Most of the posts are written by Colleen Nelson.  I am working on my 6th season at Tholens’ Garden Center in Kankakee.  I have my Bachelor of Science in Ornamental Horticulture from the University of Illinois in Urbana-Champaign.  I started working for a small grower in Momence when I was in grade school, which convinced me to go to school for Hort.  While at UIUC I completed an internship at Walt Disney World in their Hort Dept, and at Kankakee Nursery, a large wholesale nursery in Aroma Park.  I come from a growing background, so most of my experience is based in actual culture of plants.  I particularly love perennials and since working at Tholens’ I have come to appreciate unusual evergreens and woodies even more.  I do this because I love plants and teaching other people.  I don’t claim to be an expert, but I have a bit of experience.  If I don’t know the answer, I am happy to ask someone else…so feel free to let me know if I make a mistake…but please be nice!