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

In summer the delightful Sunflower (Helianthus) towers over the garden, its huge, yellow head bobbing cheerfully in the breeze. Among the garden’s tallest plants, sunflowers can reach an astounding height of 10 feet on their thick green stalks, their gigantic flower heads growing to nearly a foot in diameter.  ...read more