Page 2 2025 Spring Home and Garden LINCOLN DAILY NEWS April 2025
Page 3 2025 Spring Home and Garden LINCOLN DAILY NEWS April 2025 Table of Contents 04: The best laid plans of mice and men 06: Grow Produce Year Round with Microgreens and Sprouts 10: Have a berry good year growing Strawberries, Raspberries,and Blackberries 18: The search for the illusive Morel – in your backyard! 22: Support Your Local Pollinators: Grow a Pollinator Garden 26: Who doesn’t need a ‘She Shed’? 30: Creating the Perfect Reading Nook 32: Getting squeezed out of your home, create your place in an underused space 36: Find your signature interior look with earthy neutrals that evoke a feeling of serenity 40: Why not print the house of your dreams! 3D Printed Homes:The Future of Construction?
Page 4 2025 Spring Home and Garden LINCOLN DAILY NEWS April 2025 “The best laid plans of mice and men” paraphrased from the poem “The Mouse” by Robert Burns are words I often mutter when one of my carefully planned projects goes completely awry. “Threw a wrench in the works,” an idiom that tracks back to the industrialist era where machines were experimental and often broken intentionally by workers recognizing that automation would replace manpower, is the phrase I use to explain why my plan did not work out as expected. Continued -- The best laid plans of mice and men
Page 5 2025 Spring Home and Garden LINCOLN DAILY NEWS April 2025 At this point in our socio-economic history we are in the “best laid” stage and are hoping that no one throws a wrench in the works. We’re experiencing some real uncertainty regarding the future of consumer pricing due to the current “tariff wars” that our government is engaged in. If all goes by the current plan, the long-term result will be that we as Americans become more self-sufficient in terms of manufacturing and food production, and thus we will become economically more secure and even prosperous. We can only hope that no one throws a wrench in the works. But in the meantime, we are in for some rough times. We can expect that prices will be on the rise, that products that we get from other countries such as something as simple as fruits and vegetables to items as complicated as farm fertilizers and steel may even become limited. Of course, this is not the first time we have experienced hard times. In fact, we can track times throughout the history of this nation that we’ve experienced good times only to have them followed soon by particularly tough ones. The cycles run up and down and we figure out how to adjust. For the immediate, adjusting may mean making do with what we have, learning to adjust our current spaces into something we can live with in the long term, and growing more of our own food so we can bear the burden of increased food costs on the items we cannot grow. Making do, adjusting and becoming more self sufficient is the crux of the Lincoln Daily News 2025 Spring Lawn and Garden Magazine. In this edition, writers took on topics such as growing fruits that do well in the Illinois climate, creating a year-round source for micro-greens and sprouts, and even trying your hand at growing mushrooms in your basement or backyard. We also look at taking what we have in our home and making it into what we need for the moment. Whether it be finding extra space for a growing family or creating a safe haven of peace and quiet to help relieve our stress, you’ll find some good suggestions here. In addition, you’ll find suggestions on how to develop pollinator gardens because, after all, we need those pollinators in order to have good production of many of our garden crops. And we’ve included a “the future is now” article about 3D printing that new house of your dreams. Frankly, we look forward to the day when the first 3D home comes to Logan County. That will definitely be a newsworthy item, and it also could be a great tourist attraction as we believe people will come from near and far to take a good look at just how that work is accomplished. We want to remind our readers that our magazines for the most part are for “entertainment purposes only.” We don’t propose to tell people what to do, but we do hope to inspire our readers to think outside of their own little boxes and explore the possibilities in their own backyard. We hope you enjoy the magazine and maybe find a little something you are interested in trying out for yourself. Happy Reading! Nila Smith
Page 6 2025 Spring Home and Garden LINCOLN DAILY NEWS April 2025 Avid gardeners will recognize the midwinter longing for the day they can get back outside, dig in the soil, and watch the fruits and vegetables grow. What if we could grow fresh food all year round, even without a greenhouse? It is possible with some basic materials and the right knowledge. Dr. Jennifer Nelson, adjunct instructor at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign in the College of ACES, provided the materials and the knowledge in her workshop entitled Growing Microgreens and Sprouts at Home at the Logan County Master Gardeners’ Russel Allen Garden Day on March 15 in Lincoln. Dr. Nelson provided information about supplies, safety practices, step-by-step instructions, as well as materials for getting started in this manner of indoor gardening that can provide fresh and highly nutritious homegrown produce all year long. Grow Produce Year Round with Microgreens and Sprouts Dr. Nelson began by explaining the difference between microgreens and sprouts. Microgreens need soil for growth and some light (though not necessarily grow lights) and we eat only the top; they take a longer time to be ready to harvest, but when ready can be harvested as needed. Sprouts, on the other hand, do not need soil or light and we eat the whole sprout. Sprouts must be consumed within one or two days after they are ready. Both microgreens and sprouts are nutritional powerhouses and are delicious on tacos, avocado toast, salads, in stir-frys, atop soups, or anywhere you might eat lettuce or other greens. When growing microgreens, there is no need for special seeds, although microgreen seeds may have a better germination rate. Microgreens are actually vegetables and herbs in the seedling stage of the plant’s life cycle and can be grown from broccoli, basil, radish, and other common seeds. The key to growing successful microgreens is to not let them dry out. Although microgreens will not grow back after being cut, they are easy to grow in succession planting. Sprouts can be grown with just water, but they must not be allowed to get too wet. There should be no standing or pooling Continued --
