Nancy Christian,
co-owner, Redbud
Creek Farm, Sheridan

Jeff Cox,
landscape architect, Cypress Group, West Chicago

"I'd recommend a container of annuals. Try the new 'Party Time' alternanthera with 'Mini-Me' baby pink petunias, add 'Baby Tut' papyrus for a vertical element and Dichondra 'Silver Falls' for a trailer. For something bigger and more permanent, use some new heucheras ('Citronelle', 'Christa', 'Mocha', 'Pistache') with the small shrub rose 'Lady Elsie May' and 'Walkers Low' nepeta."

"Early-blooming perennials include the hybrid bleeding heart 'Luxuriant' (which will flower into summer), hardy geraniums (the pink 'Ankums Pride' and the red-purple 'Max Frei'), and early astilbes ('Bridal Veil' and 'Fanal'). For shrubs, try fothergilla, the red-twigged dogwood 'Ivory Halo', and Knock Out roses. Of course, if bought in larger containers, annual pansies, marigolds, and impatiens will flower quickly for spring color."

Heather Lee,
garden center manager, Berthold's Flower Barn, Elk Grove Village

"Walk around the garden center and look for plants that are in full bloom right now such as 'May Night' salvia. It's one of my favorite plants. Then incorporate some shrubs--roses arrive in full bloom this time of year, and lilacs are blooming too. To show off the flowers, use some evergreens with blue or gold needles. All these plants will come back next year. Also get some combination planters ready to go."