Gleanings of Wheat

Obviously tomatoes & bell peppers are on the list of things to be planted this year, and assuming my raspberry bush survives it's second winter I'll have that, so what else? Any suggestions from Chicagoland gardeners? What grows well for you? List of stuff I'd like to grow Strawberries Basil Oregano Cilantro Carrots Lavender Oranges - yes, I know that's a pipe dream J has requested pink roses this year, which if I plant them next to the yellow rose bush W got me for Mother's Day, could be very pretty.

I planted one strawberry plant and one raspberry plant this year in addition to my hordes of pepper and tomato plants - well Julianne and I just ate the first two ripe strawberries! They were tiny, I really should have taken a photo before consuming them, probably between the size of a nickle and a quarter but very yummy! I'm still waiting for the tomato and pepper plants to start kicking butt. Hopefully soon.