Brittle like parchment, the arctic air sliced through the landscape with little resistance as it slashed and gnawed at flesh like a hungry, rabid beast.  It was fit for no creature, great nor small.  Experts call it a polar vortex.  We call it Winter.     So as we skirt into 2018, bright, shiny,…

  The shadow of Winter loomed large in the brooding skies and biting air.  Foliage lay fleeced in the icy dew of the killing frosts.  Birds and squirrels hasten their preparations as nature shifts to self-preservation mode for the long, cold season ahead.   We too must heed nature’s call by preparing our lawn…

  The fragile, silvery strand caught a splinter of light, momentarily shimmering and glistening in the summer sun.  As the wind began to roil and swirl, the spider’s silk became untethered, taking flight upon the breeze.  An almost invisible moment became apparent.  A shared secret to keep.   The soil, in our yards…

The fragile, silvery strand caught a splinter of light, momentarily shimmering and glistening in the summer sun.  As the wind began to roil and swirl, the spider’s silk became untethered, taking flight upon the breeze.  An almost invisible moment became apparent.  A shared secret to keep. The soil, in our yards and gardens,…

The stars dangled off the branches like delicate, silver ornaments while the moon drenched the earth in a luminous glow.  Distant geese chortled as the frogs croaked rhythmically in their grassy fens.  It was a perfect Spring night.  Life was awakening, flexing its prowess. Literally, within mere days, it seems the landscape has…

October caramelizes the landscape with deeply saturated tones and sweet, mellow flair.  The static display of Summer foliage turns dynamic, each species unique in color, aflame against the sky. According to the US Forest Service, Illinois is in the throes of peak color.  We know this not to be true as…

I am anything but an environmental zealot, far from it. I have grown weary of the “green movement” which has raised numerous suspicions while questioning the intent and increasing power of the EPA.  Their ever-changing, over reaching legislation has created a lucrative business on the backs of business owners and…

Wow, what a spectacular weekend!  As luck would have it, our first annual, family camping trip was met with perfect weather, and the most beautiful, wondrous fall back drop imaginable.  The landscape was dotted with dramatic fall color, from the hard wood forests to the rolling prairies. The brazen trees reflected…

When you read the title, did you find yourself harkening back to Kermit the Frog, strumming the banjo while crooning, “It’s not easy being green…”?  Ah, those were the days. Well, you’ve probably noticed that our landscapes have been greening up nicely in the past week, but we’re still way…

Change is in the air.  Cool, crisp change.  The first day of Fall is this Saturday, September 22nd, and I for one welcome it with open arms.  Now, is a busy time in our yards and gardens as we take advantage of the perfect growing conditions and prepare for the…