Doomed ash trees can still contribute

Many lovely ash trees will fall in the Chicago area, victims of a small insect called the emerald ash borer.

The Morton Arboretum and other organizations are pushing for the reuse of landscape trees felled by this or other causes.

"Rising from Ashes: Furniture from Lost Trees" will be at the arboretum in Lisle through Sept. 7.

The traveling exhibit is co-sponsored by the Chicago Furniture Designers Association and features 30 pieces of furniture made from ash wood.

Lisa Elkins, of 2 Point Perspective in Chicago, crafted this Humboldt credenza from ash and gave it both natural and dark stains.

One thing homeowners who lose a tree should do is make sure it is cut in sections that are at least 8 feet long, according to the group working to get destroyed trees used for more than mulch.

Hosta sales bring opportunity to poor

Either you're a fan of hostas or you're not. But if your yard is draped in shade, chances are you appreciate their charms.

If you like them large, small, gold, green, blue or white, you should find something to purchase among the 350 varieties offered at Rich's Foxwillow Pines Nursery Inc.'s fall sale from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday in Woodstock.

The semiannual hosta sale benefits Heifer International, which provides farm animals to people in developing countries. The organization tries to teach them to help themselves and their neighbors.

From 10 a.m. until noon, American Hosta Society President Tom Michiletti will identify hosta leaves that you bring to him.

At 1 p.m., Rich Eyre, an owner of the nursery, will lead a tour to point out conifers and other plants that grow in the shade.

The Hosta Happening is at Rich's Foxwillow Pines Nursery Inc., 11618 McConnell Road, Woodstock. Visit www.richsfoxwillowpines.com/ or call (815) 338-7442.