Written by Rhonda Ferree, retired horticulture educator
University of Illinois Extension Horticulture Educators addresses Garden Biodiversity with a free webinar series called "The Good, the Bad and the Lovely Plants." Illinois horticulturists and gardeners revel in interesting plant characteristics but do not want to cultivate plants that disrupt the biodiversity of our natural Illinois landscape.
Cultivating the biodiversity of plants in the Illinois Landscape ensure survival of wildlife like birds, insects and mammals. Entomologist Doug Tallamy ascribes to the importance of Biodiversity by saying past decades of research has tied the number of interacting species to both ecosystem function and stability in his new book entitled the "The Living Landscape. " A picture of Biodiversity may be a baby bird eating a caterpillar or native plants thriving with native pollinators.
University of Illinois Extension will be educating gardeners about Garden Biodiversity by addressing common landscape plants that have invasive qualities, species of concern, how and why to control them and landscape native alternatives and the benefits of native plants to pollinators.
This webinar series will be hosted on April 7th and 21st. This free online web series hosted by University of Illinois Extension starts at 6:30 and ends at 8 p.m. From the comfort of your own home learn about the Good Plants, the Bad Plants and the Lovely Plants.
On April 7th
Common Invasive Plants/Species of Concern 6:30 p.m.
Horticulture Educators Kari Houle and Andrew Holsinger will focus on basic identification of common invasive species as well as species of concern in Illinois and the impacts of these species on the environment and natural habitats.
Control Strategies 7:15 p.m.
After you learn to identify invasive plant species the next step is control. The strategies for eliminating invasive plants depend upon the plant itself. Horticulture Educators Rhonda Ferree and Chris Enroth will address control recommendations of common invasive plants.
On April 21st
Landscape Alternatives 6:30 p.m.
Your backyard has been overtaken by burning bush, but you don't remember planting burning bush? Invasive plants are those that "escape" from other landscapes. Horticulture educators Jennifer Fishburn and Martha Smith will consider alternatives to landscape plants that are being "watched' as becoming problematic
Pollinator Plants 7:15 p.m.
Many Illinois gardeners wish to contribute to the biodiversity of their own gardens by planting flowers that lure and contribute to the survival of pollinators. Horticulture Educators Kelly Allsup and Ken Johnson will discuss how gardeners can attract different types of pollinators by using native plants.
A registration is required and anyone can join for free prior to the event. Please visit http://web.extension.illinois.edu/abhps/ to register.
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.