By Gemini Bhalsod

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 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 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.

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: Richard Hentschel, Extension Educator, Horticulture