#northernillinois

Little bluestem grass (Schizachyrium scoparium) front of the expanding swamp milkweed (Asclepias incarnata) patch. #NativePlants #NorthernIllinois #gardening

The first pic shows the shadow of a head-down bee through the leaf of a cup plant (Silphium perfoliatum). As the name describes, the leaves attach completely around the stem, creating a large rain-holding cup on this large plant. I wonder if this aids flying creatures and thwarts walking ones? We haven't had rain for a while, and I leave water saucers out but maybe I'll fill some of these natural pockets too. #NativePlants #NorthernIllinois #gardening #pollinators

I took a vet fishing this morning here in the Driftless. After six hours, we'd accounted for over 20 bass and a single bluegill. It was a crazy morning, we just hit them at the right time with the right lures. (Wacky worm rig with Senkos, bluegill-like crankbait) Just a couple of photos from the lake. #fishing #BassFishing #NorthernIllinois #Driftless

Only a handful are open right now but the entire wild bergamot (Monarda fistulosa) area is so primed. #NativePlants #NorthernIllinois #gardening #pollinators #bees #BloomScrolling

80F in early spring and 30F in late spring results in frost-damaged peas and frost-damaged Joe Pye (Eutrochium fistulosum). Luckily, plants are tough. #NativePlants #gardening #NorthernIllinois

The wild geraniums (Geranium maculatum) are 3x larger than last year. I'm also finding their catapulted seeds germinating all over lol. I'm glad they're in a happy place. Such lovely color and doing great in part shade. #gardening #NorthernIllinois #NativePlants #BloomScrolling

Requesting #gardening advice. I want to try potatoes this year but it has been so rainy. I'm reluctant to put the seed pieces in. Am I being too cautious? More storms are coming in this week. #NorthernIllinois

A weekend of almosts in #NorthernIllinois. Hit 80F and the bees are out but the plants aren't ready for them yet. Pictured: marsh marigold (Caltha palustris) and tulips. #gardening #NativePlants

I now know the plantain-leaved sedges (Carex plantaginea) will provide the first flowers of the #garden. Eventually, the rabbits move on to other meals but these sedges are very popular right now. #NativePlants #gardening #NorthernIllinois #BloomScrolling

Took off some leaf mulch layers over the garlics about two weeks ago. Put a layer or two back today. Here comes a freeze. #gardening #NorthernIllinois