University of Illinois Extension recently named Rhonda Ferree as the new statewide coordinator of the Master Naturalist program. Ferree also serves as an Extension horticulture educator serving Fulton, Mason, Peoria, and Tazewell Counties
The U of I Extension Master Naturalist program provides...
Written by Rhonda Ferree, retired horticulture educator
This month's 2014 garden trend is "Drink Your Garden" Coincidentally I also just bought a new book called The Drunken Botanist: The Plants That Create the World's Great Drinks by Amy Stewart. Intrigued? Simply put, there are...
Written by Rhonda Ferree, retired horticulture educator
Learn more about gardening by attending a garden day event this spring.
Garden day events are sponsored by University of Illinois Extension Master Gardeners and are held all over the state. You can find a garden event to attend on...
Written by Rhonda Ferree, retired horticulture educator
I am so fortunate that I had opportunities during this cold, snowy winter to visit two tropical locations. I went to Costa Rica in December to pick up my son from his semester of studying abroad and I just returned from my husband's...
Written by James Schuster, retired horticulture educator
Following a few suggestions can prolong the beauty of flowers given on Valentine's Day and other special occasions, says a retired University of Illinois Extension horticulture educator.
"Whether you are giving roses, carnations,...
Written by Rhonda Ferree, retired horticulture educator
My Dad and I are planning some of our garden catalog orders together this year. This serves many purposes. We inspire each other to begin planning and some catalogs offer discounts or free shipping for larger orders.
Now is the time...
Written by Rhonda Ferree, retired horticulture educator
I am hoping for some warmer weather so I can do some winter pruning. Winter is a perfect time to prune most trees and shrubs.
Correct pruning is an essential maintenance practice for ornamental trees and shrubs. However, most...
Written by Rhonda Ferree, retired Extension horticulture educator
As promised I'm writing each month about a 2014 garden trend. Trend two from the 2014 Garden Media Group report is "Super Foods, Super Models." Let me try to explain what that is.
My interpretation is that the trend is to...
Written by Rhonda Ferree, retired horticulture educator
I taught a Whimsical Garden Fun series for Bradley University's OLLI program this month. This one was a bit different for me because I combined the science of gardening with a bit of art and culture. The first day, during ...
Written by Rhonda Ferree, retired horticulture educator
If you have trouble growing houseplants, the Mother-in-Laws tongue is for you.
"The Mother-In-Laws Tongue (Sansevieriatrifasciata), also known as snake plant, is one of the most durable houseplants and is a plant...
