Grow Your Passion for Gardening!

Extension advances mission of lifelong learning at annual conference
URBANA, Ill. — Across the state, University of Illinois Extension staff link their communities with resources they need to thrive by turning science into solutions. Demonstrating Extension’s mission of life-...

Recycle your leaves for a better garden and suprising environmental benifits
MATTESON, Ill. – After raking leaves this fall, consider recycling them on your property rather than bagging them for curbside pick-up. For the typical home gardener, fallen leaves are one of the most readily available forms of organic matter. Organic matter aids plant growth and can...

McLean County Master Gardener recognized at state conference
BLOOMINGTON, Ill. – The University of Illinois Extension proudly congratulates McLean County Master Gardener Cheryl West of Arrowsmith on receiving a prestigious state award from the Illinois Master Gardener program. Cheryl was honored for her outstanding contributions during the Illinois Master...

Golden Garden Day—West Central Celebration, 50 years of Extension Master Gardener impact
PEORIA, Ill - In 2025, the Illinois Extension Master Gardeners are celebrating 50 years of impact. Five regional events invited people from all over Illinois to join in looking back at the Extension Master Gardener program and how it has grown since 1975. Extension staff and volunteers from the...

Will County volunteers recognized at 50th Anniversary Master Gardener Conference
JOLIET, Ill. — Local volunteers leading impactful local projects did not go unnoticed at the 2025 University of Illinois Extension Master Gardener Conference, held Sept. 4-5 in Springfield. "Local Master Gardener volunteers are helping others learn to grow and are making a...