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...
Written by Rhonda Ferree, retired horticulture educator
Each year I seem to battle more and more difficult and very invasive weeds on my property. These include honeysuckle, garlic mustard, burning bush, and bittersweet.
Oriental bittersweet is quickly invading my landscape beds. This...
Written by Rhonda Ferree, retired horticulture educator
Recent discoveries of Emerald Ash Borer in Peoria and Tazewell counties underscore the need for communities to be proactive against Emerald Ash Borer (EAB).
University of Illinois Extension held an Emerald Ash Borer Community...
Written by Rhonda Ferree, retired horticulture educator
Time for our next gardening trend of 2014: Think Gardens. This trend is all about how plants make us smarter, more productive and less stressed and is why we need them in our offices, schools, hospitals, and more.
Green is...
