Written by Rhonda Ferree, retired horticulture educator
Learn more about gardening by attending a garden day event this spring.
Garden day events are sponsored by University of Illinois Extension Master Gardeners and are held all over the state. You can find a garden event to attend on almost every Saturday between late February and early April.
I am scheduled to speak at three garden day events this year. My garden day circuit begins March 8th at Illinois Valley Community College in Ogelsby, Illinois. Presented by the Bureau, LaSalle, Marshall, and Putnam county Extension Unit, this day features local experts speaking on native wildflowers, perennial gardens, houseplants, miniature gardens, and more. I am giving two presentations that day. https://webs.extension.uiuc.edu/registration/?RegistrationID=9437
My first topic is Tea Garden where I will discusses the tradition of making and taking tea in the garden. Today tea gardens also provide enchanting outdoor spaces that are soothing, productive, sustainable, and lovely to visit. My session covers several types of tea gardens and the tea garden design components that make these great spaces to enjoy tea. Various plants used to make tea will also be covered.
My second topic on March 8th is on Shade Gardens. I cover both the art and science of gardening in the shade. I'll discuss how to garden in the shade and give a variety of plant options beyond the usual hosta and fern. You'll also learn other elements that are needed to round out a relaxing space that connects you with nature.
I am also scheduled to give my tea garden presentation on March 15th at Western Illinois University in Macomb. Sponsored by the Henderson, Knox, McDonough, and Warren Extension Unit, this event includes garden seminars, workshops, vendors, displays, and so much more. https://webs.extension.uiuc.edu/registration/?RegistrationID=9646
Shade Gardens is also my topic for Gardeners' Big Day on March 29th at Dickson Mounds Museum in Lewistown. Sponsored by the Fulton and Mason county Master Gardeners, this annual event includes PBS TV personality Dianne Noland from Mid-American Gardener as the keynote speaker. The big day also includes speakers on new plants for 2014, medicinal herbs, tech in the garden, and so much more. https://webs.extension.uiuc.edu/registration/?RegistrationID=9719
Other Garden Day events in Central Illinois include 19th Annual Gardener's Pallette on March 1st in Quincy and the Home, Lawn, and Garden Day on March 1st in Bloomington.
I hope to see you at an upcoming Garden Day event. For more information and registration specifics, go to www.extension.illinois.edu and follow the "Find an Office" or "Today's Events" links. Happy Gardening!
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.