June 7, 2013
Borers in Declining Ash Trees
Ash trees decline for a variety of reasons, and not just because of the emerald ash borer.
Lack of Flowers on Common Lilacs
Cultivars of the common or French hybrid lilac (Syringa vulgaris) often do not bloom for several (five or more) years after planting. The shrubs must grow an
There's Still Time to Plant the Vegetable Garden
The record rainfall this spring has prevented some Iowans from planting their vegetable gardens. Fortunately, there is still time to plant many vegetable crops.
All about Irises
The bearded iris is an easy-to-grow perennial flower that performs reliably in Iowa gardens. However, periodic maintenance is required. See the
Sowbugs in the Landscape and Garden
Quiz Question: What animal in your garden is most closely related to lobsters, shrimp, crayfish and crabs?
The answer: Our common terrestrial crustacean, the sowbug.
That's right. When most of us think of the crustaceans (lobsters and their relatives) we think of the edible crustaceans that live in the ocean or in fresh water. But gardeners have a common and frequently-abundant lobster-relative that lives under the mulch in the garden and landscape.