Build privacy with plants for secret gardens
URBANA, Ill. — Plants serve a lot of purposes in the landscape. One of which is to add some privacy. Screening plants can help define and give purpose to a space. Homeowners may wish to screen a particular area or transparency in the landscape, creating interest in what lies beyond.
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Extraordinary 4-H volunteers honored
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — Illinois 4-H empower and prepare youth for success as the program relies on its more than 6,000 volunteers to fill key leadership and mentoring roles. Fifty-three volunteers were recently honored by Illinois 4-H for their selfless dedication to the University of Illinois...
U of I Extension brings Conservation@Home program to West Central Illinois
LEWISTOWN, Ill. - The “typical” yard can easily be improved to help reduce water run-off, increase wildlife habitat, and improve the soil, which ultimately improves the environment. The Conservation@Home (C@H) program was created...
4-H Embryology in the Classroom program helps students learn about food systems and STEM
PEORIA, Ill. - Knowing where your food comes from is vital information for anyone who consumes it. A general understanding of food systems gives people the ability to make informed decisions - in the polling booth, at the grocery store, and around the dinner table. However, not everyone,...
Make flowers and memories last forever with drying for design
URBANA, Ill. — A great way to enjoy flowers with family and friends is to harvest and preserve them. The popularity of dried and pressed flowers has turned an old hobby into a renewed interior design and art trend. Who has not pressed that lucky four-leaf clover between a couple of pages of a...
New conference aimed to educate current and future farmland owners
EAST PEORIA, Ill. - Owning farmland is a large responsibility and may come with a steep learning curve for some. In today’s world, a lot of farmland is farmed by one person, maybe managed by another person, and owned by a third person. It is important for those land owners to build solid...
Fall session of Naturalist Core Edcuation Training open for applications
LEWISTOWN, Ill. - University of Illinois Extension, Fulton-Mason-Peoria-Tazewell Unit will be offering Naturalist Core Education (Master Naturalist) hybrid training this fall October 2-6, Monday – Friday, 9am to 3pm. Space is limited. To begin the application process, visit...
Focus groups help identify and address needs related to health equity
PEORIA, Ill. - Staff from University of Illinois Extension and University of Illinois College of Medicine Peoria (UICOMP) have been collaborating on a multi-year project with community organizations to expand public access to health and wellness...
How to grow tropical ginger for at-home spice
URBANA, Ill. — Growing fresh vegetables, fruits, and herbs in the backyard can seem like a lot of work, but at the end of the season, the bountiful, tasty harvest is worth it. The International Herb Association named ginger (Zingiber officinale) the...
Youth national shooting sports competition empowers youth through self-discipline, goal-setting
GRAND ISLAND, Neb. — Thirteen Illinois 4-H participants recently showcased their specific shooting skills and sportsmanship at the 2023 4-H Shooting Sports National Championships in Grand Island, Neb., June 25 through June 30. This long running annual event attracted a record number of 718 youth...
Want more from your garden? Plant a fall crop of cucumbers
URBANA, Ill. — It’s the middle of summer, and you are looking for a new home project. Did you know it is not too late to plant some vegetable plants? With proper care, many vegetables are easy to grow in a sunny location in your backyard or a container garden on a patio. Take the challenge and...
Youth champions named in 2023 4-H Outdoor Skills Challenge
Urbana, Ill. - The 2023 4-H Outdoor Skills Challenge took youth into the great outdoors as they showcased their expertise and engaged in outdoor adventures throughout the spring and summer.
The curriculum-based challenge invited young nature enthusiasts to immerse themselves in nature,...
Forestry specialist provides chainsaw safety education to local volunteers and park district staff
EAST PEORIA, Ill. - University of Illinois Extension Master Naturalist volunteers often spend time assisting partners with trail maintenance, invasive and aggressive plant removal, and restoration efforts in prairies and forested areas. At times, those tasks require some serious gear. A new crew...
Elevate your expectations with raised bed gardening
URBANA, Ill. — Whether for convenience or accessibility, raised beds are a popular option for growing fruits, vegetables, or ornamental plants. Raised bed structures elevate the soil, and with it comes a variety of advantages for growing plants.
Using raised beds may allow gardening in...
Orr Agricultural Center’s field day continues U of I Agronomy Days events
URBANA, Ill. — As summer 2023 marches on, so do the events of Agronomy Days at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, a season-long series providing practical, research-based information that can improve yield, input management, and...
Learn more about Conservation@Home July 18
LEWISTOWN, Ill. - The public is invited to learn more about Conservation@Home membership, yard certification, and to check out the new native landscaping demonstration site on Tuesday, July 18, 5:30-7:30pm at the Fulton County Farm Bureau, 15411 N IL 100 Hwy, Lewistown.
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Care for perennial gardens with 3 proven pruning methods
URBANA, Ill. — Pruning perennial flowers takes a garden from looking fair to well-kept. Deadheading, cutting back, and pinching are all pruning techniques that can keep perennial plants looking well cared for and healthy.
Pruning perennials is a complex topic because different plants...
