Written by Rhonda Ferree, retired horticulture educator
I was recently asked to identify a hawthorn tree growing on the Bradley campus in Peoria.
Hawthorns are among the groups of small trees that are noted for their wintertime berries.
Washington hawthorn (Crataegus phaenopyrum...
Written by Rhonda Ferree, retired horticulture educator
I have been enjoying trying new foods, especially those I prepare from scratch myself. Recently I made homemade granola and several types of bread. Recipes called for ingredients that I wasn't familiar with: quinoa, flax seed, wheat...
Written by Rhonda Ferree, retired horticulture educator
Every year I try to provide ideas for those of you who are searching for the "perfect" gift for a gardener in your family. This year I'm highlighting some new gardening books that I recently read.
Entomologist Doug Tallamy has two...
Written by Rhonda Ferree, retired horticulture educator
African violets are houseplants that most people recognize. They are very popular and easy-to-grow.
Rhonda Ferree, Horticulture Educator with University of Illinois Extension, says "African violets add a welcome splash of color...
Written by Rhonda Ferree, retired horticulture educator
Thanksgiving always makes me think of beautiful fall decorations. In addition to flowers, stems, and leaves that may be dried indoors, there are many materials that can be collected in the fall and used almost directly in...
Written by Rhonda Ferree, retired horticulture educator
Hedge apples seem to be if great abundance this fall. I've also had some questions about using the hedge apples and the tree's wood for various purposes. This article by retired extension educator Bob Frazee, originally published in...
Written by Rhonda Ferree, retired horticulture educator
Growing plants in containers is very popular. Almost anything can be grown in containers, including trees and shrubs. Rhonda Ferree, Horticulture Educator with University of Illinois Extension, says that containers provide a feeling...
Written by Rhonda Ferree, retired horticulture educator
Time for our next gardening trend of 2014: Fingertip Gardens. It's all about gardening using high tech with mobile apps and technology.
It seems that every day I hear about a new garden-related app for smart phones and tablets. I...
Written by Rhonda Ferree, retired horticulture educator
Happy Birthday to my sister Lynn Miller! Lynn's birthday always makes me think of wiener roasts and pumpkins. Those of you celebrating Halloween carve pumpkins into jack-o'-lanterns. Others, including my sister, simply enjoy...
Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) has become a problem almost throughout the state. Each year, more and more counties are finding the insect on traps or in trees. This website was developed to help homeowners first ID their tree to make sure it truly is an ash, followed by EAB...
