Written by Rhonda Ferree, retired horticulture educator
If you look at ferns, mosses, lichens, and club moss closely, they look like something right out of a fairytale. In fact, these non-flowering plants do have their very own kingdom in the plant world. Instead of reproducing by flowers...
Written by Rhonda Ferree, retired horticulture educator
Efforts to save the monarch butterfly are everywhere with many people pledging to plant milkweed for monarch larvae to eat.
There are two different types of plants you can grow for butterflies: nectar food sources and larval food...
Written by Rhonda Ferree, retired horticulture educator
My son Derek graduates from University of Illinois this week with a BS in community health so it seemed like a good time to discuss reunion and school color gardens.
School reunion gardens are especially nice to do using flowers in...
Written by Rhonda Ferree, retired horticulture educator
Don't forget you special Mom on Mother's Day! If you haven't bought something special for her yet, consider these ideas. You can be sure I'll get my Mom (Doris Simmons) a special horticultural gift for Mother's Day.
A gift of fresh...
Written by Rhonda Ferree, retired horticulture educatorHorticultural Grilling
What do plants have to do with grilling – other than eating vegetables? Well, great chefs use many "tricks" to get just the right taste from their grill and many of those tricks involve plants...
Written by Rhonda Ferree, retired horticulture educator
I spend a fair amount of time helping people sort through the many garden myths. Today's social media rage spreads information very quickly. Unfortunately it isn't always good information. For example, recipes for homemade weed...
Written by Rhonda Ferree, retired horticulture educator
Do you have fairy rings in your yard? After reading this article you might decide that you do. Fairy rings are an interesting situation that is quite noticeable this time of year.
Fairy ring usually appears in the lawn as circles or...
Written by Rhonda Ferree, retired horticulture educator
If you are an allergy sufferer, spring often brings sniffling, sneezing, and watery eyes. One culprit is pollen from flowers of trees, shrubs, grasses, and weeds. Though most of these bloom for just a short period each year,...
Written by Rhonda Ferree, retired horticulture educator
Do you tire of mowing grass or want to add more diversity to your garden? Lawn alternatives are a growing garden trend. It seems that every trade show, conference, and symposium I've attended this winter includes reference to various...
Written by Rhonda Ferree, retired horticulture educator
Gardens include much more than just plants. Garden structures add functionality, purpose, and beauty to a garden. However, garden structure terms and definitions can be confusing. Here is a listing of popular garden structures with...
