Companion planting: how to grow together

Companionship is often an important part of our lives. We are innately social creatures that benefit from interaction with others. The companionship that we crave may come in the form of a spouse, a family member, a neighbor or a pet. Someone who will listen to our problems and celebrate our successes. The knowledge that someone cares for us reduces feelings of loneliness, increases our happiness, gives us a sense of purpose, and lowers our stress level. These all have both mental and physical health benefits. Companions encourage and enable us to be the best versions of ourselves.

A leaf out of your book: practicing nature journaling

Benedictine University located in Lisle Illinois is the home of the Jurica-Suchy Nature Museum. The museum, while small in scope, is filled with specimens that were collected all over the world. Brothers Father Hilary Jurica and Father Edmund Jurica spent their lives in pursuit of educating others through hands-on learning.

Standing for plants: An interview with Environmental Defenders

“Never underestimate the power of a small group of committed people to change the world. In fact, it is the only thing that ever has.” Although this quote is attributed to Margaret Mead it could very easily be the motto of the Environmental Defenders of McHenry County. For over 50 years they have worked diligently protecting our ecosystem and preserving our natural environment all while educating residents. They have successfully protected valuable areas such as Ryder’s Woods in Woodstock and the Volo Bog State Natural Area. They also assisted in the development of the Crystal Lake watershed protection ordinance and the McHenry County Stormwater ordinance.

Allerton Park: A garden retreat

A change of scenery, as they say, is good for us. Getting out of the house and experiencing new things offers emotional benefits such as reduced stress and physical benefits such as better sleep. It was with great excitement that I discovered Allerton Park and Retreat. Located in Monticello, Illinois, a short three-and-a-half hour drive away, it is the perfect combination of a Georgian Manor house and 14 formal gardens.

For this column, Micah Putman, the Associate Director of Park Operations, has graciously agreed to answer a few questions.

Patios are often used as an extension of our home. Outdoor rooms, created through the use of landscaping or hardscaping, are used for entertaining, eating or simply relaxing. These outdoor spaces, though, do need to be maintained. Just as we maintain the inside of our homes through regular cleaning, painting and redecorating, our outdoor areas require maintenance. This column details the steps to evaluating and maintaining patios and other surfaces created using pavers (bricks).

Let’s chat – Gardenfest 2026

Each spring, it seems, I need to learn a new language all over again. The winter days spent baking and working on genealogy-based projects are over and I lean into outdoor pursuits such as gardening. Words such as Parthenocissus, aquaponic and soil amendments are part of my vernacular once again. Attending gardening events helps to make that transition smoother and much more enjoyable. For this column, Brenda Dahlfors, Program Coordinator with Illinois Extension serving McHenry/Lake Counties, has agreed to answer a few questions about Gardenfest an upcoming gardening event. Gardenfest takes place on Saturday, April 11, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at McHenry County College.

Second chances: The importance of proper maintenance

A few days ago, while driving a warning message appeared on the dash board. It read ‘Change Oil Soon.’ The sticker on the windshield revealed that it was one month past the time when I should have taken my truck in for an oil change. I asked myself “How did I let this happen?” Within hours the oil change was complete and I was given a second chance to maintain my truck properly.

Spring is like a second chance for gardeners. It is a time to either improve upon what was done differently or perhaps change course entirely. Changes of any size and scope can have a lasting impact. Our landscaping is a result of what was done or not done previously. Each year builds upon the previous year. This spring take a few moments to consider what you want to do with your second chance.

The holly and the ivy: plants for the holidays

Holidays are filled with traditions, celebrating with family and the giving of gifts. This year, our family is altering the tradition of giving store-bought gifts. We are giving each other homemade gifts. Thankfully, there are some very creative and talented members of my family. I, unfortunately, am not one of them.

Don’t fall behind, spring ahead and prepare now for next year

Each evening, I spend about 10 minutes preparing for the next morning. It is a habit started a few years ago that makes my mornings less busy. I choose and set out my clothes, put water in the tea kettle, and make my overnight oats. I also set out the dishes and utensils needed for breakfast, set out my dog’s food and review what I need to do the next day. Evenings are generally less busy, and by doing things the night before, it gives me a head start on the next day. It makes the next day more pleasant and productive.

For the birds: how to create a backyard haven this winter

Annie, our English springer spaniel dog, brings my husband and me an indescribable amount of joy. Her exuberance for life, extreme loyalty, and constant affection lift our spirits each and every day. She is a blessing to us and by providing food, shelter and care we, hopefully, we bring her happiness.

Falling into line: gardening ideas for autumn

When my daughter was in high school, she ran cross country. The meets, held in the fall, were long, difficult and often included 50-100 of the area’s best runners. During each race, I would position myself near the finish line and yell “Finish strong” repeatedly as Sarah and her friends ran by. Somehow, I hoped that this encouragement would help them beat their personal best time for the course. Seven years later, I find that this fall I am telling myself “Finish strong.”

33 ways to fall in love with autumn this year

Celebrations take on all forms. It may be in the form of a birthday party for 90-year-old, a card lovingly given for Valentine’s Day, or a family picnic to celebrate Labor Day. Although traditionally not celebrated, the first day of fall occurred on September 22. In recognition of fall and all of the joy that it brings, I thought it might be fun to, as a community, celebrate the first day of fall through some gardening projects. I hope that these ideas promote some thought and perhaps lead to a few joy-filled memories.

