Written by Rhonda Ferree, retired horticulture educator

The recent University of Illinois Extension Horticulture Team professional improvement meeting in Springfield included three tour sites. One location was the grounds at the governors mansion. I've been to the grounds many times and am always impressed by it, especially considering the minimal budget that it operates with. Groundskeeper Harry Lewis is paid entirely by donors and secures many donations to landscape the grounds. He has weekly help from inmates at an Illinois correctional facility. No taxpayer dollars are used in this landscape. Some donations include:

• A large Proven Winners feature garden
• A new chicken coop where chickens help compost yard waste
• Granite counter top sink cutout waster from a local company used as stepping stones

I've posted several pictures here from our tour. Enjoy!

MEET THE AUTHOR

As horticulture educator, Rhonda Ferree inspired citizens in local communities to grow their own food and improve their home landscapes. She focused on high quality, impactful programs that taught homeowners how to create energy-efficient landscapes using sustainable practices that increase property values and help the environment.

After 30 years with University of Illinois Extension, Rhonda retired in 2018. She continues to share her passion for horticulture related topics as “Retro Rhonda” on social media.

ABOUT THE BLOG
ILRiverHort is a blog that helps people connect to nature and grow.