Written by Rhonda Ferree, retired horticulture educator
My January Plants of the Day will all be of tree bark, which is more visible and often times even more beautiful in the winter. These will post daily in the 6 pm hour on my ILRiverHort...
Farm to School is more than a program – it is a people-powered movement that seeks to teach students where food comes from and how delicious it can taste when eaten in season. There are three basic elements to farm to school: Local food procurement School gardens Food and nutrition...
Written by Rhonda Ferree, retired horticulture educator
Each season brings a different look to the garden. I enjoy each one, but I must say that plants are uniquely beautiful in winter. Now is a great time to see a plant's texture and form - each unique and mystical.
Look for the...
Written by Rhonda Ferree, retired horticulture educator
My friend Cindy and I were discussing stevia sweetener the other day and this got me to thinking about all the various sugar products that we often use during the holidays.
The white table sugar we use comes from two different...
Written by Rhonda Ferree, retired horticulture educator
Once the Christmas holiday is over, the chore of taking down and disposing of the cut Christmas tree remains. However, Christmas tree disposal does not have to be a problem, because there are several environmentally sound recycling...
Written by Rhonda Ferree, retired horticulture educator
The Norfolk Island Pine is commonly sold as a holiday plant. It is sometimes even used as a small indoor Christmas tree. Often the small trees are sold already decorated with little balls and tinsel.
Norfolk Island Pines are very...
Written by Rhonda Ferree, retired horticulture educator
On a recent trip to Austin Texas to attend their state Master Naturalist conference, I saw the most beautiful prostrate rosemary plants. I was awestruck by its lush, long growth descending down steps and draping over tall walls....
Written by Rhonda Ferree, retired horticulture educator
I love decorating for the holidays with live plants. To me just the smell of fresh evergreen wreaths and trees says Happy Holidays.
The holiday season has almost no limitations from a decorative standpoint. In addition to the live...
Written by Rhonda Ferree, retired horticulture educator
Do your pets eat nibble on your houseplants. If so, Rhonda Ferree, Horticulture Educator with University of Illinois Extension, suggests that you should take a good look at your houseplants to assure poisonous ones are not within...
