

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...
May 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...
Apr 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...
Mar 1, 2021


WINTERCREEPER
What comes to mind when I think of or see wintercreeper (Euonymus fortunei)? -- appealing, evergreen, groundcover, horrible, invasive,...
Feb 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...
Jan 1, 2021


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...
Dec 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...
Nov 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...
Oct 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...
Sep 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...
Aug 1, 2020