“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 […]
By Nancy Shevel Trees provide enjoyment and beauty to our landscapes and community. Studies have shown that hospital patients recover faster if their room offers a view of trees! Conversely, […]
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 […]
With all the foliage gone, now is the perfect time to start planning. If you have some open areas in your gardens or landscape, there are several summer blooming bulbs […]
This might be a good time to reimagine or reinvent your gardens and landscapes using native plants, shrubs, and trees, which were here before the settlers arrived in McHenry County […]
Like the poinsettia, the amaryllis is cultivated to bloom during the winter holiday season. And just like the poinsettia, it is usually thrown into the compost bin after blooming is […]
No flower reminds us of the winter holiday season more than the large showy poinsettia plant (Euphorbia pulcherrima ). Like the chrysanthemums that many people buy for fall color and […]
In my columns, I try to promote the use of native plants in your landscape. Sometimes though the heart must have what the heart desires. I’m talking about chrysanthemums, which […]
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.
