Aug 31, 2021
Rough Leaf & Gray Dogwood
Rough leaf dogwood (Cornus drummondii) is a relatively fast-growing native deciduous shrub that makes a wonderful wildlife corridor and...
Jul 31, 2021
Taking Food Plants for Granted
We commonly fail to appreciate the wonders that are part of everyday existence. I am not referring to electronic gadgets, but rather to...
Jun 30, 2021
Long-term Relationships
Life and gardening have a lot in common. One of the similarities I often reflect on is long-term relationships -- both what long-term...
May 31, 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...
Apr 30, 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...
Mar 31, 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...