Too Old To Learn?

Too Old to Learn?  NEVER!

Isn't this photo of dew clinging to a cobweb on the ornamental plum tree pretty?  We'd had a major fog that morning and this was the result.  Photographers just never know when we'll find the perfect picture.   

I have three friends who offer great garden photography programs:

Nancy Anderson, retired art teacher and Master Gardener.  Nancy has a nice slide show with beautiful examples and instruction she gives to clubs and organizations.

Roger Luft, retired teacher and professional photographer.  Roger knows his way around a camera and has instructed some excellent classes for the Galva Arts Council.

Kathy O'Malley, retired WGN radio personality and photographer.  Kathy is currently scheduled for a Garden Photography workshop at Hornbaker Nursery, Princeton, on May 26 at 10 AM.

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The area nurseries are opening with their spring array of temptations. 

www.hornbakergardens.com  March 31 - July 10 - Hornbaker Gardens, Princeton

• Monday-Saturday from 8 am - 5 pm
• Sundays from 12 pm - 5 pm
• Check fall hours on website

www.sunnyfield.com  April, May, and June - Sunnyfield Nursery, Galva/Kewanee

• Monday-Saturday 9:00-8:00
• Open Sundays 10:00-6:00
• Open Father's Day
• Check fall hours on website

www.distinctivegardensinc.com  March - December - Distinctive Gardens, Dixon

• Monday-Saturday 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
• Sunday 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM   (April-June)

www.redbarnnursery.homestead.com  April - September - Red Barn Nursery, Sheffield

•  Starting April 2nd:  Monday-Saturday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM - closed Sundays
• May:  Monday-Saturday 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM - Sunday:  1:00 - 5:00 PM
• June-July 3rd:  Monday-Saturday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM -  closed Sundays
• July 5 - Mid September:  Call for an appointment

Each of these four nurseries are fun, exciting and offer different things.  There are other nurseries in the area and yes, it's fun to visit them all.  I just happen to visit these most often.

It's been an unusual ride this winter and now the same this spring.  Nurseries are feeling the early warmth and have adjusted their opening dates.  Most gardeners have gotten their spring tasks completed and are now fighting the mega weeds because of little winter kill.  I've seen pots and window boxes filled with pansies and know there's been mega itching to put in annuals. 

Some perennials are blooming and progressing right on time.  They go by the length of daylight.  Others are about 2-4 weeks ahead of normal.  They are going by warmth. 

Happy beautiful April!  Enjoy the evening.