Gardening resources, an interview with Brenda Dahlfors

Successful gardeners rely on all sorts of support. Personal experiences, friendly advice, research orientated books, plant-based events, and horticulture programs all can assist homeowners as they live and learn while trying to grow vegetables, flowers and shrubs. For 114 years, Illinois residents have benefited from the research and education of the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign’s Extension programs.

Making our new house a home: Creating an outdoor oasis

Chris, my husband, and I are traveling a path on which many of you have traveled before. We are empty nesters who are downsizing. We have chosen to sell the home in which we have raised a family, developed a beautiful private outdoor oasis, and created countless memories. We are grateful to be able to move into my grandparent’s old farm house. The farm house located only a few miles away from our current home holds wonderful memories but little in the way of landscaping and certainly no outdoor oasis. We have our work cut out for us and thankfully we have learned so much from homeowners, like you, who have successfully navigated from one phase of life to the next.

Bathing in the forest

Whether we like it or not, our world is becoming more electronics-focused. Information that we used to get from books, we now derive from our computer. Communication that previously took the form of face-to-face conversations is now done through our smart phones. The average American spends 7 hours and 4 minutes staring at a screen per day. Only 1/3 of all adults spend more than 1 hour a day outside. Children spend less time outdoors than any other generation.

Native plants always the right choice

Recently, while traveling back from Oregon State University for our daughter’s graduation, I had just enough time in the airport to choose a snack for the flight and then hurry to the gate to board the plane. The pressure was on. It was mid-afternoon when we boarded the plane but it would be well into the evening before we disembarked. What should I choose to provide sustenance for the next four hours? As I saw it, my options were a blueberry scone, a bag of potato chips, or a fresh-made salad. Ultimately, I chose the salad figuring that it was the option that was the healthiest for me and perhaps for the environment. Choosing what to plant in our yards is a bit like deciding what to put into our bodies. What not only brings us joy, but is also good for the environment and those around us?

Power plant: how your garden combats climate change

In life we all have choices to make. Some choices are mundane such as choosing which shirt to wear, figuring out what to make for dinner, or deciding on the next Netflix series to watch. Other choices can be much more difficult, such as at what age to retire, making medical decisions or picking a vacation destination. We also have choices regarding the plants that we grow in our yards. Those choices revolve around flower color, mature height and width, the maintenance required, and the environmental conditions in which the plant grows best. Another factor may be whether the plant is a native or non-native. This column includes a description of native plants, the benefits of planting native plants and resources for those who would like more information.

Ten trees to plant today

It finally happened. It. Finally. Happened.

For the past 25 years I have driven through this beautiful community while admiring the hundreds of trees planted along each side of the street. For the first time last week, I admired the gorgeous arches formed as a result of parkway trees, planted on opposites sides of the street, now being tall and wide enough to touch each other. This glorious sight coupled with the wonderful feeling of driving under blocks of majestic trees now mature enough to form a dense canopy was tremendously rewarding. As Del Webb’s Sun City Huntley celebrates its 25th year, the trees planted so many years ago are a testament to the residents who have nurtured them for the past two and a half decades.

We take it for granted that whether or not we see it, the sun is above us in the sky each and every day. Clouds may obscure our view, but we know that the sun is there shining bright. This star influences our planet in several key ways. It determines our seasons, influences the climate, drives our weather patterns and assists in controlling the ocean currents. All living plants are dependent upon the sun and could not survive without it.

The dos and don’ts of landscaping

When raising my children, I emphasized that you don’t take no for an answer. You overcome your obstacles, create opportunities, and persevere through situations. While respecting rules is always the way forward, you don’t necessarily need to listen to what other people tell you is or isn’t possible. I say all that in preparation for telling you what is or isn’t possible in your own yard.

