Rant of the Month

7 days ago

Callery Pear - A Crap Tree

I had a writeup on another topic ready and scheduled to post, then I got a text message from my sister-in-law. A large Callery pear in...

Apr 1

They're Back!

There are lots of natural wonders in the Midwest. Most of them are annual events, or semiannual like the sandhill crane migration. A few...

Mar 1

Gullible & Being Mislead

Let me say it again, and for the umpteenth time -- Weeping Blue Atlas Cedar (Cedrus atlantica 'Glauca Pendula') IS NOT hardy in central...

Feb 1

WINTERCREEPER

What comes to mind when I think of or see wintercreeper (Euonymus fortunei)? -- appealing, evergreen, groundcover, horrible, invasive,...

Jan 1

Silhouetting

One of my favorite winter botanical activities both at home and when out and about is silhouetting (i.e., studying and enjoying the naked...

Dec 1, 2020

Getting Rid of Unwanted Woodies

I often address unwanted woodies in my talks and assessments. While the topic brings a lot of snickers, it is an especially important...

Nov 1, 2020

Python Vine

Asiatic (Oriental) Bittersweet AKA Python Vine or Round-leaved Bittersweet is a monster. This woody vine is an east Asia native that has...

Oct 1, 2020

Compost

I am a big advocate of compost. I make it, use it and occasionally buy it. Plants love it. Compost and worm castings are my primary...

Sep 1, 2020

WORM POO AND YOU

Worm castings (aka WORM POO) is a product and topic any serious gardener should want to know about. Some, the germaphobic and squeamish...

Aug 1, 2020

River Birch -- Overused

One of the most overused ornamental trees is river birch (Betula nigra). Do not presume that I mean it is unattractive. The bark can be...

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Unfortunately, most people know little about gardening and plants, including many "professionals" employed to choose, install and maintain and design landscapes. This page spotlights specific issues with commentary on remedy or recommendation for course of action. Examples are numerous and easy to find -- rarely requiring me to travel far from home. Hopefully, these postings will make the task more difficult. I also feature seasonally appropriate and useful topics to help educate.

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