College of Agricultural, Consumer & Environmental Sciences Illinois Extension

Flowers, Fruits, and Frass

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jade plant. photo:pixabay

Horticulturists' Favorite Houseplants

In 2020, there was an uptick in greening the home office with tropical houseplants and succulents, stimulated by how different some people's jobs have become. However, the houseplant craze has been building momentum for several years much to the delight of horticulturists, watching new offerings of...
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seedling under plastic lid. creative commons.

Seed starting woes? Ask the pros

Originally published by Kelly Allsup on February 19, 2021. Who would have known seeds would be the latest craze in 2021? Many seed companies are finding it hard to keep up with the demand and are out of stock or delayed in delivery. If you haven’t ordered your seeds, don’t fret, some are...
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assorted flowers including carnation and daisy

The language of flowers, and tips for extending vase life

While flowers can be gifted for any occasion, they are most popular on Valentine’s Day, a tradition that started several hundred years ago. Floriography, the language of flowers, was a common practice in the Victorian era that allowed messages and emotions to be shared with others. Flowers are a...
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assorted cut flowers in a wide mouth jar. credit:

Why buy flowers if they're just going to die?

Valentine’s Day is a day to celebrate love in the form of flowers. This holiday excites floral designers because they know every festive flower can generate a positive emotional response. Floral designer and State Master Gardener Coordinator,...
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Photo credit Pixabay. Cyclamens have unique heart-shaped leaved and showstopper flowers that can bloom for four to six weeks making them a great Valentine’s Day gift.

Blooming plant ideas to gift this Valentine’s Day

The tradition of giving flowers to family and friends to express affection on Valentine’s’ Day began centuries ago. Give your loved one a gift this year with blooms that can be enjoyed long after February 14. Blooming houseplants are great alternatives to traditional bouquets of cut flowers. With...
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diagram of branch bark ridge and branch bark collar

Tree pruning tips for 2021

Like a scene from an old western: with a pair of sterilized pruners, and her boots, horticulturists Kelly Allsup walks up to the newly planted English White oak hybrid. Her sole intent of increasing the life of an urban tree. She walks around...
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blueberries on the bush

Growing strawberries and blueberries

The 2021 Garden Trends Report by Garden Media Group says, “Victory garden was spurred by the increase in home cooking in 2020. GMG says 31 percent of people would like to grow fruits in their backyard and berries are at the top of the list.” Strawberries...
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Photo credit Kelly Allsup. Gardeners prune brambles in late winter to help the plants produce more fruit in the growing season

Winter pruning boosts blackberry and raspberry harvests

One of the simple joys of summer is picking berries straight from the bush and enjoying a sweet treat. Pruning blackberry and raspberry bushes now ensures a bumper harvest in the summer. “As a child, my grandparents would send my sisters and I to the unmanaged portions of their property to pick...
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College of Agricultural, Consumer & Environmental Sciences Illinois Extension

101 Mumford Hall (MC-710)

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Urbana, IL 61801

Email: extension@illinois.edu

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