Page 7 2025 Spring Home and Garden LINCOLN DAILY NEWS April 2025 water, otherwise the sprouts may rot or grow mold. It is not necessary to use filtered water unless the home’s tap water causes problems for houseplants. When growing sprouts, it is important to use seeds labeled for sprouting, which are produced in a controlled environment and tested for microorganisms that may cause illness. The first step in growing both microgreens and sprouts is to wash your hands and all containers thoroughly to prevent contamination. To grow microgreens, Dr. Nelson recommends using a hemp fiber grow mat and a deli clamshell. The hemp fiber cannot be reused but may be composted. A plastic deli clamshell can be found for purchase with food storage supplies. To prepare the hemp mat, remove it from the bag, place it white side down in the container, and saturate the mat with water. Drain any excess water. Dr. Nelson recommends the hemp mat should be as wet as a wrung-out washcloth. Next, sprinkle the seeds over the moistened hemp mat and cover with the container lid (open the lid after three days). Place the container in a window or near light, but away from cold drafts. Keep the mat moist; a spray bottle is the easiest way. The microgreen seeds should germinate in three to five days and should be ready to harvest and eat in eight to ten days. For growing sprouts, Dr. Nelson recommends a 16 ounce canning jar, one canning jar band, and one piece of window screen or other mesh of 5 inches by 5 inches for draining the sprouts. Sanitized hands and equipment are especially critical for growing sprouts to avoid spreading and fostering harmful microorganisms. Growing sprouts takes about a week from beginning to ready-to-eat and require the seeds and developing sprouts to be rinsed with clean water twice each day. The water must be allowed to drain thoroughly to avoid rot and mold, which will make the sprouts unsafe to eat. After disinfecting hands, the jar, lid, and screen with hot soapy water and rinsing thoroughly, add seeds to the jar and secure the jar band. Allow the seeds to soak for eight to twelve hours or overnight. After the allotted time, with the screen and jar still in place, drain the
Page 8 2025 Spring Home and Garden LINCOLN DAILY NEWS April 2025 water from the seeds, then fill again halfway with water, swish the seeds in the water and drain a second time. Shake the seeds away from the screen so that they spread along the side of the jar (do not open the jar or touch the seeds. Lay the jar on its side. Water may pool with the seeds; gently tip the jar to drain excess water. Keeping the seeds in darkness, such as covering the jar with a cloth, can improve germination. However, do not cover the screen, so that air may continue to flow. In the evening, rinse the seeds again and place the jar back on its side following the previous steps. Follow the rinsing process twice daily, morning and night. Seeds should germinate quickly, and sprouts are usually ready to eat in four to seven days, depending on the type of sprout. The day before eating, you may want to leave them in light to become green, however, do not put them in direct or strong sunlight as this may “cook” them. Rinse the sprouts before consuming and dry them before refrigerating. A salad spinner works well to remove excess water. Sprouts will last one to two days in the refrigerator. With some basic materials and proper sanitation and care, anyone can become an indoor gardener and grow fresh greens for themselves and their families all year round! [Stephanie Hall]
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Page 10 2025 Spring Home and Garden LINCOLN DAILY NEWS April 2025 Continued -- Growing berries in your garden can be a delightful and rewarding experience, however finding berries that are the easiest and most bearing in Illinois is a little more of a challenge when it comes to the care and pests. If you want a variety of berries to put in your oatmeal or salad on a daily basis, then picking up containers at the grocery store is your best bet. But if you want the satisfaction of growing your own, you should do your research and start out small. In the beginning you might not have the same wide variety or options that a grocery store can give you, but you will have the glory and cost savings of having your own when you want them. Strawberries, raspberries, and blackberries are the most popular choices for home gardeners due to their delicious taste and versatility in various culinary applications, Strawberries Strawberries are herbaceous plants that produce small, red, sweet fruits. They grow low to the ground and have a relatively short growing season. The fruits are typically juicy and can be eaten fresh or used in various recipes. Have a berry good year growing Strawberries, Raspberries, and Blackberries Planting: Strawberries are typically planted in early spring, after the last frost. Choose a sunny location with well-drained soil. Plant the strawberries about eighteen inches apart in rows spaced twenty-four inches apart. Harvesting: Strawberries are usually ready for harvest 4 to 6 weeks after flowering. Harvesting can continue throughout late spring and early summer. Freezing: Wash and hull the strawberries, then spread them on a baking sheet to freeze. Transfer to airtight containers once frozen. Jam: Combine strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice in a pot. Cook until thickened and store in sterilized jars. Drying: Slice strawberries and dry them in a dehydrator. Store in airtight container Raspberries Raspberries are perennial plants that produce small, sweet, and sometimes tart fruits. They can be red, black, purple, or yellow, depending on the variety. Raspberries grow on canes and can be harvested multiple times throughout the growing season. They are often used in jams, jellies, and desserts. Planting: Raspberries can be planted in early spring or late fall. Select a location with full sun and well-drained soil. Plant raspberry canes 2 to 3 feet apart, with row spacing about eight feet.
