Northern & Central Midwest
July, 2006
Regional Report
National News - From NGA Editors
Poison Ivy Gets Pumped Up
One of the scourges of summer is dermatitis from contact with poison ivy. The leaves, branches, and roots of this perennial vining weed contain an oil ( urushiol ) that, once it penetrates your...
The First True Red Hydrangea
One visit to your local garden center and its clear that mophead hydrangeas ( Hydrangea macrophylla ) are very popular. While pink or blue flowers have been the most popular colors, plant...
Veggies Help Prevent Clogged Arteries
Its common knowledge that eating vegetables is good for us, and a recent study helps us understand at least one reason why. In laboratory tests on rodents, researchers at Wake Forest University...
Add Water-Absorbing Gel After Planting
Water-absorbing crystals are often used to keep containers, hanging baskets, and pots moist during dry summer weather. The traditional way to apply the crystals is to mix them into the potting...
In the Garden
Hollyhock, An Old-Fashioned Favorite
I grew up making hollyhock dolls from my grandmother's hollyhocks. There was something special about the tissue-paper petals in soft pastel hues. And something grand about the 8-foot-tall flower spikes that give such tremendous stature and architecture...
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Resources
Shows & Events
All About Peppers at the Chicago Botanic Garden Become a pepperhead at the Chicago Botanic Garden's All About Peppers weekend, August 5 and 6...
Web Finds
National Agricultural Library The National Agricultural library Web site has every link you could possibly need, in addition...
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Regional Reminders
- Watch for Emerald Ash Borer
- Keep Mosquitoes From Breeding in Your Yard
- Watch Tomatoes for Leaf Spot
- Mulch Your Garden
- Prune Suckers and Watersprouts