Updating the outside of your home

Chris, my husband, and I have been updating our home this winter. As we have lived here for over 20 years, it was time for the inside of our home to be refreshed. Our gold fixtures are being replaced with brushed nickel, we are installing hardwood flooring in place of carpeting and the beige walls are being painted over with shades of grey. While we aren’t trendy people, it does feel good to be making these improvements. The inside of our home will soon reflect the beauty that we have created on the outside. Just as there are interior design home trends, there are also gardening trends. Here is a preview of the top gardening trends for 2024.

Giving thanks to all that surrounds in nature

As we approach the much-loved Thanksgiving holiday, it feels like an appropriate time to give thanks to all that our landscaping, our community and nature give to us. As I write this column, I am able to view the beauty of sunshine filtering through the bright red leaves on a maple tree. This common fall sight has brightened my afternoon and brought joy. It is by our interactions with nature, that joy can be found throughout the day.

Tucking your plants into bed for the winter

Tucking our children into bed used to be a treasured ritual. It included snuggling and reading a book, a bath, combing their hair, brushing their teeth and, of course, hugs, kisses, and a made-up story about something fanciful. Our wonderful little ones are now fully independent and employed adults living in three different states, so the bedtime ritual in our home, while no less important, is not nearly so treasured. Taking medication, brushing one’s teeth, and setting out clothes for the next day just doesn’t hold the same appeal.

Giving tree: how caring for nature can lead to real joy

My son, Christopher, graduated college in May. He lives in Tennessee, and we have been meeting virtually each Friday to discuss his job search. I can unabashedly say it is the highlight of my week. Our weekly chats give him an opportunity to let me know what he has accomplished and for me to give him feedback and ideas of where he should be focusing his efforts. The feeling that I am tangibly helping him to chart his future is very rewarding. As Elie Tahari observed “Sooner or later, you realize that real fulfillment comes only from helping others. All of the rest is just temporary.”

Reading between the vines

In the hopes that all of us have a few extra moments this fall to read here is information about a few gardening books, blogs, e-newsletters and a YouTube channel that I thought you might enjoy.

Water works: bringing another element into your garden

Last Sunday afternoon, my husband, myself and our puppy, Annie, headed off to the nearby Conservation District area. Spending time in nature is something that we all thoroughly enjoy and do as often as possible. What was different during this outing is that went to a park that had access to a stream. The addition of water meant our level of joy skyrocketed. Our English Springer Spaniel literally galloped on the banks of the stream as she seemed to smile with delight. We sat, talked, and watched in amazement as she swam, ran and bathed in the fresh water. Her joy at the addition of water to our outdoor activity was obvious to everyone who hiked by us.

Seven farmers markets you don’t want to miss

The season of summer brings many things: ample sunlight, conversations outdoors with neighbors, quiet time spent reading outside and recreational activities with family. For many of us, one special highlight of summer is eating farm-fresh fruits and vegetables. Farmer’s markets offer a very special experience of bringing people together in a fun, friendly environment.

Thankfully, our area has a wide variety of different options when it comes to Farmer’s Markets. Each market has its own personality. The markets vary based on their type, the array of offerings, number of vendors, location and hours. While not a comprehensive list, here are a few area farmer’s markets that you may want to check out.

A different breed: new plants to expand your garden

Plant breeders often spend their entire lives dedicated to the development of a better version of a plant. They work diligently at developing plants that have characteristics that make them superior to other similar plants. These characteristics may include compact form, disease resistance, fragrant flower, colorful foliage, and drought tolerant. Today’s column focuses on 20 new plants that, thanks to plant breeders, have many of those characteristics.

How to hydrate your plants

For years I was lucky enough to have a job that allowed me to work right next to my grandparent’s home. Many mornings I would stop by to visit for a few moments while they were enjoying their breakfast. Each and every day my grandfather would be eating a grapefruit and each and every day he tried to convince me that I should also eat one. He was convinced that it was the key to his good health. Although he was never able to convince me to begin my days eating the bitter citrus fruit, I did adopt his habit of starting my day by doing something healthy. Before I drink any caffeine, I drink two bottles of water. This guarantees that I drink at least half of the recommended daily amount of water before 7 a.m. Although I make a point of hydrating myself, this summer, I challenge all of us to make a point of hydrating our plants.

