Illinois Extension Office Perennial Garden in Milan, IL

Garden Address: 321 W 2nd. Ave. Milan, IL 

Step into a world of color and tranquility at the Illinois Extension office in Milan, where our stunning perennial garden offers year-round beauty. Located at the front of the office, this vibrant garden is home to a diverse array of perennials that bloom from spring through fall, featuring award-winning varieties, ornamental grasses, and lush hostas. The garden is beautifully shaded by a blossoming cherry tree, creating a serene and inviting atmosphere perfect for relaxation and inspiration.

For over a dozen years, this garden has been lovingly maintained by a dedicated team of Master Gardeners, whose commitment and expertise are evident in every corner. Whether you’re seeking gardening ideas or simply a peaceful place to unwind, visit us to experience the garden's ever-changing colors and textures throughout the seasons.

Pollinator Garden at the Mercer County Fairgrounds 

Garden Address: 848 170th St, Aledo, IL

Established in 2016 with a grant from the Illinois Clean Energy Community Foundation, this garden is a living tribute to the importance of pollinators in our environment. Carefully curated and maintained by the Mercer County Master Gardeners, this garden features a variety of genus-specific perennials, chosen not only for their beauty but also for their critical role in supporting pollinators.

Gardening connects us to nature, providing a deeper understanding of how ecosystems work. Even a small garden can make a big difference, creating habitats for butterflies, bees, and other essential pollinators. The Perennial Pollinator Garden showcases an array of plants that cater to the needs of both caterpillars and nectar-seeking insects, making it a vibrant and vital part of our local landscape.

This garden not only adds beauty to our surroundings but also plays a crucial role in creating sustainable habitats for wildlife. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or just starting, a visit to the Perennial Pollinator Garden at the Mercer

Riverside Rain Garden

Garden Address: 3400 5th Ave., Moline, IL

Installed in 2023 by participants from a Stormwater Management series offered by Illinois Extension, the Riverside Rain Garden serves as a vital educational resource on the importance of managing stormwater runoff. Rainwater falling from homes, roads, and commercial areas is not absorbed into the soil often carries pollutants and sediments into our waterways, earning it the name "polluted runoff." Reducing this runoff is crucial for protecting our environment, and it can be achieved through methods like a rain garden which can also enhance landscapes and natural areas.

This garden features examples of plants and landscaping techniques that can divert rainwater from your house's gutters into a functional and attractive rain garden. It also includes a sign with a QR code linking visitors to valuable resources on stormwater management, plant selection, project design, and more you can find at go.illinois.edu/RainGardenResources.

This educational initiative was made possible through funding from Constellation – Quad Cities Station and the Mel McKay Charitable Trust.

Riverside Demonstration Gardens

Garden Address: 3400 5th Ave. Moline, IL 

The Riverside Garden Beds, open to the public and conveniently located next to the Riverside Greenhouse with ample parking, are part of a larger, picturesque setting. Surrounded by other beautiful gardens—including a Rain Garden and a pollinator garden also maintained by Illinois Extension Master Gardeners—this area offers a rich, educational experience.

Here, a dedicated group of Rock Island County Master Gardeners cultivates fresh produce, experimenting with different growing methods and introducing new vegetable varieties each year. Following sustainable practices, they enhance the soil with compost and use grass clippings as natural mulch to limit weeds and boost soil health without pesticides or chemicals. The garden yields over 1,000 pounds of fresh vegetables annually, all of which are generously donated to the Salvation Army. This impactful work is made possible through the support of the Friends of Riverside Gardens, who provide the space for Illinois Extension to grow and give back to the community.