Discover the benefits of beneficial insects in the garden like the lady beetle.

Ladybugs, lady beetles, or ladybirds, whatever name is used, are beneficial insects in home gardens. However, native beetle populations have been declining across North America for a number of reasons. Learn about some lady beetles found in Illinois and ways to help the population thrive.

Presenter: Ken Johnson, Extension horticulture educator 

About the Four Seasons Gardening Series

University of Illinois Extension’s Four Seasons Gardening series focuses on home gardening, environmental stewardship, and backyard food production. Four Seasons Gardening sessions are monthly online sessions led by Illinois Extension experts from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. on select Tuesdays and are free to attend. Registration is required. Learn more about the series and register for individual events at go.illinois.edu/FourSeasons.

Additional Sessions

Companion Planting: Bountiful and Beautiful Together | July 23

Growing certain plants together can benefit the whole garden. Discover plant partnerships that offer strategies to break up heavy soils, combat weeds and disease, lure pests away, attract specific beneficial insects, and improve pollination. Companion planting is a way to combine thriving vegetable gardens with the beauty of flowers and herbs.

Foodscaping: Creating Snacks Among the Flower Beds | Aug. 13

Foodscaping is a design concept that intentionally adds edible plant varieties to existing beds of ornamentals. The result is growing food that saves money and is a healthy activity that produces fruits and vegetables to enjoy all season long. The main appeal of foodscapes is that they are valuable and beautiful. Get tips on designing and maintaining a foodscaping project by having the right plant in the right place.