Page 11 2025 Spring Home and Garden LINCOLN DAILY NEWS April 2025 Harvesting: Depending on the variety, raspberries can be harvested from late spring to early fall. They are ready when they easily detach from the cane. Freezing: Wash raspberries and spread them on a baking sheet to freeze. Transfer to airtight containers once frozen. Jam: Combine raspberries, sugar, and lemon juice in a pot. Cook until thickened and store in sterilized jars. Drying: Spread raspberries in a dehydrator and dry them. Store in airtight containers. Blackberries Blackberries are also perennial and produce larger, black, or dark purple fruits. They grow on thorny or thornless canes and have a longer growing season compared to strawberries. The fruits are rich and sweet, suitable for fresh consumption, baking, and preserves. Planting: Blackberries are best planted in early spring. Choose a sunny spot with welldrained soil. Space blackberry plants 3 to 5 feet apart in rows that are 6 to 8 feet apart. Harvesting: Blackberries are typically harvested in mid-summer to early fall. They are ready when they turn dark and can be easily picked. Freezing: Wash blackberries and spread them on a baking sheet to freeze. Transfer to airtight containers once frozen. Jam: Combine blackberries, sugar, and lemon juice in a pot. Cook until thickened and store in sterilized jars. Drying: Spread blackberries in a dehydrator and dry them. Store in airtight containers. Growing strawberries, raspberries, and blackberries can enhance your garden and provide you with fresh, delicious fruits to enjoy throughout the growing season. By understanding the differences between these berries, knowing when to plant and harvest, and exploring various canning and preserving options, you can make the most of your berry gardening experience. Whether you prefer eating them fresh or preserving them Continued --
Page 12 2025 Spring Home and Garden LINCOLN DAILY NEWS April 2025 for later use, these berries offer a multitude of possibilities to delight your taste buds. Happy gardening! Other Berries That Grow in Illinois Illinois, known for its fertile soil and favorable climate, and is home to a variety of berry species that flourish across the state. Beyond strawberries, raspberries, and blackberries, there are several other types of berries that gardeners and farmers can cultivate in their gardens. By growing a variety of berries in Illinois you can enhance your garden and provide you with a diverse range of delicious, fresh fruits to enjoy throughout the growing season. By understanding the specific needs and characteristics of each berry type, you can maximize your gardening success and relish the bounty of your labor. Here is a rundown of various other berries that can grow in Illinois: Blueberries Blueberries are a popular choice among Illinois gardeners due to their sweet flavor and numerous health benefits. Soil/Growth: They thrive in well-drained, acidic soil and require full sun exposure. Planting/Harvesting Time: The best time to plant blueberry bushes is in the spring, and they typically begin to produce fruit in their second or third year of growth. Maintenance: Regular pruning and fertilizing will help ensure a bountiful harvest. Elderberries Elderberries are known for their versatility in both culinary and medicinal applications. Soil/Growth: These berries grow on large shrubs and prefer moist, well-drained soil and prefer full sun, however, it can grow in partial shade very easily. Elderberry plants are relatively easy to care for and can tolerate a range of soil types. Planting/Harvesting Time: With huge bunches of flowers growing during the second year of growth, these dark purple berries can be harvested in mid-to-late July, depending on the weather. And the berries can be used to make jams, syrups, and wines. Maintenance: Make sure that you plant this where it is okay for the shrub to spread out throughout the coming years. Gooseberries Gooseberries are another excellent choice for Illinois gardens. Soil: These small, tart berries grow on thorny stems that prefer a moist well-drained soil and a sunny location. However, they are not particular on where they land and will grow just about anywhere. Planting/Harvesting Time: Gooseberry bushes are self-fertile so one will do well and should be planted between late autumn and early spring with the best time being in November or December. Gooseberries are typically harvested in July and the average gooseberry bush produces eleven pounds of Continued --
Page 13 2025 Spring Home and Garden LINCOLN DAILY NEWS April 2025 berries! These berries can be eaten fresh off the bush or used in pies, jams, and jellies. Maintenance: Pruning is important to maintain the health and productivity of gooseberry bushes and to give them a chance to produce a bumper crop. However, if you do not have the time, these bushes are amazingly easy to maintain and leave them to produce this sweet berry. Cranberries Cranberries are well-suited to the cooler climate of northern Illinois. These berries thrive more in cooler areas that are not facing south. Soil: These berries grow in bogs or marshes and require acidic, sandy soil with consistent moisture, such as sand or peaty bogland. Planting/Harvesting Time: Cranberry plants need plenty of sunlight and can be planted in the fall from October to early November or in the spring from mid-April to the end of May. Harvesting usually takes place in the fall about three to four years after planting. The berries are commonly used in sauces, juices, and baked goods. Maintenance: Cranberries take time and patience and are susceptible to pests and diseases like fruit worms and mildew. With careful regular fertilizing, controlling weeds and providing adequate moisture cranberries can be a terrific addition to your garden. Currants Currants, both red and black varieties, thrive in the Illinois climate. This berry is one of the most underrated berries. This berry is packed with vitamins, antioxidants, and flavor. This bush was banned in the US in the early 1900’s because it was linked to the spread of a white pine blister rust that threatened the timber industry. So, make sure you check with your local regulations before planting. Soil: These berries grow on small bushes that prefer well-drained soil while avoiding waterlogged areas. Currants need to grow in sun or partial shade and thrive on the afternoon shade while in warmer climates. Since this soil should be between 5.5 and 7.0 ph., a raised bed might be a better option for this berry. Planting/Harvesting Time: The best time to plant currants is in the early fall which allows the root to get established before winter. Currants are typically harvested in early to mid-summer and are known for their tart flavor, making them ideal for jams, jellies, and baking. Maintenance: This berry is extremely easy to grow, takes up little space and extraordinarily little effort while having a natural resistance to many pests and diseases. Regular pruning helps maintain the vigor and productivity of currant bushes.
