Every summer, gardeners notice that the summer heat steals the beauty of certain plants. They fade and wither, leaving us with only the memories of what once was. To keep these plants happy and healthy, watering becomes a nightmare during high heat and periods of no rainfall.

Xeriscaping, or low-water-usage gardening, may be the answer. The term xeriscape often brings visions of parched desert landscapes. But a xeriscape can be colorful, attractive, and inviting while requiring far less water than traditional landscapes.

The weather is warming up and thoughts of planting fill my head. The new hope that spring offers is exhilarating, the air is warmer, the grass is looking greener and the robins have returned. As I formulate garden plans in my head, my heart leaps when I think of getting my container gardens out of the shed.  Container gardening is my most favorite way of gardening, no weeds, just beautiful flowers growing anywhere that I want them.

By Gemini Bhalsod

By: Richard Hentschel, Extension Educator, Horticulture

By Martha Smith, Extension Educator, Horticulture

Roses, the "Queen of Flowers," should be in full glory in the month of June. The many colors, scents, and flower sizes are all qualities the rose connoisseur craves. Rose care is not difficult. What roses require, however, is consistent care.

"Roses are heavy feeders, so a regular fertilizer program is essential," explains Martha Smith, University of Illinois Extension Horticulture Educator. "Disease problems can be controlled with a regular spray program."

By Austin Little, Extension Educator, Horticulture

Gardeners across Illinois have been climbing the walls waiting for the last frost of spring so they can finally transplant all those fantastic warm-season crops. That day is finally drawing near!

By Andrew Holsinger, Extension Educator

With summer heat approaching, University of Illinois Extension reminds gardeners to think about watering.

All plants need water to survive. Some plants can tolerate dry conditions, but gardeners should investigate the requirements of plants before letting them dry out or providing too much water.

By Nikki Keltner, Program Coordinator, University of Illinois Extension

For those of us that garden, winter is a time of planning. The seed catalogs arrive in our mailbox and we flip through the pages making grandiose plans for the coming growing season. In Extension, we offer educational programs prepping the backyard gardener for the coming spring. During this time, I presented about container gardens so I thought it appropriate to write an article about planning our container gardens. Truth be told, container gardening it is my favorite way to garden.

By Nikki Keltner, Program Coordinator, University of Illinois Extension

By Nikki Keltner, Program Coordinator, University of Illinois Extension

One of my all-time favorite plants is the amaryllis. This plant is a very popular holiday plant, sold in many stores and often given as gifts. If you received an amaryllis as a gift I hope you have enjoyed its beautiful bell shaped blooms. There are many colors of amaryllis, red, white, pink, salmon, apricot, burgundy and variegated. One of the most popular varieties is "Apple Blossom" which is pink and white.

October is upon us and as gardeners that means we are wrapping up the gardening season. The leaves have started to turn and will be falling soon. As we head into fall, we need to consider completing a few simple tasks outside in our lawn and garden that will help keep out garden looking good for the next season.

This blog post is written by Extension Educator Candice Hart,mille116@illinois.edu

Succulents have long been a favorite group of plants for gardeners, for one great reason: They don't need to be watered often! For a gardener who feels watering is a chore, succulents are a dream.

This blog is written by Extension Educator Jennifer Fishburn, 217-782-4617,fishburn@illinois.edu

Reduce, reuse, and recycle. The three R's are part of being a good steward to the Earth. Jennifer Fishburn, a University of Illinois Extension educator, points out that it is ironic that the horticulture industry, whose goal is to beautify our yards, uses millions of plastic pots and trays each year.

This blog post is written by Extension Educator Kelly Allsup,kallsup@illinois.edu

This blog post is written by Extension Educator Martha A. Smith,smithma@illinois.edu

Stop and think before grabbing a bottle of pesticide to control garden pests. That's the message University of Illinois Extension educator Martha Smith wants to convey to gardeners this season.

"Integrated Pest Management stresses monitoring your landscape, keeping a keen eye out for problems from the start," Smith says. "Ask yourself, should I spray or is there an alternative? Most pest problems start out small.

This blog post is written by Extension Educator Kari Houle, 217-357-2150,khoule@illinois.edu

Got a green thumb but inadequate space or sun for an in-ground garden? Container-grown herbs may be the answer, according to University of Illinois Extension horticulture educator Kari Houle. With the right size container and appropriate potting mix, she says, anyone can grow an herb garden.

This blog post is written by Extension Educator Andrew Holsinger, 217-532-3941,aholsing@illinois.edu

Blackberry and raspberry gardeners can achieve a huge boost in berry yield by learning a technique known as tipping, according to a University of Illinois Extension horticulture educator.

Landscaping and gardening is great physical exercise and studies show it's good for emotional well-being, but University of Illinois Extension educator Chris Enroth says those working outside must remain aware of the dangers associated with heat stress on our bodies.

News source/writer: Jennifer Fishburn, 217-782-4617, fishburn@illinois.edu

URBANA, Ill. – As gardeners, we go to the garden center, wander the aisles, and find a plant we can't live without. Then at home, we walk to our garden with plant and shovel in hand and look for a space to put our new impulse purchase.

News source/writer: Bruce J. Black, 815-632-3611, brucejb@illinois.edu

URBANA, Ill. – Cold, blustery temperatures have been moving across Illinois lately and gardeners are starting to put the landscape to bed for the winter. Why not weather the season indoors and start designing next year's garden?