Some gardeners value stinging nettles for their use in tea and natural remedies for conditions such as arthritis, allergies and diabetes. The leaves, stems and roots are also edible, but should never be eaten raw, due to the stinging hairs on the plant. For those who see stinging nettles as more “foe” than “friend,” removing […]
You are browsing archives for
Month: July 2018
Surprise! Lilies make early appearance
This year has been one surprise after another, with extremely extended winter weather into April, followed by sweltering summertime heat in May. Many fall bloomers were in full glory by mid-July and already a few days ago, surprise lilies, which reliably come up at the end of July or early August, were making their annual […]
Invasive worm identified in Iowa; acts l...
Two counties in Iowa have confirmed an invasive species of earthworm called a “jumping worm.” Learn more about the confirmation in today’s announcement – Wednesday, July 25, 2018 – from the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship: DUBUQUE, Iowa — An invasive species of earthworm was recently confirmed in Dubuque and Muscatine counties by […]
Historic building will be demolished wit...
NOTE: The City Council meeting is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, July 24, 2018, in the Council Chambers, third floor of City Hall, 101 First St. SE. Sign up to speak by completing the sign-up sheet in the back of the Council Chambers before the meeting begins. If you cannot attend, messages to the City […]
Midwestern native chosen to lead Czech m...
The National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library, based in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, named a new president and CEO today. Cecilia Rokusek will succeed Gail Naughton, who retired earlier this summer after 16 years of leading the renowned museum. Related: Gail Naughton’s Memorial Day remarks See other Czech news in Iowa, here, and learn more […]
What the Farm Bureau doesn’t want you to
Fairfield, Iowa, farmer and soil scientist Francis Thicke wrote a response to an editorial on water quality published in the Des Moines Register. Thicke said the June 28 editorial, by Iowa’s Secretary of Agriculture, Mike Naig, contained the “usual misinformation on nitrate put forth by the Farm Bureau and other ag groups.” While the Register […]
Demonstrators protest VP Pence visit to ...
CEDAR RAPIDS – Demonstrators braved sweltering heat Wednesday to protest Vice President Mike Pence’s visit to Rockwell Collins in Cedar Rapids. Nearly 100 people stood across the street from the headquarters of the largest employer in the city while Pence, accompanied by U.S. Rep. Rod Blum (R-IA,) spoke to workers inside. Less than a handful […]
What to feed fireflies
Many young Iowans, and others, have spent time catching lightning bugs during steamy summer nights. Also known as fireflies, lightning bugs are among the insects that fascinate young and old alike. Like many of our beloved creatures in recent decades, firefly populations appear on the decline, due to pesticide use, loss of habitat and other […]
Linn County Master Gardeners to host fir...
The Linn County Master Gardeners annual Garden Walk, set for Saturday, July 7, 2018, will feature something new. A “garden crawl” will allow visitors to have a card stamped at each garden on the tour for a chance to win a beautiful garden bench. Admission for the garden tour, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. […]