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What is that blue flower on Iowa’s roads

If you drive on nearly any Iowa county road and many main highways, too, you’ve undoubtedly seen light blue flowers brightening the roadside. Although not native to North America, chicory (Cichorium intybus) has become ubiquitous in the state, and many others, as well. According to Polk County Conservation, Chicory was introduced to North America from […]

Iowa couple grow “hosta heaven”

By Cindy Hadish/for Iowa Gardener Starting with one plant division from a friend, the gardens of Nancy and Jay McWherter have grown to include an impressive collection of more than 1,000 varieties of hosta, along with tropical plants and more. Variegated hosta, such as ‘Sagae,’ blues like ‘Blue Mammoth,’ and large-leaf cultivars including ‘Sum and […]

What do lightning bugs eat?

What do lightning bugs eat?

Summer is still, officially, several days away, but summer insects already have been active. Lightning bugs, also known as fireflies, are among the insects that fascinate young and old alike. Several years ago, I attended a Winter Gardening Fair in which entomologist Donald Lewis answered some of my burning questions regarding this beneficial beetle. Lewis […]

Market and brews debut at Lion Bridge in...

CEDAR RAPIDS – Local vendors sold mushrooms and more Thursday, June 9, 2016, during the first night farmers market at Lion Bridge Brewing Company in Czech Village. Customers enjoyed Lion Bridge brews while shopping from Ebert Honey, Full Moon Cafe, Local Crumb, Mushroom Mills, Bass Farms and Z Barn of Monticello, which offered antibiotic-free chicken. The […]