Sandra Mason: 2016 trial standouts
Let's face it; plants have to be tough to survive the expectations of Illinois gardeners and the pings and perils of Illinois summers.One of the great corollaries of being a gardener is the opportunity...
View ArticleSandra Mason: Small bulbs pack big punch
With a little work in October, we will be rewarded with a major color show in early spring.With a little work in October, we will be rewarded with a major color show in early spring, when the rest of...
View ArticleSandra Mason: Holes in trees: Borer or bird?
A myriad of insects, often beetles or clearwing moths, have a larval form that chews wood.Got holes in your tree? A myriad of insects, often beetles or clearwing moths, have a larval form that chews...
View ArticleSandra Mason: New uninvited guests
Brown marmorated stink bugs are popping up in more places.This fall, we've had an extended warm period. In fact, the statewide average temperature for October was 59.8 degrees, 5.4 degrees above normal...
View ArticleSandra Mason: Insects on the menu
Much of the world figured out long ago that entomophagy can be a healthy, environmentally friendly gastronomical option.As you plan your Thanksgiving feast, is caterpillar custard or grasshopper gravy...
View ArticleSandra Mason: Gardeners are a thankful bunch
Hopefully, we haven't given up on "thanks" and "giving" this holiday season.In an article earlier this year, I highlighted the writing of Dr. William Sullivan, a professor and the leader of the...
View ArticleSandra Mason: What not to say to the extreme gardener
A simple phrase of praise goes a long way with a gardener. However, words of disparagement have sharp points.With world event worries and cold weather concerns, even my dog is getting squirrely. Not...
View ArticleSandra Mason: How good are indoor plants at fighting pollution?
Researchers aren't yet certain, but they know that they do help filter out volatile organic compounds that build up when we seal buildings against winter weather.Ahhh — that new-carpet smell....
View ArticleSandra Mason: History lessons on holiday plants
Plants are an important part of many winter traditions, but sometimes the origins of those traditions are not always clear.Evergreen trees, poinsettias and mistletoe — plants are an important part of...
View ArticleSandra Mason: The gift of gardening
There's plenty of creative ways to get children interested in working the soil."The love of gardening is a seed once sown that never dies."— Gertrude JekyllEvery gardener can trace their roots back to...
View ArticleSandra Mason: My 2017 garden resolutions
In January, my thoughts wander to a new garden season.It's January. My thoughts wander to a new garden season. Spring seems so far away. Maybe I should buy a Chia Pet. Or maybe I should water my...
View ArticleSandra Mason: Tantalizing tomatoes
For gardeners, the idea of planning and producing our own tomatoes is just the kick we need to get us through the winter doldrums."Gardening — Cheaper than therapy and you get tomatoes" is a...
View ArticleSandra Mason: Easy-care houseplants
Succulents, including cactuses, offer the perfect combination of weird and wonderful.I prefer plants that are quick-change artists. I expect a plant to metamorphose into a bigger plant, a flowering...
View ArticleSandra Mason: You may be a serious gardener if ...
I consider myself an avid gardener, not a rabid gardener — but sometimes, I question my rationality.I consider myself an avid gardener, not a rabid gardener — but sometimes, I question my...
View ArticleSandra Mason: Gardening brings us together
Some final advice as my 24-year run as a columnist comes to an end.On Jan. 2, 1993, my first Homeowners Column, "Selecting Seeds for the New Year," appeared in The News-Gazette. Over these 24 years and...
View Article
