Indiana DNR inspectors found small green leafhoppers on tropical hibiscus at a garden center in Delaware County and sent specimens to us at Purdue for confirmation. They turned out to be the two-spotted cotton leafhopper, Amrasca biguttula (Ishida), the first record of this species in the state (Fig. 1). It is a slender, pale green…Read more about First Detection of the Invasive Two-Spotted Cotton Leafhopper in Indiana[Read More]
Resources for landscapes and gardens in the Midwest
Landscape Report
Found 578 Articles
When considering trees, shrubs, and forbs or grasses to plant for landscaping, a little research in advance can lead to dual benefits for both the appearance of your planting area and a wildlife-friendly landscape. Our native wildlife species are tuned into using our native plant species, so selecting plants that are naturally found in your…Read more about What You Plant Matters to Wildlife[Read More]
Is It Too Early to Think About Christmas Tree Pests? Is it too early (and too hot outside) to think about Christmas trees? Maybe, but many of the pests that attack them are active at this time of year. In this week’s IDNR Entomology review, Jared Spokowsky shared damage he observed on pine from white…Read more about Is It Too Early to Think About Christmas Tree Pests?[Read More]
There’s been a general break since the heavy rain events from several weeks ago. Summer is coming to an end and even some leaves are starting to turn colors. What does all this mean for our weather and climate over the next few weeks and months? Indiana has remained drought free for the 2nd week…Read more about A possible extreme heat event for early September[Read More]
Transforming grass into a thriving garden takes more than just planting fruits and vegetables. Grass to Garden provides practical guidance for professionals that manage parks or other municipal green spaces. Learn how to assess potential sites, develop garden policies, and engage community partners to create and maintain a successful community growing space. This four-part series…Read more about Grass to Garden: From Public Green Space to Community Resource[Read More]
When Division is Desirable: Splitting Up Perennials to Promote Plant Health Division often has a negative connotation; it is something that separates us. In the garden, however, division can be a good thing. Some perennials become crowded over time which may result in smaller or fewer flowers; the center of the plant may die out, or the entire clump becomes so dense that it flops over….Read more about When Division is Desirable[Read More]
Homeowners often think about their lawns in the spring, when it’s time to pull out the mower for the first time and dandelions begin showing off their blooms. As a result, inputs such as fertilizer, seed, and pesticides are often applied during the spring months. Cabin fever doesn’t help. After being cooped up all winter,…Read more about Lawn Considerations for the Fall[Read More]
The 2026 Purdue Turf and Landscape Field Day, hosted by the Midwest Regional Turf Foundation and Purdue University, took place on July 21 at the W.H. Daniel Turfgrass Research and Diagnostic Center in West Lafayette. A near-record crowd of 486 attendees traveled from 15 states to be there, a reach that shows how far the…Read more about Purdue Turf and Landscape Field Day 2026 Recap and a Look Ahead to 2027[Read More]
There was a period earlier this year when southern Indiana was getting all the rain. Flooding was a concern. The rest of Indiana was hoping for their share. Then this week happened. A lot of rain has fallen almost everywhere but southern Indiana. Perhaps this will provide some time for those down south to assess…Read more about A lot of rain before a break comes[Read More]
The Green Industry offers exciting opportunities for young professionals who are passionate about plants, people, and the environment. Whether you work in landscape management, nursery production, turfgrass management, arboriculture, garden centers, or another horticulture-related field, the first years of your career can shape your future success. Join the Young Professionals of the Green Industry webinar…Read more about Young Professionals Webinar: Growing Careers in the Green Industry[Read More]
Rosaceous plants are fairly disease prone and it can be fairly hard to keep them healthy and clean in the landscape, especially without applying large quantities of fungicide. One of the more common diseases we see on apple, crabapple, and ornamental pear is fire blight, caused by Erwinia amylovora, that causes significant damage to susceptible…Read more about Black rot, stem canker, and frogeye, Oh My!: Black rot of Apple and Friends[Read More]
By late July, Indiana had settled into a typical midsummer pattern. Warm, humid days with warm overnight temperatures were common, and scattered thunderstorms left a patchwork of rainfall across the state. Extreme heat was brief, but the steady warmth kept crops progressing at a near-normal pace. Through July 28, accumulated MGDDs ranged from around 1,440…Read more about July Settles into a Familiar Indiana Summer Pattern[Read More]
If you didn’t pre-register for field day, you can still sign up on site. Come Registration is open for the 2026 Purdue Turf and Landscape Field Day! The lineup for landscapers and arborists can’t be missed this year! In addition to morning and afternoon presentations, there is a trade show and a catered lunch that…Read more about Register On-Site for the Purdue Turf and Landscape Field Day[Read More]
Healthy tree canopy in our communities does far more than provide shade and beauty—it supports public health, environmental quality, and local economies. Trees filter air pollutants, moderate temperatures, reduce stormwater runoff, and even contribute to improved mental well-being and stronger communities. Yet despite these benefits, proper tree care is not a simple or risk-free task….Read more about Find An Arborist Tool – Reminder to Arborists to Update their Profiles and to Tree Owners on How to Find the Best Quality Tree Work[Read More]
During my career at Purdue, I have found that the dandelion—best known for its bright yellow flower—elicits a wide range of opinions from homeowners, farmers, and the general public. The dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) is a perennial plant with several unique characteristics. Its deeply lobed leaves grow in a low rosette pattern, allowing the plant to…Read more about The Dandelion[Read More]
Those of a certain age will remember concerns about a hole in the ozone layer dominating the news in the mid 1980’s. This concern led to the ban of chlorofluorocarbons (CFC’s), and other ozone-depleting chemicals via the Montreal Protocol. According to the European Environment Agency, since the early 2000’s, the hole has been shrinking and…Read more about Ozone Damage to Landscape Plants: A hidden stress[Read More]
It’s hot in Indiana, and the insects are out! We recommend scouting for many pests that become active in spring and early summer, such as scales and bagworms, because management is most effective when applied soon after they emerge. But the scouting season isn’t over yet—several pests become active throughout the late summer months. Here…Read more about Late summer landscape pests to watch for[Read More]
Our first significant heat wave hit Indiana this week with the added benefit of high humidity. Because the humidity reduces the rate our sweat can evaporate from our skin (a natural cooler process), conditions felt more uncomfortable and hotter than what it really was. Fortunately, daily high air temperatures should gradually drop into the 80s…Read more about The Heat Is On[Read More]
For decades, many homeowners and gardeners bought lawn care products based strictly on brand-name recognition, expecting the formulation inside the bottle to remain identical over time. However, due to shifting corporate strategies, litigation risks, and regulatory pressures, several household pesticide giants have quietly overhauled their active ingredients. A recent prime example is Roundup. Historically synonymous…Read more about Beware of Active Ingredient Changes[Read More]
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