Gardening enthusiasts, get ready to embark on a virtual horticultural journey with "Gardening in the Air." This unique virtual symposium is proudly presented by University of Illinois Extension and Iowa State University Extension. Scheduled for Saturday, November 4, 2023, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. CST, this collaborative effort promises a wealth of gardening knowledge for attendees.
The event will be conducted via Zoom, making it accessible to anyone with internet access. "Gardening in the Air" will feature three distinct tracks of topics, allowing participants to choose which sessions they'd like to attend at 9 a.m., 10:15 a.m., and 11:30 a.m. CST. The event is free to attend, though donations are appreciated to support the initiative.
Symposium Tracks and Sessions:
- Gardening for Wellness:
- 9 am - 10 am: "Elements of a Healing Garden" presented by Mark Dwyer, Garden Manager at Edgerton Hospital Healing Garden. This session explores how gardens can have restorative and healing elements, engaging the senses and providing respite and mindfulness. The session includes discussions on plants, sensory engagement, design ideas, accessibility, and tips, using an existing healing garden as an example.
- 10:15 am - 11:15 am: "Introduction to Horticultural Therapy" presented by Mike Maddox, Horticultural Therapist and Organizational Development Consultant. Participants will learn about the positive impacts of plants, nature, and gardening on well-being in this introductory session on horticultural therapy.
- 11:30 am - 12:30 pm: "Body Smart Gardening" presented by Jennifer Fishburn, Illinois Extension Horticulture Educator. This session provides techniques to make gardening more enjoyable, covering topics such as tool selection (including ergonomic options), proper tool use, garden gloves, clothing, and tips for preventing bug bites.
- Invasive Species Track:
- 9 am - 10 am: "Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) Panel Discussion" featuring a panel of experts, including Mark Vitosh (Iowa DNR District Forester), Mary Mason (Geneticist, U.S. Forest Service), Charlie Flower (Research Ecologist, U.S. Forest Service), and Mike Brunk (Illinois Urban Forestry Administrator). The discussion focuses on the aftermath of EAB in Illinois and Iowa, including woodland management after the loss of ash trees and efforts to find resistant trees.
- 10:15 am - 11:15 am: "Plant Alternatives (Plant this, not that)" presented by Jennifer Fishburn, Illinois Extension Horticulture Educator. This session addresses invasive landscape plants and suggests native alternatives.
- 11:30 am - 12:30 pm: "Jumping Worms" presented by Tricia Bethke, Forest Pest Outreach Coordinator at the Morton Arboretum. This session explores the discovery of jumping worms in Illinois, their potential impacts on ecosystems, and strategies for addressing them.
- Behind the Scenes: Horticulture Industry Track:
- 9 am - 10 am: "Get the Scoop on Plant Trialing and High-Performance Plants" presented by Diane Blazek, Executive Director of All-America Selections and National Garden Bureau. This session explains the plant trialing process in North America and how AAS Winners are designated.
- 10:15 am - 11:15 am: "Growing Native Trees and Shrubs from Seed" presented by Mike Bevins, Former Owner of Iowa Native Trees and Shrubs Nursery. This session covers seed collection, cleaning, storage, germination, root development, and seedling care for native trees and shrubs.
- 11:30 am - 12:30 pm: "Create a Family Legacy: Backyard Garden Seed Saving" presented by Michael Washburn, Preservation Director at Seed Savers Exchange. Participants will learn about heirloom seeds, seed-saving techniques, and how to create a living treasure for future generations through gardening and seed saving.
"Gardening in the Air" promises to be a valuable and informative event for all gardening enthusiasts, offering a diverse range of topics and expert insights. Don't miss this opportunity to elevate your gardening knowledge!
To register for the event, please visit https://go.illinois.edu/GIA2023.
For participants requiring reasonable accommodation, please contact Tracy Jo Mulliken via email at tmully@illinios.edu or call her at (309) 756-9978.
Illinois Extension leads public outreach for University of Illinois by translating research into action plans that allow Illinois families, businesses, and community leaders to solve problems, make informed decisions, and adapt to changes and opportunities. Illinois Extension is part of the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences.