By Nancy Shevel After writing about native flowers, shrubs, and trees, I thought it might be fun to explore Illinois native mammals and birds. Illinois was discovered in 1673, settled in 1720, and entered the Union in 1818. Long before humans arrived, 29,000 species of mammals, birds, and insects were here. Some species were driven […]
By Nancy Shevel You can’t go wrong with flavorful herbs grown in your own backyard. You can also grow some of the most commonly used spices in your yard with little effort. Onion sets can be planted in March or early April. Purchase firm and dormant sets and divide into large (larger then a dime) […]
By Nancy Shevel Herbs and spices can do more than provide calorie-free natural flavorings. They are an incredible source of antioxidants, help your metabolism, and improve your health at the same time. In your culinary experience, what is the difference between herbs and spices? “Herbs are the friend of the physician and the pride of […]
By Nancy Shevel About 4,400 different species of worms are grouped into five families. Of those thousands of species, 2,700 are considered earthworms. American gardens are called home by at least 30 different species of earthworms. Are they garden friends of foes? When you see them in your gardens, they are usually indicative of healthy […]
By Nancy Shevel Feeling old? The earliest fossil records of ferns date back about 360 million years ago (Devonian Period). The first humans (hominins) started appearing only 6 million years ago (Miocene Epoch). Humans kept evolving, changing through the Pliocene and Pleistocene periods, to what we are today – a mere 12,000 years later. In […]
By Nancy Shevel Garden cleanup can start in early April or may have to be delayed for a few weeks because of the unpredictable and variable weather in our area this year. Variable spring weather will determine when your plants will start growing. Now that we’ve finally had at least a week with temperatures above […]
By Nancy Shevel One definition of home grown is “grown or produced at home for local consumption.“ When buying produce at the store, do you really know where it was grown and what fertilizers/pesticides were used in producing it? You can pay more for produce labeled “organic,“ or you can grow your own and have […]
“Plant a tree outside a classroom window and test scores improve. Plant a tree outside a hospital room and the patients in the facility heal faster. Studies show that apartment buildings with treed courtyards house families that undergo fewer divorces, higher graduation rates, and less juvenile delinquency than nearby apartment complexes with no trees (entomologist.” […]
By Nancy Shevel It’s been said that weeds are just a “plant out of place.” Most of your typical yard weeds were brought here by European settlers. That “ out of place” plant will compete for fertilizer, sunlight, moisture, and space with the desirable plants you have planted. Weed management starts with prevention. In gardens […]
To prune shrubbery, or not to prune shrubbery? That is the question. It has been said that pruning is both a science and an art. Pruning is used to improve the health of a plant by removing dead, damaged, and diseased parts of the plant. This helps with air circulation, structural strength, and rejuvenation. After […]
Larry Lough is editor of The Independent and reports local news.
Janet Dovidio has been a freelance correspondent for The Independent for eight years.
Susan W. Murray wrote for The Independent, covering various beats, from 2005 to 2008.
Tricia Carzoli is a freelance writer and photographer that on community news.
