My parents are going to move from Massachusetts to Champaign/Urbana sometime this winter. They are coming in a few weeks to look for a house in Champaign, and would like to bring some of the plants from their garden in Mass (e.g. a rose bush, a hydrangea, some siberian Iris) to "store" in our yard in Urbana over the winter and then plant in their new yard when spring comes.

Is this possible? What should we do with the plants over the winter - put them in the ground, or store them somehow in our detached garage?

Thanks for any advice you might have.

Amy Ando

Hi Amy, First send my welcome to your parents. I would suggest going ahead and planting them in your yard even if its in a vegetable garden. Plants in pots are subject to the freeze and thaw of our winters and it can be quite tough on them. Plus next spring if the plants are in the ground it won't be quite so frantic to make sure they get planted. Of course your parents may make you sign an agreement that you will give them back ;) Hope they have a successful move. Sandy