Gardening in the Air! Virtual Gardening Symposium

Join us for our annual fall online event: Gardening in the Air!, a free virtual gardening symposium featuring horticulture experts from University of Illinois Extension and Iowa State University Extension. This interactive event offers a variety of current gardening topics for you to choose from—all delivered via Zoom.

Participants must have internet access and a valid email address to receive Zoom links. Some sessions will be recorded and shared with registered participants after closed captioning is added. 

There is no registration fee to attend but a donation is appreciated.

Session Schedule

9:00 – 10:00 a.m. (Choose one):

• Everlasting Flowers – Drying and Pressing Techniques
  Christina Lueking, Horticulture Educator, University of Illinois Extension
  This program involves learning how and which varieties dry the best from a backyard garden. The technique of how to dry and when to harvest will be discussed. The other technique discussed will be the process of pressing real flowers to create value-added products for your friends and family.
• Good Bugs We Love to Hate
  Ken Johnson, Horticulture Educator, University of Illinois Extension
  Many insects are feared or disliked, despite being beneficial. While bees, butterflies, and lady beetles are celebrated, other beneficial insects like wasps, flies, and even cockroaches are frequently vilified. Learn about the important roles these insects play in maintaining a healthy landscape.
• Value of Turf and Sports Turf Maintenance
  Adam Thoms, Associate Professor in Horticulture and Extension Turfgrass Specialist, Iowa State University
  This presentation will cover what it takes to maintain safe and aesthetically pleasing athletic fields. We will discuss the differences between natural turfgrass and synthetic turf playing surfaces and how both require maintenance. Comparisons will be made between what maintenance practices are done on athletic fields as compared to the home lawn and why those practices are not needed on most home lawns. Athletic field safety will also be discussed in this presentation. Finally, tips and tricks will be shared on how athletic field managers can hide issues that you may never know about.

10:15 – 11:15 a.m. (Choose one):

• Grasses and Sedges in the Home Landscape
  Erin Garrett, Natural Resources, Environment, and Energy Extension Educator, University of Illinois Extension
  Grasses and sedges are often low maintenance, four-season interest plants that can help fill out a landscape design. With the increased availability of native grasses and sedges for purchase, which ones should you use and where? Come learn which native grasses and sedges work best for formal landscape beds and more naturalized settings. Alternatives for non-natives and invasives currently planted ornamentally will also be discussed.
• Bulbs and Plant Storage Structures
  Sarah Rummery, Associate Director of Horticulture and Operations, Reiman Gardens, Iowa State University
  Dive into the fascinating world of underground plant structures in this session that explores bulbs, corms, tubers, and rhizomes. Learn how these storage organs function, how they differ, and why they matter in both ornamental and edible gardening. From biological basics to practical applications, this presentation will help you better understand plant classifications, seasonal care, and how to make informed choices for your garden.
• Gardening in a Changing World
  David McKinney, Horticulturist, Ecologist, Entomologist, Plant Physiologist, and Curator, Iowa Arboretum and Gardens
  As the Midwest's temperatures continue to become more like that of latitudes further south, severe storms become more frequent while precipitation is less predictable. Journey with David through what future gardening may look like, gain insight into planting decisions for the next 50 years, and explore strategies to make your garden successful in a changing world. We will discuss designing for water management, building habitat, and evaluate the process of plant selection. You will walk away with tools and resources for help, while also understanding how to make decisions now for an unpredictable future.

11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. (Choose one):

• Growing Under Lights
  Aaron Steil, Consumer Horticulture Extension Specialist, Iowa State University
  Light is essential for plant growth and when growing plants indoors is often one of the biggest limiting factors. Providing additional light can be beneficial but requires some special considerations. Learn more about how to successfully garden under lights in your own home. Topics discussed include selecting the best supplemental light source, how lights can be used most effectively, and how light is used by plants.
• Pet-Friendly Landscaping
  Jamie Viebach, Horticulture Educator, University of Illinois Extension
  Discover how to create a beautiful, functional, and safe outdoor environment that both you and your furry companions will love. This presentation explores the principles of pet-friendly landscaping, including non-toxic plant choices, safer hardscaping, and creative enrichment features. Whether you're a homeowner, landscaper, or pet lover, you'll gain practical tips and inspiring ideas to transform your yard into a haven for pets without sacrificing style or sustainability. Join us to learn how to balance aesthetics with animal safety, reduce maintenance headaches, and foster a more harmonious relationship between your pets and your plants.
• Midwest Apple History and Orchard Management
  Olivia Meyer, Horticulture Graduate Student in the Integrated Fruit Health Research Group, Iowa State University
  This session explores the past and present of Midwestern apple production, from the region’s historic cultivars and breeding efforts to the rootstocks that shape today’s orchards. We will look at practical approaches to orchard care, including pruning strategies and weed management, alongside the broader history of apple growing in the Midwest. Participants will gain both context for the region’s apple heritage and take-home insights for effective, modern orchard management.