Page 14 2025 Spring Home and Garden LINCOLN DAILY NEWS April 2025 Mulberries Mulberry trees are a common sight in Illinois gardens. These trees produce sweet, juicy berries that can be eaten fresh or used in pies, jams, and wines. Keep in mind that under ripen berries can cause stomach aches, the sap can be considered toxic, and this tree can grow quite large which can live hundreds of years. Birds and other pests also love this tree as well, so make sure to plant in an area away from the house or sidewalks due to the bird population and because the berries will fall to the ground creating a mess. Soil: Mulberries prefer well-drained soil and full sun exposure. Make sure to plant them far away from foundations and are drought tolerant. Planting/Harvesting Time: Mulberry trees should be planted in the spring. The tree will produce flowers in the early spring with both male and female blooms. These resemble blackberries and will ripen in stages. The berries will drop from the tree as they mature. Maintenance: They are low-maintenance and can grow quite large, providing shade and fruit for many years. Pruning, mulching, and controlling any unwanted pests and diseases are needed for the tree’s overall success. Serviceberries Serviceberries, also known as Juneberries, are native to Illinois and produce small, sweet berries in early summer. Soil/Growth: This showstopping shrub has a beautiful small white flower in May that attracts bees and other pollinators. The berries Continued --
Page 15 2025 Spring Home and Garden LINCOLN DAILY NEWS April 2025 grow on shrubs or small trees that prefer welldrained soil and full sun to partial shade. Planting/Harvesting Time: Before summer starts, the berries change from green to red to a deep blue which signals they are ready to be harvested. Serviceberries can be eaten fresh or used in pies, jams, and syrups. They are also attractive landscaping plants, providing beautiful spring blossoms and colorful fall foliage. Maintenance: Other than occasional pruning, these shrubs do not demand much care and will thrive in the right location and conditions. Haskap Berries Haskap berries, or honeyberries, are a newer addition to the Illinois berry scene. These newer bushes are beautiful, provide delicious fruit with a wide range of health benefits. Soil: These berries grow on hardy shrubs and are known for their unique, tangy flavor. Haskap plants prefer well-drained soil and full sun exposure. Planting/Harvesting Time: The best time to plant these bushes is in the spring or fall. Some say that it might be best to start this from seed since it can take up to three years to bear fruit. Harvesting typically occurs from late spring to early summer, when the berries are plump and fully ripened to a deep shade of blue purple and come off the stem easily. The berries can be used in jams, jellies, and desserts. Maintenance: These bushes have relatively minimal maintenance and can survive quite well in cooler temperatures. The normal Continued --
Page 16 2025 Spring Home and Garden LINCOLN DAILY NEWS April 2025 pruning and cutting of dead branches are necessary. *Haskap plants are selfincompatible and cannot pollinate themselves, therefore, you will have to plant two different varieties for proper pollination and berry production. [JA Hodgdon-Ruppel] Sources: 10 Best Berries to Grow in Illinois (2023) Guide https://thegardeningdad.com/best-berries-togrow-in-illinois/ Growing Strawberries | Small Fruits for Home Gardens | Illinois Extension | UIUC https://extension.illinois.edu/small-fruits/ growing-strawberries Fruit Trees and Plants for Illinois - Stark Bro's https://www.starkbros.com/page/fruit-treesand-plants-for-illinois Best Fruits and Vegetables to Grow in Illinois | How to Farming https://www.howtofarming.com/best-fruitsand-vegetables-to-grow-in-illinois/ Summer Recipes With Fresh Berries https://ilfbpartners.com/food/summer-recipesfresh-berries/ Enhance your Garden with Edible Landscaping Shrubs | Flowers, Fruits, and Frass | Illinois Extension | UIUC https://extension.illinois.edu/blogs/flowersfruits-and-frass/2024-03-27-enhance-yourgarden-edible-landscaping-shrubs Complete Guide to Haskaps (Honeyberries) | How To Grow + Harvest https://modernharvest.ca/complete-guide-tohaskaps/ Growing Mulberry Fruit Trees: How To Care For A Mulberry Tree | Gardening Know How https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ ornamental/trees/fruitless-mulberry/how-togrow-mulberry-trees.htm Growing Currants Made Easy: Plant, Care, and Harvest Guide | Lawnmowerfixed https://www.lawnmowerfixed.com/growingcurrants-made-easy-plant-care-and-harvestguide/ Growing Cranberries: How to Grow, Plant and Harvest Cranberries https://morningchores.com/growingcranberries/
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Page 18 2025 Spring Home and Garden LINCOLN DAILY NEWS April 2025 In Central Illinois, one of the best parts about the coming of spring is the prospect of finding those large golden fungi we all know as the Morel Mushroom. It’s a fun time of walking in the woods and exploring nature that culminates in the reward of that heavenly mana that we enjoy for only a very short time in the spring and then hunger for the other 10 to 11 months of the year. Some “hunters” have their special locations, they guard the secret as carefully as the government guards Fort Knox. Some take their special location to the grave, but if they really, really love their heirs, they may share their secret in a specially coded message buried deep down in the very fine print of their wills. Yes, those special fungi are just that important. However, we are constantly changing in society and one of the big changes is the elimination of those deep foliage wooded areas that by nature nurture the growth of morels. With woodland disappearing in exchange for housing, thus disappear the morels. The search for the illusive Morel – in your backyard! Continued --
