As fall comes closer, migrating birds will start winging their way south to warmer climates. The first Vs of Canada geese have already split Midwestern skies. Quite a few birds, however, spend their winters in Midwestern and northern states. As unlikely as it seems, among our native winter dwellers will be some birds that have traveled south from their chilly summer habitats in the northern wilds of Canada to spend their winters in the relative warmth of the snowy Midwest. ...read more

Ornamental Grasses add texture and motion to the garden in any season, but it is in autumn when seed heads form that ornamental grasses and their look-alike cousins sedges and rushes are most intriguing. From the gracefully arching, six-foot plumes of Stipa (Giant Feather Grass) that tower over the garden to the fuzzy dusters protruding from clumps of Festuca (Fescue) that tickle our legs as we weed, the seed pods of decorative grasses charm and delight.  ...read more