Featured Content

Why is My Hackberry Dropping Yellow Leaves?

Hackberry trees across the state are losing yellow leaves. However, this is a normal response to changing weather, and the long-term health of the tree is not in danger.

Healthy hackberry tree.

Blue Blooms for the Midwestern Garden

Blue flowers are trending. While blue is considered a rare hue in nature, there are several beautiful blooms you can add to your garden and landscape. Find a perennial, annual, groundcover, bulb, or vine in beautiful blue. Consider a few for containers or accents to celebrate the 4th of July this year.

Garden Trivia


What is the difference between a trellis, an arbor, and a pergola?



Read on to see the answer!

Growing Green Beans

Growing green beans is one of the easiest ways to enjoy fresh produce right from your garden, but a few common problems can limit your harvest. Learn how to plant, care for, and troubleshoot issues to keep your beans productive all season long.

Variety of green beans.
Jack Frost brunnera.

All About Brunnera

Tired of deer eating your hostas?Heartleaf brunnera may be just for you! Brunnera is a shade-loving perennial grown for its heart-shaped foliage and bright blue spring flowers, thriving in moist soils. It’s similar in size and leaf shape to hosta, and is just as reliable and low-maintenance.

Summer Lawn Care

Spring weather generates a lot of growth (and mowing) for the lawn. But as we transition into warmer, drier weather the turf will start to show more signs of stress. Learn what changes to make to your lawn care routine to help the lawn do well, even in the summer.

Lawn mower in the lawn.
Strawberry plant in the garden.

Understanding Strawberry Types for the Home Garden

Not all strawberries are created equal. Learn the key differences between June-bearing, everbearing, and day-neutral types and discover which type will give you the harvest and maintenance level you want.

Other Items of Interest

Garden Trivia Answer


While these terms are sometimes used interchangeably, they are distinctly different garden features. A trellis is a two-dimensional, vertical support for plants. Arbors are small freestanding archways that can support vining plants and serve as a decorative garden element or gateway. A pergola is a large open air structure used for shade or to create an outdoor room or seating space. The one thing they all have in common is they are great structures for growing vines. Find a great vine for your yard in this article: Perennial Vines for Iowa.

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Yard and Garden Website

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Plant and Insect Diagnostic Clinic

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