Summer is here and with our long warm lazy days come with some pesky issues that always seem to pop up with the heat. In our next blog series we’ll provide some helpful tips to keep plant pests and mosquitos at bay and ways to keep your garden growing in dry months so you can enjoy your outdoor space in the summer. This heat likes to wake up some of the bigger annoyances for us gardeners. Diseases and those pesky insects. Sometimes they seem to Spring up so quickly it feels like we didn't have time to act. So here are some tips to try to prevent, strategize or eliminate those pesky issues: Jus ..read more

Summer is here and with our long warm lazy days come with some pesky issues that always seem to pop up with the heat. In our next blog series we’ll provide some helpful tips to keep plant pests and mosquitos at bay and ways to keep your garden growing in dry months so you can enjoy your outdoor space in the summer. Today we’re tackling mosquitos, nothing ruins a lovely summer barbecue quite like these needle nosed pests. So what can we do to make sure we don’t have any gatecrashers this summer? Meet them where they are: Mosquitoes love still water, so keep an eye out for potential breeding gro ..read more

With the arrival of summer in the greater Chicago area, it's time to unleash your green thumb and transform your outdoor space into a vibrant oasis. However, our area’s unique climate and conditions require specific strategies to ensure gardening success. Here are some invaluable tips for nurturing thriving gardens this summer. 1. Water wisely: Summers can be hot and dry, making proper watering essential. Water deeply and infrequently to encourage deep root growth, preferably in the early morning or late afternoon to minimize evaporation. Monitor soil moisture levels and adjust watering accord ..read more

With their mesmerizing aerial acrobatics and vibrant colors, these tiny wonders are a delightful visitor to any garden. We've got five tips that will make your garden a hummingbird haven. So grab your gardening gloves and let's get started! 1. Plant Native Flowers: Hummingbirds love native plants, so make sure to include a variety in your garden. There are a plethora of options such as perennial Lobelia, bee balm, and Beardtongue. These vibrant blooms will not only attract hummingbirds but also add a burst of color to your outdoor oasis. When planting flowers for hummingbirds it's always good ..read more

Spring is here; now is the perfect time to start planting your spring flowers in Illinois. Some of the best options for March and early April include pansies, violas, and much more. These annuals provide colorful blooms and add a touch of cheer to your garden. When planting, prepare the soil by adding compost or other organic matter to help your flowers thrive. In addition, be sure to choose a location with plenty of sunlight and well-draining soil. Here are five spring flowers to consider planting in Carol Stream, Illinois this spring: Pansies: These cheerful flowers come in a wide range of ..read more

Growing a green lush lawn could be a rewarding challenge. Some of us are up for the challenge, others not so much! Regardless of where you stand, lawn maintenance can be an endless cycle. First, the seed goes down in Spring, and we watch and wait for the spots to be filled with healthy green grass. Then comes the heat and dry spells of the mid-Summer, and we see the return of those stubborn areas, which start to go yellow and slowly die back. Unfortunately, our summers seem to be getting hit with more periods of drought and higher temperatures. This puts a lot of stress on many grass types, l ..read more

Purple Cow has been a staple at the Barn Owl for some time now. Their activated compost has been a game changer for many organic gardeners. It is packed with nutrients and beneficial microbes and fungi. Well this year we are excited to carry their new product, CX-1. This takes much of the wonderful biology Purple Cow is known for and turns it into a turbocharged liquid additive called “Life in a Bottle”. CX-1 puts a spectrum of minerals and living biology into the soil. There are several benefits to this: It increases nutrient uptake in the plant. This means less need to fertilize as more nu ..read more

We The Wild is a new product line that the Barn Owl is extremely excited to carry. For decades, the Barn Owl has been promoting sustainable and organic gardening -our mission and our passion. Now we have found a product aligned with those same gardening goals. We The Wild produces 100% certified organic plant care products with 100% traceable ingredients with 100% sustainability. This Australian- based company will plant a new bush or tree for every product purchased with the hope of restoring the fire-ravaged countryside. They are putting money where their heart is! Their three main products ..read more

A beautiful garden can be a source of joy and relaxation but also require much time and effort to maintain. If you're short on time or want to enjoy your garden with minimal maintenance, there are a few things you can do to create a low-maintenance garden that still looks beautiful in Illinois. Choose the Right Plants When selecting plants, it is essential to consider well-suited plants to the Illinois climate and soil type. Gardening experts recommend using native plants as much as possible because they are adapted to the local conditions and require minimal care. However, it is crucial to k ..read more

Spring is just around the corner, and for many of us, that means it's time to start planning our seasonal gardens. If you're looking for some colorful perennials to add to your garden, you're in luck! Here are seven of our favorite springtime perennials that will bloom from spring to fall. Virginia Bluebells: These bell-shaped blue flowers are a stunning addition to any spring garden. They appear early in the season and die back as the temperature warms, making them one of the easiest perennials to care for. Hellebores: Also known as the Lenten Rose, this plant is one of the first perennials ..read more