- Jun 1, 2021
Mulberry Trees, No Thanks
Setting aside the associated nursery rhyme and its several contradictions, one of the first trees most children learn is mulberry. But...
- May 1, 2021
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, 2021
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, 2021
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, 2021
WINTERCREEPER
What comes to mind when I think of or see wintercreeper (Euonymus fortunei)? -- appealing, evergreen, groundcover, horrible, invasive,...
- Jan 1, 2021
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...