Landscape Design

Blog Posts

Managing lawns with ecology in mind

August 27, 2026

“Dad, why can’t we just have grass in our yard?” asked my 12-year-old son. His question has been bouncing around in my head for a few days now. ...

orange ditch lilies spreading through dense green foliage

Landscapes that support life: Replacing invasives with natives

May 14, 2026

Many people recognize bush honeysuckles (Lonicera maackii, L. tatarica, etc.) and autumn olive (Elaeagnus umbellata) as invasive...

Carolina Allspice: A fragrant native shrub in spring

May 6, 2026

Chocolaty-brown, almost reddish flowers and an alluring scent are the major attractions of Carolina allspice (Calycanthus floridus) this...

Welcoming spring ephemerals to your garden

March 30, 2026

By Bob Streitmatter, Botanical Garden Manager at Peoria Park DistrictSpring is a wonderful time to be in a garden, as it comes to life…...

More Blogs

News Releases

February 25, 2026

Vermilion County Master Gardeners to host annual Garden Day featuring expert speakers and local vendors
DANVILLE, Ill. — The Vermilion County Master Gardeners will host their annual Garden Day on Saturday, March 14th. Held at the Danville Area Community College Bremer Conference Center, this full-day event is designed to inspire and equip home gardeners for the upcoming spring season.With a...

Tri-color orange to yellow ombre background with centered Four Seasons Gardening text

August 4, 2025

Extend fall gardening plans with Illinois Extension Four Seasons webinars
URBANA, Ill. — Not ready to say goodbye to the everyday gardening activities? Extend the garden season by learning how to harvest flower seeds and gaining tips on where to start to reclaim runaway landscapes with the Four...

a diverse group of adults working around a raised community garden bed

July 11, 2025

Grow Your Passion: Master Gardener Training Begins This Fall
From rural farms and small towns to bustling suburbs and vibrant city neighborhoods, more than 2,600 volunteers across Illinois are making a difference through gardening. These dedicated individuals bring the mission of “helping others learn to grow” to life by sharing their knowledge and love...

Yellow and green foliage shade plants at a garden center

August 4, 2025

Grow successful made in the shade gardens
URBANA, Ill. — Did you know that despite Illinois' reputation as a prairie state, its landscape was once nearly a third forest? This fact opens up a wonderful world of native plants perfectly suited for shade gardens. Choosing these local beauties not only bolsters regional biodiversity but...

More News