Anne Gachuhi is the new Extension Unit Educator in Horticulture for District 3 (North West Suburbs). Anne has a Master's Degree in Horticulture from Wageningen Agriculture University (Holland), a Bachelor of Science degree in Horticulture (Egerton University, Kenya) and a Certification in Crop Production (Writtle College, Britian). She has more than 15 years work experience planning, implementing, delivering and evaluating horticultural educational programs through public outreach and Extension service with various Universities abroad and within the United States. Some of the programs Anne has been involved in include: Coordination and training of Master Gardener volunteers, the Youth gardening (Junior Master Gardener program J.M.G.), providing technical expertise to the urban gardening/beautification/greening program as well as supporting Community Gardening.

Anne will be dividing her time between the Wall Street and Courthouse offices. Next time you're at one of these locations, stop by and give Anne a warm Master Gardener welcome!

Love is in the air as we dream about our gardens-to-be! Now is a great time to read up on the latest hybrids and plan for possible additions throughout your garden. And if you haven't already perused your catalogues, do so now and order those seeds you've been thinking about getting. If you plan to have some slow-growing plants, you might want to start the seeds indoors now.

Check on your potted bulbs. Remember they will need to be in a warm, sunny spot when the tips reach a height of 1-2" or the roots start to grow out of the holes in the bottom of the pot.

Whatever you're moved to do we know the anticipation is there and will shortly "spring" into high gear. Get ready to GO FOR IT!

We all use herbs in our cooking from time to time and accustomed to the usual: Basil; Chives; Dill; Parsley; Oregano; Rosemary; Sage; Thyme; and Tarragon. Here's some information about some other herbs that you might consider growing and using.

ANGELICA

• Light: Shade
• Height: 5 feet
• Spacing: 2 – 3 feet
• Type: Biennial
• Uses: Drinks, jellies, candy, fragrance
• Other: Sow seed yearly, prefers cook & moist conditions

LEMON BALM

• Light: Sun, part shade
• Height: 1 feet
• Spacing: 2 – 3 feet

VERBENA (LEMON)

• Light: Sun to light shade
• Height: 3 feet
• Spacing: 18' – 24' inches
• Types: Treat as annual
• Uses: Tea, stir fry, fragrance, landscaping
• Other: Spider mites can be a problem

Since we cannot be out in our gardens at this time of year, our thoughts naturally turn to our houseplants. Susan Grupp, Horticulture Educator at the University of Illinois, offers the following common causes of problems in houseplants:

General defoliation

• Sudden change in temperature
• Transplanting shock
• Sudden change in light intensity
• Over-watering
• Lack of light

Browning of leaf tip

• Improper watering
• Exposure to cold drafts
• Insect attack
• Excess fertilizer

Loss of normal foliage color

• Over-watering
• Lack of fertilizer
• Insect attack
• Improper light

Spotted foliage

• Over-watering
• Burning from direct sunlight
• Disease

The Spotlight is on Mary McAlevy's Garden

This month we are spotlighting the garden of Mary McAlevy. The photo shows the vast expanse of Mary's front lawn with various plantings around her many trees. Living on a busy street can reek havoc on anyone's garden but Mary's plants, under her tender care, remain lush.

Her plantings continue on into her back yard and are enhanced by a natural wooded setting.

Dear Frugal Gardener,

Just a thought you'd like to heat how I solved my problem with a groundhog. I live in a ground floor apartment, and a groundhog was stealing from my potted tomato plants. One night I placed mouse traps and rat traps in and all around the pots. That night I heard all kinds of snapping and went out to see what happened.

Nearly all the traps had snapped and the groundhog was leaving in a hurry. He must have blundered into one trap and set off the rest by jumping around in fright. Not one tomato was missing and the groundhog hasn't been back since! -- Phil

Dear Phil,

Thanks for your story. I was going to suggest wrapping up those pots and plants with chicken wire, but your solution sounds far more exciting. I'll keep a lookout for a graying groundhog with a nervous twitch and a heart condition. --- FG

- Helpful Hints for the Notoriously Cheap