Fall in Love with Lurie Gardens

Many gardeners seek out sources of inspiration when considering improvements in their own landscaping. Lurie Garden located in Millennium Park in Chicago has provided inspiration for many gardeners since its opening just over 20 years ago. With over 330 plant types, there is much for gardeners to appreciate while wondering the two-and-a-half acre site.

For this column, Kathryn Deery, the Director of Horticulture for Lurie Garden, has agreed to answer a few questions for us about the garden, its features, the designers, visiting and the spring bulb display.

Rain, rain go away – picking plants that defy a drought

Tolerance is often viewed as a positive characteristic. Most people can recall a situation in their lives in which tolerance played a crucial role. Tolerating my dog, who now chooses to begin needing attention when I am talking on the phone, has become a necessary behavior of mine this summer. Whether we are tolerating an animal or person, tolerance usually allows us to get through a situation more easily.

The root of the problem: whom to ask about plant health

Symptoms are generally better treated when there is a diagnosis. This is true whether there is a rash on your hand or brown spots on the leaves of a crab tree. While a dermatologist is the best person to contact regarding a rash, the Plant Clinic at The Morton Arboretum is able to assist you with questions regarding crab trees. The Plant Clinic offers answers firmly based in science about flowers, shrubs and trees.

New heights: gardening from the ground up

“Come out and see this!” Chris, my husband, exclaimed on a recent Saturday morning. He had stopped at a garage sale and purchased what he deemed a treasure. He was thrilled to find a small metal ladder that had oval planting containers hooked on several rungs. His vision included setting the raised planter near our vegetable garden and having vines grow to cover the sides and rungs of the ladder with beautiful flowers. After talking through a few options, we decided to plant morning glory seeds in the three metal planters. We knew whatever we planted in the small containers would not live through the winter so an annual vine seemed like the natural choice. I view morning glories as a guilty pleasure. Although they can be invasive, each time I see them they make me smile.

In their defense: what you can do to support the environment

“Never underestimate the power of a small group of committed people to change the world. In fact, it is the only thing that ever has.”

Although this quote is attributed to Margaret Mead, it could very easily be the motto of the Environmental Defenders of McHenry County. For over 50 years, they have worked diligently protecting our ecosystem and preserving our natural environment all while educating residents. They have successfully protected valuable areas such as Ryder’s Woods in Woodstock and the Volo Bog State Natural Area. They also assisted in the development of the Crystal Lake watershed protection ordinance and the McHenry County Stormwater ordinance.

Repelling rabbits: how to keep the bunnies at bay

Over the past 48 years, time and time again, our family has enjoyed going to the same restaurant. We have enjoyed hundreds of dinners, thousands of hours of laughter, and copious amounts of delicious food. El Niagara in Woodstock has firmly established itself as our go to place when dining out. Over the past almost five decades, nothing has stopped us from enjoying delicious carne asada, fajitas and chimichangas from their menu. Even when the restaurant burnt down, we waited patiently for it to be rebuilt and then went back.

Roses are red: how to handle thorny plants

Roses. It seems gardeners either love them or hate them. There is often no in between. The people who hate them have typically tried to grow them, but have become frustrated because they didn’t perform up to their expectations. Ensuring roses live up to expectations involves choosing wisely what rose to plant and knowing how and when to care for the roses that have been planted. In recognition of June being National Rose Month, this column delves into the different categories of roses, suggested plant installation techniques and best practices when it comes to rose care.

A recipe for gardening success

Hosting family gatherings is something that I truly love to do. The more the merrier. Yes, it can be exhausting, but creating those family memories is so important. The part of hosting for which I need the most help is preparing the food. Cooking does not come naturally to me. For each family gathering I have a stack of recipes that I follow explicitly. Whether I am cooking for two or twenty, I cannot make anything without a piece of paper by my side that leads me through the process.

Throwing shade: gardening away from the sun

Change is perhaps the only constant as humans mature and age. While this natural process can bring many unwanted or unwelcomed consequences there are also numerous benefits. Developing a healthy routine, creating stability, and reducing life conflicts are often part of the maturation process. With age comes wisdom is an adage that is actively demonstrated time and time again. Mature adults often have more time to explore interests or hobbies than their younger counterparts. The daily activities of a 70-year-old are often very different than a 30-year-old, and that is a good thing!

Not all classrooms have four walls: Life lessons from the garden

Formal education, while important, doesn’t always translate to success or happiness in life. Education, whether it is at the primary, secondary, or post-secondary level offers us a chance to interact with peers, learn from teachers and create lifelong memories. True education, though, I would argue comes outside of the four walls of a classroom. While I absolutely loved my time at Texas A & M University, I can honestly say that I only use a small portion of what I learned from my professors. In the decades since graduation, it is what I learned from gardeners and gardening that has been my true enlightenment.

Food for thought: creating beautiful, lush plants through fertilizing

Chris, my husband, and I began a healthy habit this winter. Each morning, with breakfast, we mix a packet of Emergen-C in a glass of water. Emergen-C is a powder that helps to boost the immune system and provides nutrients such as antioxidants and electrolytes. Since we began taking Emergen-C we have not been sick. While I fully admit, this may be a coincidence, I do appreciate the feeling that we are starting off our day by doing something healthy.

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.

Proudly Serving the Community of
Sun City in Huntley

Kathleen Carr