Peoria County Extension Director

 I remember quite well those past Thanksgiving dinners. Mom would prepare the turkey, serve it for dinner and then my brothers and I would “circle like vultures,” consuming the remainder throughout the entire day.  Gone are those days. With the ever-present plethora of food-born illnesses, diligence in regard to food...
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“With more “time on their hands” than ever before, Americans today are pursuing personal dreams, ideas and interests in developing their own unique leisure lifestyles.” David Robson, Horticulture Educator with University of Illinois Extension, provides these thoughts on “Finding a Leisure Lifestyle in Bulb Gardening.” “A leisure lifestyle may be as lively and invigorating...
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The weather has not been kind to our lawns the past 18 months. However, rains and predictions for normal rainfall for the next 90 days means that things should improve, states David Robson, University of Illinois Extension horticulture educator, Springfield Center. Lawns thinned out—by hot, dry temperatures, diseases or insects—but otherwise satisfactory can be...
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Our Peoria County Master Gardeners, through the Helpline, have been inundated with questions concerning ladybugs. David Robson, Extension Horticulture Educator, provides some thoughts concerning that “mixed blessing.” “Ladybugs are important predators of aphids and other insects. If you buy these insects to put out in your yard or garden, they must be handled...
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Driving up the gas pump recently can elicit that “internal silent scream.” Compounding the initial pump investment” is the potential to have such precious drops taken out of the tank. Rick Atterberry, University of Illinois Communications Specialist, provides some thoughts on reducing the potential for gasoline theft. “So-called “drive away” thefts of gasoline are...
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Over the last couple years, I have continued to hear more interest in “organics.” Some are concerned with their health, while some the environment. Whatever one’s focus of concern, there are ways in which you can garden “organically”, at home. David Robson, Extension Horticulture Educator, shares some principles for those interested...
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I have yet to be considered an “alarmist” and have no thought of being one now. Yet, I do “prepare to be prepared.” Last week we, in central Illinois, were served an appetizer of what the New Madrid fault has to serve up. Once more we are reminded that we are incapable of...
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The frigid temperatures are surely not a harbinger of spring, yet we know that the warmer weather and gardening is closer each day. Yet, we need not wait for the outside flowers to paint our mind’s canvass. David Robson, Extension Horticulture Educator from the Springfield Center, provides some insight into enjoying the yearlong delight...
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One of the consequences of our “roller coaster” temperatures has been the stress it creates in trees. David Robson, Extension Horticulture Educator from the Springfield Extension Center, provides some insight into addressing this stress. “Frost cracks, separation of bark and wood in trees, are likely upshots of the recent intense cold in December followed...
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We have all been inundated with the “stuff:” candies, cookies, fruitcake, eggnog and all those holiday opportunities to enjoy those culinary delights. The problem lies in that January 1 rounds the corner and our clothing appears to have shrunk over the holiday season. Then, enter the “diet season.” The resolution decisions to be...
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