire lives dedicated to the development of a better version of a plant. They work diligently at developing plants that have characteristics that make them superior to other similar plants. These characteristics may include compact form, disease resistance, fragrant flower, colorful foliage, and drought tolerant. Today’s column focuses on 20 new plants that, thanks to plant breeders, have many of those characteristics.

How to hydrate your plants

For years I was lucky enough to have a job that allowed me to work right next to my grandparent’s home. Many mornings I would stop by to visit for a few moments while they were enjoying their breakfast. Each and every day my grandfather would be eating a grapefruit and each and every day he tried to convince me that I should also eat one. He was convinced that it was the key to his good health. Although he was never able to convince me to begin my days eating the bitter citrus fruit, I did adopt his habit of starting my day by doing something healthy. Before I drink any caffeine, I drink two bottles of water. This guarantees that I drink at least half of the recommended daily amount of water before 7 a.m. Although I make a point of hydrating myself, this summer, I challenge all of us to make a point of hydrating our plants.