(MILAN, Ill) Get ready to dig into inspiration! University of Illinois Extension and Iowa State University Extension and Outreach are once again teaming up to present Gardening in the Air, a free virtual symposium designed for plant lovers of all levels. This interactive online event brings together expert-led sessions on trending topics in home horticulture—from flower drying and lawn care to pet-friendly landscaping and orchard management.
Mark your calendar for Saturday, October 18, and join us via Zoom for three dynamic sessions, each offering three topic choices. Whether you're curious about ornamental grasses, grow lights, or gardening in a changing climate, there's something for everyone.
Register for Gardening in the Air [go.illinois.edu/GardeningintheAir] by October 15 to receive Zoom links and access to recorded sessions with closed captioning. Internet access and a valid email address are required. While the event is free, donations are appreciated to support future programming.
Session Schedule
(You will select one topic per session when you register)
9:00 – 10:00 a.m.
- Everlasting Flowers – Drying and Pressing Techniques
Christina Lueking, Horticulture Educator, University of Illinois Extension
Learn which backyard garden varieties dry best and how to harvest and dry them effectively. Explore flower pressing techniques to create beautiful, value-added gifts for friends and family. - Good Bugs We Love to Hate
Ken Johnson, Horticulture Educator, University of Illinois Extension
Not all beneficial insects get the love they deserve. Discover the vital roles played by often-misunderstood insects like wasps, flies, and even cockroaches in maintaining a healthy landscape. - Value of Turf and Sports Turf Maintenance
Adam Thoms, Associate Professor in Horticulture and Extension Turfgrass Specialist, Iowa State University
Explore what it takes to maintain safe, attractive athletic fields. Learn the differences between natural and synthetic turf, why sports turf requires unique care, and how field managers address hidden issues. Includes comparisons to home lawn care and tips for turf safety.
10:15 – 11:15 a.m.
- Grasses and Sedges in the Home Landscape
Erin Garrett, Natural Resources, Environment, and Energy Extension Educator, University of Illinois Extension
Native grasses and sedges offer low-maintenance, year-round interest. Discover which varieties work best in formal beds or naturalized settings, and discover alternatives to commonly planted non-native or invasive species. - Bulbs and Plant Storage Structures
Sarah Rummery, Associate Director of Horticulture and Operations, Reiman Gardens, Iowa State University
Uncover the science behind bulbs, corms, tubers, and rhizomes. This session covers how these underground structures function, differ, and support ornamental and edible gardening—plus seasonal care tips and plant selection guidance. - Gardening in a Changing World
David McKinney, Horticulturist, Ecologist, Entomologist, Plant Physiologist, and Curator, Iowa Arboretum and Gardens
As Midwest weather patterns shift, gardening strategies must adapt. Learn how to design for water management, build habitat, and choose resilient plants. Gain tools and insights to prepare your garden for an unpredictable future.
11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
- Growing Under Lights
Aaron Steil, Consumer Horticulture Extension Specialist, Iowa State University
Indoor gardening often struggles with light limitations. Learn how to choose and use supplemental lighting effectively and understand how plants respond to different light sources for optimal growth. - Pet-Friendly Landscaping
Jamie Viebach, Horticulture Educator, University of Illinois Extension
Create a safe, stylish outdoor space for pets and people. Discover non-toxic plants, safer hardscaping, and enrichment ideas to reduce maintenance and enhance harmony between your pets and your landscape. - Midwest Apple History and Orchard Management
Olivia Meyer, