Spring Is Finally Here

Crocus in lawn

Spring Is Finally Here!

The crocus in my front lawn are up and blooming and the daffodils are not far behind.  Last fall I planted more crocus in the back but it is shadier there and hence cooler so no sign of them yet.  I hope the squirrels didn't dig them up.  I do occasionally find blooming bulbs not where I planted them.  But that is okay because I naturalize my bulbs in the grass as well as designated flower beds so what could be more natural than bulbs planted by squirrels.

Naturalized scilla

A few years ago I planted scilla in the middle of the front lawn.  I just love those houses on Woodstock Street near Oak where the scilla has truly naturalized in the front lawns.  What a sight.  You should drive by and see it.  Mine hasn't done so well and I will have to remember next fall to add more.  I meant to do it this year, but by the time I got around to it the stores were sold out.  

Well, what better way to begin another gardening season here in Norther Illinois than by attending Garden Fest next Saturday at McHenry County College.  GardenFest is sponsored by the Master Gardeners of McHenry County, part of the University of Illinois Extension Service.  With all the funding cut backs going on this is one way to help support a group that gives so much to the community.  If you ever have a gardening question and call the Extension Office in Woodstock, it will most likely be a Master Gardener that answers it.  They get extensive training from the Extension Service and in return volunteer time at the office to answer garden related questions.

Kim Hartman and I will be there as speakers-- I am giving a talk on water gardening and Kim's topics are shade gardening and roses.  Kim's are at 9:30am and 1:15 and mine is at 2:45. 

Also going on this month, in fact as we speak, is the Macy's Flower Show at the Macy's on State Street.  I can't get there this year but I have gone in the past and the floral displays are outstanding.  Again, they also have classes and the Cook County Master Gardeners are there to answer any questions. 

And, finally, on April 16 Countryside is having another full day of seminars on gardening.  Kim will be filling you in on the best new plants for 2011, Karen Campney, Nursery Manager, will be talking about growing fruit and a tree specialist will be teaching you about insect management in trees, including how to deal with the emerald ash borer.