Make way for new award-winning garden plants of 2021 Source: Bruce J. Black, Horticulture Educator, Illinois Extension Illinois Extension GALESBURG — After a long winter thumbing through seed and plant catalogs for inspiration, March is the time when Illinois gardeners can finally start seeds for the spring garden. But gardening starts long before the first seed is planted and planning is essential for both first-time and experienced gardeners. “Finding space for new plants that are suited for your USDA hardiness and having blossoms all year long can be a challenge,” says University of Illinois Extension horticulture educator Bruce J. Black. “After mapping out your existing perennials, think about what new plants could be added to your landscape.”