Gardening

Events

Get Growing Bement!

November 7, 2026

The Surprising, Secret Life of Beavers

November 9, 2026

Indoor Edible Gardens

November 10, 2026

County

Bureau

Gifts from the Garden

November 11, 2026

County

Lake

More Events

Blog Posts

Not in Our Yard! A message from Doug Tallamy

October 29, 2026

The World Wildlife Fund reported in October 2024 that between...

Making the most of fall mums

October 29, 2026

This time of year, garden centers around the area are teeming with a quintessential fall favorite, the Chrysanthemum. This versatile ornamental is...

Plants with a spooky side

October 23, 2026

Halloween is right around the corner, and festive décor is lining streets and front yards. Talking skeletons, glowing pumpkins, giant spiders, and...

Weeds growing up between a sidewalk and a brick house

Spring weed management begins in the fall

September 25, 2026

With the arrival of fall, many of our landscapes start to wind down. Flowering plants begin to fade, and trees put on their annual display of fall...

More Blogs

News Releases

Rainscaping class members standing by the newly planted rain garden.

October 7, 2026

Rain Garden Workshop Brings Hands On Learning and Lasting Impact to Macomb
Macomb, IL — Over three days, community members rolled up their sleeves. They explored the science, design, and installation of rain gardens in a hands‑on workshop led by University of Illinois Extension Horticulture Educator Chris Enroth. The Rainscaping...

September 14, 2026

Peoria Friendship House garden grows more than food
PEORIA, Ill. - The Peoria Friendship House Community Garden is cultivating more than vegetables. Through a partnership with University of Illinois Extension Master Gardeners, students...

September 3, 2026

Boone County Master Gardeners announce free fall programs for community
BELVIDERE, Ill.— The Boone County Master Gardeners will offer a series of free educational programs this fall at local libraries and community events. Residents are invited to learn about seeds, insects, trees, bats, and more through hands‑on, expert‑led sessions. All library programs are free,...

August 14, 2026

Big Thunder Pavilion: preserving Potawatomi legacy through landscape, art, and community stewardship
BELVIDERE, Ill. — Big Thunder Pavilion is a monument site in Belvidere, Boone County, IL, which was donated to the Boone County Conservation District (BCCD) by the late Belvidere resident and businessman, Jack Wolf. It is located at Big Thunder Blvd. and Wolf Rd., across from Rock Valley College...

More News

Videos

The Buzz About Bees

What's all the Buzz about Bees? Illinois Extension is here with information

Join University of Illinois Extension and Extension Educator Sreelakshmi Suresh in this info-packed Wilderness Wednesday webinar sponsored by...

Starting a Garden: Seed Starting Basics

Are you new to starting your own vegetable garden seeds? Doing it yourself can save you money and get you involved with the food you eat from seed to harvest. In this video, Illinois Extension horticulture educator Chris Enroth demonstrates seed starting while at home during the...