What is blister canker? Blister canker (also known as nailhead canker) is a potentially lethal disease that primarily affects apple and crabapple trees. Other trees and shrubs grown in Wisconsin that can be affected by the disease include American elm, honey locust, hornbeam, magnolia, mountain-ash (rowan), oak, pear, and serviceberry. What does blister canker look […]
After flooding occurs, gardeners often raise questions about the safety of consuming produce from gardens that were under water for a day or two.
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.
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!
Authors: Amy Gibbs* and Brian Hudelson, UW-Madison Plant Pathology Houseplants offer many benefits beyond beautifying a space. Not only can they improve the air quality in your home, they also can improve your mental well-being and reduce stress through basic care techniques. Caring for houseplants involves attention to light, temperature, water, and nutrients. Proper placement […]
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.
Find suggestions for which trees and shrubs to plant to increase diversity in a changing climate.
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.
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 damage to affected trees. What does […]
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 and crocuses affected by iris severe mosaic cannot […]
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.
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.
