Parts of my backyard and woodland are covered with fallen pine needles. We have a large number of mature white pine trees that yearly drop their needles. Annual needle drop is normal and beneficial.
Martha Smith, Horticulture Educator with University of Illinois Extension said it well, "There is...
Written by Rhonda Ferree, retired horticulture educator
Most people assume that established trees and shrubs can handle drought conditions. Often this is true, but the severe weather extremes that we've had in recent years has depleted reserves and stressed many plants.
Please don't...
Written by Rhonda Ferree, retired horticulture educator
I am continually impressed and humbled by what our University of Illinois Extension Master Gardeners accomplish. Although they all deserve accolades, several of our local Master Gardeners were recently recognized at the 2017 Illinois...
Written by Rhonda Ferree, retired horticulture educator
A team of eight University of Illinois Extension Master Gardeners was awarded a teamwork award for their Wildlife Federation Mayor's Monarch Garden in Pekin, Illinois. The award was presented during University of Illinois Extension's...
Written by Rhonda Ferree, retired horticulture educator
I love popcorn! Each year I buy kettle corn at one or more locations along the Spoon River Drive.
It is a good possibility that the popcorn I purchase was grown and packaged locally. Mason County, Illinois grows a lot of popcorn! In...
Written by Rhonda Ferree, retired horticulture educator
May Bach and Jennifer Bass were honored for their outstanding contributions to University of Illinois Extension's Master Gardener Program during the 2017 Illinois Master Gardener Conference in Normal.
May and Jennifer were among 36...
Written by Rhonda Ferree, retired horticulture educator
Kathy Edwards was one of 36 University of Illinois Extension Master Gardeners honored for their outstanding contributions to Illinois' Master Gardener Program. She was named a State Outstanding Master Gardener at the 2017 Illinois...
Written by Rhonda Ferree, retired horticulture educator
I've mentioned many times that I love to journal, and I usually write surrounded by plants and nature. I use nature journaling as a creative form of self-expression, but I find that it also promotes relaxation and calmness.
Many...
Written by Rhonda Ferree, retired horticulture educator
The Spoon River Valley Scenic Drive is about to begin! I challenge you to ignore the crowds and traffic jams and to focus on our beautiful Spoon River Country. As a former guidebook stated, "The Spoon River Valley is filled with...
Written by Rhonda Ferree, retired horticulture educator
The most common questions we get in our Extension offices are about trees. Unfortunately, most people do not notice their trees until they show major dieback or leaf drop. Often by the time we get the call, the tree has irreversible...