Page 19 2025 Spring Home and Garden LINCOLN DAILY NEWS April 2025 The good news is that it is not impossible to cultivate morels and grow them in a specific location of your choosing. Hard, absolutely, but not impossible. According to self-acclaimed mushroom expert “Mrs. Mushroom,” It can take years to cultivate an outdoor mushroom patch and equally as long to create an indoor environment that will successfully sprout these sprouts. So, before you begin the process ask yourself if you are committed to the long wait in order to reap the short reward. You can purchase morel spawn/spores but you can also harvest the spores from the mushrooms you hunt in the wild and create what is called a spore slurry. Mrs. Mushroom offers this recipe: “Start with some clean, non-chlorinated water in a food-safe container. “Add a pinch of salt and about a tablespoon of molasses to the water and stir. You don’t need much of each. The salt is to inhibit bacterial growth; the molasses is to provide sugars for germinating spores. “Add mushrooms and let the mixture sit covered for 1 to 2 days in a temperate place. Any longer than that and you risk bacterial contamination. “After you strain and remove the mushrooms you’ll have a liquid with millions of spores!” She also notes that the mushrooms should be mature when plucked from the earth, and should not be dried out when starting the slurry. You can then spread the slurry in the appropriately prepared “bed” in your yard, seed a new “secret location” in a wooded area, or you can grow them inside in the appropriate environment. Creating that seed bed or appropriate environment is perhaps the most important part of the process because like out in the wild, morels like to grow in certain locations and conditions. Outdoors, the bed should be started in the summer or fall. Mushrooms need winter to sprout in the spring, so allowing the planted spores or slurry to “over-winter” is going to be the best scenario. Mushrooms require a “high fiber” diet so prepare the bed using sand and plenty of organic matter such as gypsum and peat moss. These will “lighten” the soil and mimic decay which is important. Then, to continue the “mimic” add ashes from burned wood. Mushrooms tend to flourish in areas where there have been forest fires, so this is an important part of the process. Additionally, you can add specific wood ashes, and also wood chips from trees that seem to be target Continued --
Page 20 2025 Spring Home and Garden LINCOLN DAILY NEWS April 2025 locations for the fungi. These would include ash, elm, old apple trees and even Tulip trees. After mixing the soil and preparing the bed, it also helps to spread wood chips of these same trees on top of the planted spores. Next choosing the planting spot will be important. Again, look for the right trees, and also an area that is shady and well drained. Now, not everyone is going to have the “right tree,” but you can plant one. To do this and incorporate the mushroom garden you can try another method, inoculation of spores into the tree root system. Growing mushrooms indoors is going to be almost as difficult as growing them outside. But the best part of that story is that you can buy kits for indoor patches. Shop for the kit you like, then the best advice Mrs. Mushroom can give is follow the instructions that come with the kit. She notes that most will start with the bed preparation and it will probably be similar to what she shares. After all this effort, Mrs. Mushroom says that you may not be successful as Morels don’t grow on demand regardless of how perfect the conditions. There are however other mushrooms that can be purchased in spore kits and will grow easily and also quickly. Consider these for near immediate gratification. Mushrooms such as Wine Cap, Chicken of the Woods, Lions Mane, Shitake, Pearl Oyster or Pink Oyster, White Button and Portobello will bring fast and more reliable results. And, if those are not your cup of tea, and you just have to have a Morel, see if you can’t talk your cousin John into leaving you the “secret code” in his will! [Nila Smith] Source: Growing Morel Mushrooms: 3 Popular Techniques https://www.mushroom-appreciation.com/ growing-morel-mushrooms.html
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Page 22 2025 Spring Home and Garden LINCOLN DAILY NEWS April 2025 Are pollinators welcome in your landscape? Growing concern for the destruction of plants and habitat that support the life cycle of pollinating insects has encouraged many gardeners to devote some, or all, of their yard and garden space to plants that benefit pollinators. Growing a pollinator garden can have many benefits beyond food for insects, and spring is the perfect time to start thinking about incorporating a pollinator garden into your garden or landscape. First of all, what are pollinators? Pollinators are insects or other carriers that transfer pollen from a male flower to a female flower of a plant to allow fertilization. Why should we care about pollinators? Horticulturalists at the University of Illinois Extension website address this question with an enlightening answer: “Imagine your dining table without the delectable fruits of apples, blueberries, cherries, peaches, or the versatile pumpkin or zucchini. Pollinators are also crucial, directly or indirectly, for the production of dyes, medicines, and fibers such as cotton. Pollinators also sustain plant communities by pollinating native plants that provide wildlife Support Your Local Pollinators: Grow a Pollinator Garden food, nesting, and shelter. Pollinators include butterflies, moths, beetles, hummingbirds, bats, flies and wasps. In North America, 99% of pollinators are insects, and most are bees. Unfortunately, pollinators are in dangerous decline. Yet gardeners can be a positive influence on pollinator populations and diversity if we all do our part to plant pollinator-friendly gardens.” https://extension. illinois.edu/cfiv/pollinator-pockets There are many good reasons to start a pollinator garden or replace current plants with native species. Joe Bauer, Education Specialist for the Illinois Department of Continued --
