Written by Rhonda Ferree, retired horticulture educator

The Spring series of University of Illinois Extension's Four Seasons Gardening program, which focuses on environmental stewardship, home gardening, and backyard food production, gets underway this month.

The first session of the series is titled A Garden Calendar. Join extension horticulture educator, Ron Wolford, as he discusses month by month tips and tricks for the home gardener. The program is offered twice – on April 17 at 1:30 p.m. and again on April 19 at 6:30 p.m.

The second program in the spring series is Living with Japanese Beetles on May 1 at 1:30 p.m. and again on May 3 at 6:30 p.m. Japanese beetles are one of the most destructive ornamental pests found in Illinois, and unfortunately, they're here to stay. Join extension horticulture educator, Ken Johnson, as he discusses Japanese beetles, as well as ways you can manage them in your landscape.

The final program in the spring series is Preserving Flowers on May 15 at 1:30 p.m. and again on May 17 at 6:30 p.m. The beauty of a flower in bloom is a fleeting pleasure. Join extension horticulture educator, Alicia Kallal, to learn several techniques you can use at home to preserve flowers and foliage for long-term enjoyment.

All webinars may be viewed from home by pre-registering at go.illinois.edu/4seasons_webinars. Recorded videos of these sessions can be viewed following the program at go.illinois.edu/fourseasonsrecordings.

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.