By JESSICA DAMIANO – Associated Press Many people try to save water just to do the right thing (and save money too). But when a severe drought hits and state and local governments enforce restrictions, water conservation becomes non-negotiable. So far this summer, nearly 65% of the United States and Puerto Rico have experienced “unusually … Read more
Clemson University Drought and heat are inevitable challenges in the vegetable garden. In the southeastern United States, rain can seem like a festival or a famine—there’s either too much or too little. Unpredictable rainfall combined with periods of extreme heat make summer the most stressful season (for plants and people) in the garden. Wet summers … Read more
URBANA – Poisonous hemlock (Conium maculatum) has received a lot of attention lately, with reports of nationwide population expansion and resulting increased human contact with this poisonous plant. However, there is some confusion about the risk this plant poses to humans and animals and what measures should be taken to protect it. The wild carrot … Read more
Is the salt shaker a permanent fixture on your table? Do you automatically reach for it in restaurants? For many of us, it’s an automatically ingrained behavior. We don’t even taste food before we salt it. However, you may hear from your doctor and other sources to monitor your sodium or salt intake. What does … Read more
It’s time to write this column and get it off the ground. Although the mercury column on the thermometer is already up to 79 degrees, a breeze comes through the windows. Yesterday was different and much warmer with less wind and higher humidity. Daughter Elizabeth and Tim and four children plus daughter Loretta and Dustin … Read more
Norman Winter Tribune news service Trays of flower transplants will no longer cause a mess, a sore back from picking them up and cluttering the garden shed with thoughts of future use. Thanks to the Eco+ Grande Pots, which surprised most of us at the garden center this year, we can now just pull four … Read more
URBANA — As gardeners know, weeds grow almost anywhere. Plants can even survive cracks in the pavement if soil, water and light are present. Whether a plant is considered a weed depends on how it affects the intended use of the site and who is looking at it. “A white oak seedling is not normally … Read more
JODIE VALADE The Charlotte Observer On a patch of lawn outside the fence surrounding the community garden at Fred Alexander Park, a cherry tree is dying and Reggie Singleton knows why. The brown, bare branches of the tree stand in stark contrast to the two peach trees planted next to it, which already sprout the … Read more
June WV Woodland Stewards seminar scheduled for June 28thThe WV Woodland Stewards June Seminar will be held on June 28th from 6:00pm to 8:30pm. See attached detailed agenda or below. In this seminar the speakers will cover: • Production and application of biochar • Seasonal activity of plants and animals • ARBUP with forest measuring … Read more
By JESSICA DAMIANO Associated Press Imagine this: you have planted milkweed, bee balm or California lilac and are happy to see bees and butterflies fluttering around in your garden. They are comfortable feeding pollinators and love the life these plants attract to your garden. As you stroll past your beds to check on your tomatoes, … Read more