Page 23 2025 Spring Home and Garden LINCOLN DAILY NEWS April 2025 Natural Resources, offered additional reasons during his main session presentation at the Logan County Master Gardeners Russel Allen Garden Day on March 15 in Lincoln. His list includes: 1. To replace turf grass, which is a monoculture that does nothing to support local ecosystems and requires heavy maintenance and harmful chemicals, 2. To enhance the curb appeal of your home, 3. To feed the wildlife and critters in your neighborhood, 4. To cultivate a beneficial hobby, 5. To create something beautiful, 6. To improve mental health, 7. To get exercise and promote physical health. One of the best parts of planting native plants is that they are perennials, so once established, they require minimal labor. Plants native to the region containing nectar and pollen are best for attracting pollinators. Native plants do not have to mean a “wild garden.” They can be interspersed with ornamentals and can be planted for height and color within the general plans of the home’s landscaping. There are many very useful resources available to help design, prepare, and plant the right pollinator garden for your space. The Illinois Department of Natural Resources education links at https:// dnr.illinois.gov/education/plantlists.html and the Illinois Extension of the University of Illinois provide a number of helpful webpages. The Conservation Inclusive Construction and Development Archive (CICADA) website is another valuable source of creating landscapes with native plants: https://cicada-idnr.org/ residential/plant-management/landscape-withnative-plants/ The Pollinator Partnership https://pollinator. org/ is a non-profit organization devoted to protecting pollinators and their habitats. These and other sources offer information for establishing and maintaining native plants, as well as discovering which plants are considered native to Illinois. When selecting native plants, it is important to identify the taxonomic name because the common name of various plants and flowers can vary. For example, Monarda fistulosa is called wild bergamot, eastern bergamot, bee balm, as well as other names Sometimes the common name of a flowering plant may refer to a completely different plant in different parts of the country, so knowing the name used in plant taxonomy is crucial. Taxonomy is simply the scientific technique of classification. Plants identification uses the binomial nomenclature of the genus and the species of the plant. The genus is listed first and is capitalized; The species is listed second and is generally written in italics. Choose true native plants and avoid cultivars and hybrids as the qualities that attract pollinators may have been bred out of that particular cultivar. The majority of pollinator-friendly plants will need a location with full sun or a minimum of six hours of direct sunlight. Native plants prefer loose, well-drained soil, but can be grown in most soil types. For designing a Pollinator Habitat, Bauer suggests: 1. Plant in blocks of color, 2. Be diverse, 3. Have enough host plants, 4. Plan for season -long bloom, 5. Herbs can be host plants, 6. Be careful of pesticide use, 7. Avoid invasive species, 8. Water at planting until established, 9. Use mulch, but leave some bare ground for ground bees, 10. Make the plantings deliberate. Some of Bauer’s favorite native plants include golden Alexanders (Zizia aurea), foxglove beardstongue (Penstemon digitalis), spiderwort (Tradescatia spp.), butterfly weed (Asclepias Continued --
Page 24 2025 Spring Home and Garden LINCOLN DAILY NEWS April 2025 tuberosa), ox-eye sunflower (Heliopsis helianthoides), black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta), purple prairie clover (Dalea purpurea), blazing star (Liatris spp.), rattlesnake master (Eryngium yuccifolium), New England aster (Symphyotrichum novae-angliae), goldenrods (Solidago spp.), and stiff goldenrod (Oligoneuron rigidum). Bauer advised to be aware of the impact and lack of general insects and pollinators caused by mosquito abatement programs. These are local city and county issues and must be addressed at that level. Also be aware of any local restrictions. He suggested displaying a “Native Illinois Prairie” sign to promote awareness and education about how to support pollinators in your neighborhood. If you are a homeowner or gardener who has never thought about adding native plants or a pollinator garden to your landscaping, consider all of the low maintenance and environmentally friendly pollinator garden ideas to draw the bees and butterflies to your garden and to support pollination and a healthy ecosystem. [Stephanie Hall]
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Page 26 2025 Spring Home and Garden LINCOLN DAILY NEWS April 2025 Continued -- Who doesn’t need a ‘She Shed’? It is hard to determine where the term ‘She Shed’ came from, but it is now as popular as ‘Man Cave.’ I do think most will agree though that ‘Man Cave’ was started before ‘She Shed,’ although that doesn’t make sense since it appears that most women are the ones that need that time alone and at a much earlier, more frequent rate that men do. Not to take away from men that work hard, take care of the maintenance around the home and have to listen to the children and wife or significant other, it just appears that men are more content in having their man cave filled with other loud football or baseball buddies, a working cold fridge, lazy boy chairs and large flashing neon lights. Whereas women need the same, just on a different level. Usually, women are the ones bogged down with the infants, cleaning, shopping, appointments, cooking, laundry and in most cases in today’s society, working a full-time job as well. Women want that quiet, soft, luxurious, timeless space with lots of pastel colors, soft music, natural sunlight and did I mention quiet? A she shed is a personal, cozy retreat typically located in the backyard, designed for relaxation and personal enjoyment. It can serve a variety of purposes, such as a quiet reading nook, an art studio, a gardening sanctuary, or a place to escape the hustle and bustle of daily life. The concept of the she shed has gained popularity as a counterpart to the traditional man cave, offering a space that caters specifically to her own personal tastes and hobbies. Why do YOU need a She Shed? • Personal Space: A she shed provides a dedicated area where one can unwind, focus on hobbies, or simply enjoy some alone time. You do not have to have a separate building in the backyard, you can have a corner of a room, attic space, a large closet or even the bathtub. The point is to have a place just to get away and breathe, if for only 15 minutes. • Creativity: This space can be customized to reflect your personality and interests, whether it is for crafting, painting, writing, or reading.
