The first days of autumn will be here before we know it. If your peonies have seen better days, there are several tasks you can be doing now to ensure bountiful blooms next spring. Continue reading
Author Archives: Elizabeth Exstrom
The Painted Lady Parade
Thistle Butterfly, Cosmopolitan, or Painted Lady Butterfly; no matter what you call them, the parade has been spectacular this year. This year has been a good year to see hundreds of butterflies fluttering around. Continue reading
Turf Timing

Rotary spreader applying fertilizer
Labor Day weekend is quickly approaching. This weekend signals many things: the end of the Nebraska State Fair, the start of school, and the perfect time to fertilize lawns. Find out the benefits of fertilizing lawns now, decode the mystery of fertilizer numbers, and compare application equipment.
Bewildered by Bagworms?

Evergreen bagworms on juniper. Photo courtesy Digital Diagnostic network.
Webworms & bagworms… are they the same thing? If not, why does it make a difference whether you have bagworms or webworms? It can make a big difference which insect you have to control and the damage that they cause. Correct identification is key to knowing how to control these pests. Continue reading
Tiny Terrors: The Voracious Japanese Beetle
They’re baaaaccck!! That’s right, the Japanese beetles are back. What exactly is a Japanese beetle and why should we be concerned? Knowing a little bit about these tiny terrors will help keep your landscape from becoming their next meal. Continue reading
The Bad Kind of Fungus…Turf Fungus

Summer Patch disease
Fungus can be both a good and a bad thing. Mushrooms on pizza are an example of good fungus. Fungus in lawns, on the other hand, are nearer the other end of the spectrum. If your turf is looking a little thin and brown in spots; you are not alone. Fungus and hot temperatures have wreaked havoc on lawns this year, but there is still time to make your lawn look full and lush for this fall. Continue reading
Weed Wars
It’s a never ending war… the battle against weeds. Sadly the weeds we are trying to kill are not the only ones who suffer damage and have to pay the price. Find out what you can do in order to make sure it is the weeds that are suffering and not your tasty vegetables. Continue reading
Nebraska Wildflower Week 2017

Blue Flax- photo taken by M. Knuth
A week devoted to wildflowers is just about as good as a holiday devoted to trees. While Arbor Day is a well-known holiday celebrated across the state, Nebraska Wildflower Week should be celebrated just as much.
Rhubarb- The (sometimes) Toxic Tyrant

Rhubarb crisp, rhubarb jam, rhubarb cake… let me count the ways. Rhubarb is a hardy vegetable that is great for our area, but it also has a dark side. Find out ways to get rhubarb growing in tip top shape and what you need to keep in mind to stay safe. Continue reading
Combat Crabgrass
Warm weather and timely rains means two things. Spring is here. Weeds aren’t far behind. Find out what you can do now to help prevent weeds from taking over your lawn this year. Continue reading