Moonlight garden

The influence of others can help us in many ways. A glimmer of hope can be seen when before we only saw despair. Encouragement in the form of a smile can change the trajectory of one’s day. Others can help us see things from a different perspective. Annie, my puppy, has helped me see the beauty in darkness. We spend time each evening, well after the sun has set, outside. While in the past, I would have spent that time staring at a screen, I now stare at the beauty nature has to offer under the stars.

Gardening myths explained

For the past few days big black ants have been crawling on the floor of my office. I have been putting up with the presence of the ants because I thought they were needed to open the beautiful peony buds right outside my office window. It turns out though that it is a myth that ants are needed to open the flower buds on peonies. Ants, while can often be found on peonies, are not needed for the buds to open. Peonies buds can open on their own. This and several other gardening myths will be busted in today’s column.

#Plantsdothat

Sometimes it seems that negativity surrounds us. News outlets consistently report on the number of shootings the previous 24 hours, online posts glorify what in the past would have been considered by some inappropriate behavior and forecasters doom and gloom with respect to the weather and inflation. As humans our behavior tends to lead us to complain more than we express our gratitude. With all of this pessimism it is immensely gratifying to know that there is a group that works incredibly hard to support creativity and innovation as it relates to environmental, social and economic issues.

An interview with the Huntley Park District

For almost 60 years, the Huntley Park District has been a true community treasure. The 28 acres donated by Mr. Edwin Deicke in the 1960’s has grown to 175 acres that currently make up 15 parks. Tens of thousands of people of all ages have enjoyed spending time in the parks as well as facilities such as Cosman Cultural Center and Stingray Bay. Wesley Peete, the Director of Parks and Facilities, has graciously agreed to share some of his knowledge about the parks with our readers.

The root of the matter: the importance of quality soil

A strong foundation is important in many aspects of life. Giving children a strong foundation in the form of family helps them as they transition into adulthood. Sleeping on a mattress that is comfortable gives us the foundation at night for rest so that we may have prosperous day. Our homes literally rely on a strong foundation for their integrity.

Top 10 gardening trends of 2023

Recently, Chris, my husband, and I enjoyed breakfast at a new restaurant: Maple and Hash in Pingree Grove. While the food was delicious, what I liked even more was that it felt like we were experiencing a new trend in dining. The exposed beam ceilings, painted farm silhouettes, and a coffee bar were all beautiful and welcoming. For an hour or so on a Saturday morning we were part of a refreshing change.

How to care for your avian neighbors

Recently our family grew by 4 paws. Annie, an English Springer Spaniel puppy joined our household. She has taught me just how beautiful the frost is on the ground as the sun is rising, to appreciate the joy in running through 4 inches of freshly fallen snow and to listen, really listen when birds are chirping nearby. She is acutely away of noises, that frankly, I would not really even hear. This has brought a greater appreciation of all of the birds in our area, even during the winter.

Birds play a substantial part in keeping our ecosystem healthy. They pollinate plants, disperse seeds, control pests, act as an early warning system for the spread of disease, distribute nutrients, protect wetlands and much more. So much more that they are considered crucial for people and the planet to thrive. Preserving bird diversity helps everyone.

Secret garden: how tiny plants can reinvent your indoors

Caring for houseplants has always been a bit of a struggle for me. This winter, I have tried to educate myself as to how to care for them properly. Thankfully I found the book Tiny Plants: Discover the joys of growing and collecting itty-bitty houseplants by Leslie Halleck. It is a mix of beautiful pictures, funny observations and wonderful advice. For this column, I am interviewing the author.

Let’s do ‘Plants’ for $400

For this column, I thought it might be fun to have a gardening themed trivia game.

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