Plants that look like rocks? Those would be living stones, in the genus Lithops. These are small succulent plants that survive in their harsh environment by having much of the plant body below ground, and only the wide leaf end visible above the rocky ground. To learn more about these fascinating plants that make good houseplants, read this article…
Burro’s tail is a low maintenance houseplant best grown in hanging containers that will showcase its fleshy, bluish green leaves covering the long, drooping stems. This succulent tender perennial does best in bright light and can be moved outdoors during the growing season. To learn more about Sedum morganianum, read this article…
Fairy rings are circular areas of abnormal turf growth most commonly found on lawns and golf courses where soils have high levels of organic matter. Learn what to do if fairy rings appear in your lawn in this concise factsheet.
Spotted lanternfly (SLF) is an invasive planthopper native to Asia. Though not yet found in Wisconsin, SLF has potential for severe damage on a large plant host range. Learn what to watch for with this new pest.
Cucumber mosaic is a viral disease that affects a wide range of fruits, vegetables, herbaceous and woody ornamentals, and weeds. This factsheet covers identification and ways to prevent this incurable disease.
Most of us have eaten capers at one time or another – those salty, slightly astringent and pungent, pea-sized, dark green things used as a seasoning or garnish in Mediterranean dishes or with lox. But do you know what the plant is that you’re eating? Learn all about what capers are in this article…
Basil downy mildew is a devastating disease that affects the leaves, branches, and stems of many types of basil commonly used for cooking. This factsheet describes symptoms and how to avoid problems with this disease.
Stinkhorns are mushrooms that can appear in mulch, lawns, and areas with bare soil. Stinkhorns do not cause plant disease, and can be beneficial, as described in this factsheet.
Cultivated for thousands of years for both culinary and medicinal uses – and to repel vampires – garlic is a well-known herb. Learn more about the many types of garlic and how to grow it, harvest and use it…
The praying mantids are a group of insects with very characteristic front legs designed to capture and hold prey. The common name comes from the way the legs are held upright when hunting, but they don’t really have any religious affiliations. To learn more about these fascinating predators, read this article…
Add some blue to any garden with the herbaceous perennial mealycup sage grown as an annual. The shrubby upright clumps produce tall, sturdy flower stems above the foliage, with dense whorls of dark blue, light blue, purple, or white flowers. Learn more about these tough, heat-tolerant plants that bloom from early summer to frost…
Although a bit weedy because it self-seeds readily, if you have a feline friend, catnip is must-have. This mint family member native to Eurasia contains a compound that is very attractive to most cats. The plant itself can be an attractive addition to the garden, especially when in bloom. Learn more about catnip in this article…
