Time is running out to gift flowers for Valentine’s Day for those who wish to do so.  Certain flowers work better than others, and some will last well into the warmer weather with the right care.  On the topic of warmer weather, although it has not arrived in a consistent way yet, now is also the time to begin thinking about what seeds to buy for your garden.  This is especially true for “newer” seeds, as seed producers typically have lower quantities of these products compared to others.

Kathi Knope and Gwen Podeschi are Master Gardeners with the University of Illinois Extension.  They say roses, tulips, and hyacinths are among the go-to flowers for Valentine’s Day.

The pair also spoke about “floriography,” which means “the language of flowers.”  Types of flowers and their colors can mean different things. 

There are a host of events coming up for gardening enthusiasts.  Macon County’s Master Gardeners will host their Gardening Insights series of classes and panels on Saturday, February 28 from 7:45 a.m. to 12:45 p.m.  It will take place at Life Foursquare Church in Decatur.  Registration is required and must be completed by February 22.  You can register here.

After that, Wednesday, March 4 will be the Gateway Green Conference at the Gateway Convention Center in Collinsville.

More information on these events and others – as well as on the Master Gardeners in general – is on the University of Illinois Extension’s website, extension.illinois.edu.

Kathi Knope and Gwen Podeschi appeared as guests on the WTIM Morning Show.