Alternatives to Lawn: Groundcovers

Groundcover plants are low growing perennials that spread by trailing stems and cover an area of the ground. Groundcovers provide an excellent alternative for turfgrasses in shade and other tough areas in the landscape. Established groundcovers require relatively low maintenance, outcompete weeds, reduce soil erosion, provide habitat for pollinators, and enhance aesthetic beauty in the landscape.

Beyond Birdfeeders: How to be a Bird-friendly Gardener

Birds play countless roles in healthy ecosystems and in helping humans—which is why preserving bird diversity helps everyone. These roles include ecosystem services such as seed dispersal, pest control and pollination. In addition, birds are entertaining to watch, connect us to nature, and seeing and hearing birds can boost our moods!

Houseplant Care

Amy Gibbs* and Brian Hudelson, UW-Madison Plant Pathology Revised:  5/11/2010 Item number:  XHT1033 Where do I put my houseplant in my home?  Two of the most important factors in placing a houseplant in your home are light and temperature.  Know both the light requirements of your plant and the sources of light in your home […]

Marigolds

Marigolds are highly regarded for their vibrant flowers, minimal maintenance requirements, and ease of cultivation. Found in gardens worldwide, these flowers are cherished valued for their visual allure, cultural significance, and application in integrated pest management.

Peony

Peonies are a perennial garden favorite, celebrated for their large, fragrant blooms and exceptional longevity. From the wide selection of growth forms and varieties, peonies offer lush foliage and eye-catching blossoms, making them a centerpiece in any garden setting.

Thyronectria Canker

Authors: Brian Hudelson, UW Plant PathologyLast Revised: 12/16/2021D-number: D0114 What is Thyronectria canker?  Thyronectria canker is a common fungal disease of honeylocust (Gleditsia triacanthos), occurring wherever this tree is grown.  Black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia) and Kentucky coffeetree (Gymnocladus dioicus) have also been reported to be susceptible to the disease.  Thyronectria canker is non-lethal and typically causes relatively minor […]

Iris Severe Mosaic

Authors: Derrick Grunwald and Renee Rioux, UW-Madison Plant PathologyLast Revised: 12/13/2021D-number: D0130 What is 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.  German bearded irises are particularly susceptible to the disease.  Commercially produced irises […]

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 […]

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