- Peonies can still be planted this month if you hurry. They need 6-8 weeks to develop roots before the ground freezes solid. Set them so that the buds are exactly 1 inch below the soil surface. Put a tablespoon of superphosphate in the hole before planting.

- As perennials finish blooming and the foliage begins to ripen, cut them down to the ground. Perennials that better survive the winter if not completely cut back are agastache, gaura, lavendar, chrysanthemums – and any plant that is a zone 6 plant. Continue pulling out stakes and removing cages for perennials, cleaning and storing them for next spring.

- Lilies can be planted now, or moved. Put bone meal in the hole before planting in a well drained location.

- Dig the corms of glads. Dry. Store in a cool place in bags of netting or in a cardboard box of dry peat moss.

Questions? Contact Roger A. Larson, County Extension Director at ralarso1@uiuc.edu

• Annual Report - 2006

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