While Iowans have basked in summer-like weather for most of this fall, forecasts predict a possible freeze this week. Some parts of the state may have already experienced a light frost, but a freeze — when temperatures dip below 32 degrees — is more damaging to plants. In 2023, parts of Iowa escaped a killing […]
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Category: gardening
Why lilacs are blooming out of season in...
Typically a harbinger of spring, lilacs have made an off-season appearance in Iowa this August and September. Lilac bushes that lost their foliage over the summer have blossomed in pale purples as the season ended. Just as stress brought on by Iowa’s 2020 hurricane-strength derecho led spring-blooming trees to blossom in the fall, the fragrant […]
Magic lilies bring early surprise
That time of year is arriving a bit early this summer. Magic lilies, also known as surprise lilies or naked ladies, tend to bloom in synchronicity in Iowa. If you see them popping up in one part of town, you’ll generally see them in another. Abundant rain in Iowa may have led to an earlier […]
More than 20 Iowa City-area gardens spot...
IOWA CITY, Iowa — Gardeners can find inspiration at more than 20 area gardens that will be open to the public during Project GREEN’s Open Gardens Weekend 2024. Project GREEN has curated more than 20 host gardens — private and public – that will be open from 4-8 p.m. Saturday, July 13, and 10 a.m. […]
A Midsummer Night’s mystery: theft from
“The robbed that smiles steals something from the thief.” — William Shakespeare’s “Othello” CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa — Supporters of Shakespeare Garden in Cedar Rapids had plenty to smile about during their annual Midsummer Garden Arts Fair on Saturday, June 29, 2024, in spite of a hit to their revitalization efforts for the nearly century-old garden. […]
Native plant sale among features at Noel...
CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa — The Noelridge Greenhouse is hosting its annual Mother’s Day Showcase this Sunday, May 12, a free event that began in 1972. Read more from the city of Cedar Rapids about the 2024 showcase: The annual Mother’s Day Showcase is Sunday, May 12 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Noelridge Greenhouse, […]
Plant sales jump start gardens in Easter...
Iowa’s roller-coaster weather continues this spring, after record high temperatures in February followed by winterlike winds and frost just this weekend in late April. Read about the Three Frozen Kings frost warning legend Generally, perennials, such as hosta, daylilies and native plants, can tolerate frost, though some annual flowers and vegetables are tender and prefer […]
Bunnies, bonnets and more from the Noelr...
CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa — Visitors flocked to the Noelridge Greenhouse for a touch of spring during the annual Easter Showcase. Tropical plants, cacti, seedlings and other plants that grow inside were on display March 30 and 31, 2024, intermingled with stuffed bunnies and other Easter décor. House plants, native and perennial plants, birdhouses and pressed […]
A devilish theory on Good Friday potato ...
Gardeners who follow Good Friday potato planting lore face an extra consideration this year, as Good Friday falls relatively early in 2024, happening on March 29, followed by Easter on Sunday, March 31. While horticulture experts point to soil temperatures and general planting advice based on zones in Iowa, some gardeners prefer to stick to […]
Noelridge Greenhouse Easter Showcase set...
CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa — A popular event makes a return to the Noelridge Greenhouse with the annual Easter Showcase. The showcase will be 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. both Saturday, March 30, and Sunday, March 31, 2024, at the Noelridge Greenhouse, 4900 Council St. NE. Admission is free. The first 500 children, ages 12 years […]