CCMGs Present: Beauties and Beasts of our Gardens

Join the Champaign County Master Gardeners for a dynamic, interactive session with Dan Billman, exploring the real-world challenges and triumphs that shape the success of our gardens and landscapes. 

 

Dan’s wealth of experience makes him the perfect guide. With decades of hands-on knowledge, he’ll discuss some of the most notorious “beasts” lurking in our gardens—many of which are surprising and often overlooked. You’ll also learn how to manage pests, environmental factors, plant selection, and more this spring to create a thriving, sustainable landscape. 

 

Dan has dedicated 27 years to educating and inspiring others about ornamental plants, and his passion for the subject is contagious. He’s been on a mission to get people excited about the environment our plants live in – and he’s ready to share his knowledge with you.

 

 

Dan’s journey in ornamental horticulture began right after high school, thanks to a teacher who sparked his interest. After earning both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Plant and Soil Science at Southern Illinois University, Dan joined Home Nursery Inc., where he led their Research and Development Program. Later, he spent 19 years teaching at St. Louis Community College, focusing on woody plants, pest management, and propagation. Today, he runs DB Horticultural Services, where he continues to share his expertise through presentations, workshops, and hands-on “Walkabouts,” educating gardeners and horticultural enthusiasts for over 25 years.

 

If you have any questions or need a reasonable accommodation to participate, contact Valerie Nicolini at vln3@illinois.edu