Articles
Gardening Articles
Research-based horticulture information to help keep your plants and gardens thriving.
Thyronectria Canker
Thyronectria canker is a common fungal disease of honeylocust, occurring wherever this tree is grown. Thyronectria canker is non-lethal and typically causes relatively minor damage to affected trees.
Iris Severe Mosaic
Iris severe mosaic (also called yellow latent disease or gray disease) is a potentially severe viral disease that can adversely affect both bulb and rhizome-forming irises, as well as crocuses.
Landscaping Alternatives for Common Invasive Wetland and Aquatic Plants
Aquatic and wetland plants are great additions to your water gardens, ponds, and rain gardens to oxygenate the water, shelter and feed wildlife, provide beauty, and support pollinators. The plants we choose for rain gardens are also key to how it will function to reduce runoff. Over time, we have learned that many invasive plants introduced to our gardens impact native species by spreading into natural areas.
Landscaping Alternatives for Terrestrial Invasive Flowers and Grasses
Flowers, grasses, and sedges are great additions to your gardens and home landscape to intercept and control dirty water, store and cycle carbon, promote healthy soil, shelter and feed wildlife, and provide pollinator support. Over time, we have learned that many plants introduced into our gardens can negatively impact native species by spreading into natural areas.
What’s the deal with “No Mow May?”
Have you heard about “No Mow May?” Many people have committed to not mowing their yards in May, allowing flowering plants to grow to help provide food for pollinators. Before you stow away your mower for May, let’s look at what options you can take to help pollinators this Spring.
Join in Community Science with the Wisconsin Wild Bee App
By: Claudio Gratton, Professor, UW-Madison Department of Entomology WiBee is a new community science smartphone app developed by the Gratton Lab at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Using WiBee, you can help increase the research data on diverse pollinator species and can also provide growers with better pollination management recommendations and share more information about the […]
10 Things to Consider for Weed Management When Establishing Pollinator Plantings
By: Mark Renz, Professor, Extension Weed Specialist, UW-Madison Planting pollinator friendly habitats is an important practice to help support pollinator conservation, but managing the weeds can make it challenging. In this video, you will learn about Mark Renz’s research about weed management options and what factors you should consider when planning and establishing pollinator plantings. […]
▶ Watch: How do Pesticides Affect Pollinators and Songbirds in Your Yard
In this video, you will learn what research studies have found about how pesticides affect pollinators and songbirds. You will also learn about what people have done to help in their yards and communities to aid pollinator health and habitats.
▶ Watch: Pollinator Gardens: Plant Selection and Garden Care
In this video, learn how to select and care for plants to attract and support diverse pollinators in your garden all season long. This presentation emphasizes native plants and pollinators and includes sustainable gardening practices.
Wisconsin’s Busy Bees: Getting to Know the Bees in Your Area
By: PJ Liesch, Extension Entomology Specialist, UW-Madison While bees such as honey bees and bumblebees are well-known, Wisconsin is home to nearly 500 species of bees. Most of these bees go unrecognized by the public but provide critical pollination services. In this video, you will learn about some of the commonest wild bees in the […]
Protecting Young Trees from Animal and Other Damage Over Winter
In winter, young trees are prone to a variety of hazards. In this video, learn how you can mitigate that damage by protecting young trees from potential wildlife damage and how to effectively protect trunks from winter sunscald damage.
▶ WATCH: Maintaining Your Festive Houseplants
Festive houseplants are common gifts in winter. In this video, learn how to keep a poinsettia, Christmas cactus, Norfolk Island Pine and other favorite gift plants thriving.
