Outdoors

By My Courier-Tribune As summer draws closer to an end, many people begin to experience the dreaded itchy eyes and runny nose that comes along with blooming ragweed, reports the state conservation department. “While this irritating plant earns every bit of its reputation for being the leading cause of late-season hay fever, another plant often

By My Courier-Tribune The warm, sunny days and cool nights of fall in Missouri provide ideal growing conditions for cool-season vegetables such as Chinese cabbage, said University of Missouri Extension horticulturist David Trinklein in a press release. “The Chinese cabbage group, which includes napa and bok choy, grows best under short days with temperatures between

By My Courier-Tribune When mentioned by name, “chicken of the woods” might induce a humorous mental image of a fat, feathery chicken surrounded by trees, but here in Missouri it refers to something else entirely. “Many foragers will tell you that finding some chicken of the woods means good eating, and it has nothing to

By My Courier-Tribune Pest control is an important part of establishing an attractive garden. Insects, diseases and weeds are formidable foes, but the damage they inflict often pales compared to the destruction perpetrated by some of four-legged “friends,” said University of Missouri Extension horticulturist David Trinklein, in an extension press release. “It is extremely frustrating

By My Courier-Tribune According to Greek mythology, the water nymph Clytie fell in love with the god of the sun, Apollo, who dazzled the earth as he drove his golden chariot across the sky each day. When he rejected Clytie’s affection, it nearly drove her mad. She spent days without food or water as she

By My Courier-Tribune Missourians are often most associated with the social insects such as hornets, yellowjackets, the paper wasp, bumblebees and honeybees, reports the Department of Conservation. But, there are several solitary species that do not make hexagonal nest that people are also familiar with. These insects nest in hollow twigs, cavities in wood, in

By My Courier-Tribune Fall armyworm migrates from the south, flying hundreds of miles northward. This pest has been found the last two weeks feeding in grass pastures, summer grass annuals, alfalfa and soybeans in south Missouri, so farmers should scout local crops, reports the University of Missouri Extension. “Larvae can be extremely damaging. Damage in

By My Courier-Tribune Now is the time to transplant one of America’s most popular flowers, the iris. Although irises can be transplanted at any time, they do best when established in the landscape from August to mid-October, said University of Missouri Extension horticulturist David Trinklein. Irises are relatively easy to grow. They need at least

By My Courier-Tribune Just like kids heading back to school, August brings many firsts for animals. For most people, spring tends to be the time that people see as baby season in the natural world, but August brings lots of little ones as well, according to the Missouri Department of Conservation. Copperhead snakes are born

By My Courier-Tribune Missourians are often most associated with the social insects such as hornets, yellowjackets, the paper wasp, bumblebees and honeybees, reports the Department of Conservation. But, there are several solitary species that do not make hexagonal nest that people are also familiar with. These insects nest in hollow twigs, cavities in wood, in

By My Courier-Tribune Some gardeners consider waterlilies to be the ultimate challenge. Many admire them but few grow them, said University of Missouri Extension horticulturist David Trinklein. Though waterlilies may appear exotic and fragile, they are tough and durable, Trinklein said. “Once established, waterlilies flower well into late summer and provide an exotic addition to

By My Courier-Tribune Pollinator wings can be tiny like on a sweat bee or large like on a luna moth. They can be colorful like a monarch or drab like a fruit fly. Their wings are all fragile however, and so much of life depends on them. Plants and insects form the foundation of the

By My Courier-Tribune While being outside and enjoying nature is usually a fun and relaxing experience, practicing safety measures when visiting one of Missouri’s state parks or historic sites helps keep the day from turning into a disaster with a visit to the emergency room. “Safety of our visitors and team members is our No.

By My Courier-Tribune Spring in Missouri is a time for newness. New flowers are budding, new sprouts are pushing their way through the soil, and newborn animals are learning to make their own way in the world. Wild animal babies are an adorable representation of springtime and produce a happy, excited response from all who

By My Courier-Tribune The Missouri Department of Conservation is partnering with the U.S. Department of Agriculture on a multi-year study to better mediate conflicts with black vultures. Landowners, cattle ranchers, birdwatchers and others may contribute to the study by reporting sightings of black vultures marked with tags on their wing. Black vultures play a role

By My Courier-Tribune Whether you are a fan of the St. Louis Cardinals or the Kansas City Royals, you can show your true colors in a baseball-themed garden this summer, said University of Missouri Extension horticulturist Michele Warmund, in a release from the extension office. “Fortunately, there are several plants with red and white flowers

By My Courier-Tribune Edible blooms give flower power to spring meals, said University of Missouri Extension horticulturist Michele Warmund. Edible flowers add nutrition, texture and color to your plate, Warmund said. They can be candied, stir-fried, added to butters, steeped for teas and added to breads, soups, sauces, desserts or salads. Some of the culinary

By My Courier-Tribune Sporadic flashing yellow or green lights will soon show up in yards around the state, according to the Missouri Department of Conservation. Fireflies (also called lightning bugs) are small beetles that use bioluminescence to communicate. The adult beetle’s abdomen blinks a specific pattern that, when combined with specific flight patterns, helps attract