Page 27 2025 Spring Home and Garden LINCOLN DAILY NEWS April 2025 Buy a huge dog bed, extra throw pillows and set up space anywhere you like. You are creative and you can find that special place, even if it is not the same place every time. During nice weather, you can find a place in the corner of the yard or set up a swing in the tree and act like a youngster. • Escape: It offers a quiet refuge away from the noise and distractions of the home. The goal is to just breathe and reflect on how good of a person you are, how you can be better, say a prayer, hum a favorite tune, remember those that are no longer with you or remember why you are at a particular place in your life. If you can find a permanent place and have the means to build your own spot, these steps might help get you there. Thought process. Begin by envisioning what you want your she shed to look like and the purpose it will serve. Consider the following aspects: o Location: Choose a spot in your backyard that is easily accessible and receives ample natural light. o Size: Determine how much space you have and how large you want your shed to be. o Design: Decide on the architectural style, colors, and interior decor that will make your she shed feel welcoming and inspiring. Budgeting Create a budget that includes all potential expenses, such as the cost of materials, labor, furnishings, and any necessary permits. She sheds can range from simple and affordable to elaborate and luxurious, so it is important to plan according to your financial situation. Construction You can either build your she shed yourself or hire professionals to do it. Here are the options: o DIY Kits: Many companies offer prefabricated shed kits that you can assemble yourself. These kits come with all the necessary materials and instructions. o Professional Builders: If you are not comfortable with DIY projects, there are many contractors who specialize in building custom sheds. Continued --
Page 28 2025 Spring Home and Garden LINCOLN DAILY NEWS April 2025 Furnishing and Decoration Once the she shed is built, it is time to furnish and decorate it to suit your tastes: o Furniture: Select comfortable seating, tables, and storage solutions that fit your needs. o Decor: Personalize the space with art, plants, curtains, and accessories that reflect your style. o Utilities: Depending on your needs, you may want to add electrical outlets, lighting, or heating/cooling options. Maintenance Keep your she shed in good condition by performing regular maintenance: o Cleaning: Regularly clean both the interior and exterior to prevent wear and tear. o Repairs: Address any damage or necessary repairs promptly to ensure your shed remains a pleasant retreat. A she shed is more than just a building or a small area; it is a personalized space that offers a sanctuary for relaxation and creativity. By following these steps, you can create a she shed that is perfectly tailored to your needs and preferences. Whether you use it for gardening, crafting, or simply unwinding, a she shed can become your favorite spot in your home. [JA Hodgdon-Ruppel] Sources: What Is the History of She Sheds? | The CE Shop https://www.theceshop.com/agent-essentials/ blog/history-of-she-sheds The She Shed: A Tranquil Retreat for Women in the Backyard https://www.steelmasterusa.com/news/sheshed/ Downtown Bakersfield has a "she shed" you can shop https://bakersfieldnow.com/news/local/ downtown-bakersfield-has-a-she-shed-youcan-shop What Does 'She Sheer' She Shed Mean? A Closer Look at Cheryl's She Shed commercial - FindingBalance.Mom https://findingbalance.mom/she-sheer-sheshed/
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Page 30 2025 Spring Home and Garden LINCOLN DAILY NEWS April 2025 Creating the Perfect Reading Nook If you’re an avid reader, you likely have had the fantasy of having a library in your home. Bookshelves stuffed with books, some read and some to be read. While this is a nice fantasy, for most, it is just that. A fantasy. What may not be a fantasy is the idea of a reading nook. This is a space that is dedicated to reading. This can be any kind of dedicated space in your home. This can range from an entire room (if you have the space to spare) to a corner of a room. The important part is that the space is comfortable and relaxing. The website My Moonstone Kitchen has a list of tips to create a reading nook. According to the website, the first step, unsurprisingly, is deciding on a location. According to this website, “you’ll want it to be in as quiet and secluded a space as possible.” If your space is already small to begin with, the website recommends setting up in the corner of your bedroom. According to Zoe Shaw, a licensed psychotherapist, “reading has actually been connected to meditation in terms of the way that our brain processes our environment and our psychological state.” The website Today.com states that making sure the location of your reading nook is in a place that you feel relaxed is paramount to making sure the reading you do there allows you to relax. The next step, according to My Moonstone Kitchen, is finding a place for your books. The natural choice is a bookshelf, but you can also repurpose other items, or even just put your books on the floor. You can install shelves along the wall or even build shelves that are set into the wall. Lighting is also another important part of any reading nook. According to My Moonstone Kitchen, being near a window Continued --
Page 31 2025 Spring Home and Garden LINCOLN DAILY NEWS April 2025 is going to be your best bet for natural lighting. A lamp is good for reading during the night, or flameless candles for spaces that are particularly tight. String lights are also an option if you have the space. They also encourage you to decorate the space as you would like. The website Architectural Digest has a list of forty-three reading nooks. These range from reading nooks under staircases to corners of rooms and even single seats. Some of these may give you some inspiration. Click here to see some of these reading nooks for yourself. You are going to want to make sure that your new reading nook is comfortable. If you have the capital, investing some money into your space may go a long way. Search for furniture such as seats and lights that you could see in that space. This could be online at a website like Amazon or Walmart, or at a local business like Jake’s Furnishings in Lincoln. You can also look for items second hand. Stores like Goodwill or ReNew Consignment and Thrift could be good places to start looking. If you are not looking to spend any more money, you could try to find things around your home to help make your space comfortable. This could be an extra chair or a lamp. Maybe you have some decor you purchased that you never found a space for. Considering it is spring, now might be the time to do a bit of spring cleaning and search through some of those boxes you have stored away in your basement, attic, etc. Your reading nook could also be something you create with your own two hands. If you are on the handier side, or aspire to be, you might try building your own reading nook. The website Jenna Sue Design has a DIY tutorial on how she created a reading nook in her own home. This included creating a sitting space with drawers underneath as well as installing a new window that let in more light. You can read more on Sue’s process and see photos of her progress on the project here. If you are struggling with what you want your own reading nook to look like, the best thing to do is find inspiration. If you know anyone who has their own reading nook, start there. If not, the internet is a treasure trove of ideas and information. A quick search on Google can turn up hundreds of photos and ideas. Make your reading nook something that you love and can envision yourself being able to focus on reading in. [Matt Boutcher] Sources: https://mymoonstonekitchen.com/blog/how-tocreate-a-cozy-reading-nook-in-any-home https://www.today.com/life/inspiration/ reading-nook-ideas-rcna65692 https://www.architecturaldigest.com/gallery/ reading-nook-decorating-ideas https://www.jennasuedesign.com/diy-windowbench-seat-reading-nook/
Page 32 2025 Spring Home and Garden LINCOLN DAILY NEWS April 2025 Do you long for a home with more living space but you do not want to move or even “add-on” to your present home? There may be another option for you. Evaluating the space you already have may point out unused, underused or inappropriately used spaces already under your roof. These “dead” or inefficient spaces may be ripe for “repurposing.” When you have unused or dead spaces in your home, there are many ways to repurpose these spaces. This Old House says, “maximizing your home’s potential doesn’t always mean building an addition. Repurposing existing areas can greatly expand your living area without changing the home’s footprint. Underused spaces like attics, basements, garages, or outbuildings can become functional rooms with significant benefits.” In each repurposing effort you will need to consider the following: Floor space, Head room, Insulation, Ingress/Egress, strength of flooring, Heating/Cooling/Ventilation, Electricity and (possibly) Plumbing. In the article, “18 Creative Ideas to Repurpose Unused Spaces in Your Home,” This Old House shares examples of ways several different families have converted unused spaces. Getting out of your home? Create your place in an underused squeezed s p a c e Among ideas in the article are converting an attic to a master suite thus expanding the usefulness of the space by efficiently using it in a new way. Instead of a main suite, some attics are converted into a children’s bedroom suite for a cozy area that is great for sleepovers. Some attics may not work well for a bedroom but can be turned into office space. If you do not have an attic, but have room over the garage, it can be turned into an extra bedroom and bathroom. A porch can be closed in, becoming a living room area and blending the outside of the home with the inside. The basement can be changed into “a state-ofthe-art media and game room” with space for a big screen television plus a pool table or other game. Basements can also work well as family rooms with separate areas for various activities. An unused garage can become a recreational room. The Spruce says, “When you convert a garage to living space, you add square footage to your home without using up more of your property. Continued --
Page 33 2025 Spring Home and Garden LINCOLN DAILY NEWS April 2025 This project creates value for your home and is less expensive than building an addition.” The Spruce then offers “10 Tips For Successful Garage Conversions,” which includes insulating the walls and raising the height of the floor to match the rest of the house. Once the floor is elevated, you can “install a floor covering such as laminate flooring, engineered wood, tile, or luxury vinyl plank flooring.” Since the garage door opening will not be needed, you can either build a solid wall or replace the garage door with one that is insulated. To provide additional light and more air, add window space. The Spruce says that in some municipalities, this means a window opening of 5-1/2 square feet based on a percentage of the total garage space. The ceiling height should be a minimum of 7-1/2 feet. When the floor height has been raised, the rafters “may need to be removed or repositioned to add ceiling height.” Make sure the area has adequate heating and cooling. If the current HVAC system cannot be extended to the garage, there are options such as “installing an electric baseboard heater, an infrared heater, fan-driven wall heaters, window unit A/Cs, or a mini-split A/C unit.” If you are converting the garage into a living space that includes a bathroom or kitchen, plumbing will need to be installed as well. Install an electrical layout with “at least one wall-controlled light switch. Per the electrical code, garages already have at least one such switch.” To meet minimum spacing standards, you may need to add or change wall outlets. In addition, “no cord should have to reach farther than 6 feet to reach an outlet.” Some of the work can be done yourself, but with “a full garage conversion, you'll need to hire an electrician to develop a complete electrical layout.” If the space has utility or service areas, add non-load bearing walls to hide them. If it is an attic space you want to convert, there are other considerations. In “5 Tips to Prepare Before an Attic Conversion,” Lisa Benett says, “there are many reasons someone might want to convert their attic.” For instance, those who have large families or work from home may “want the additional space for a bedroom or an office room.” Continued --
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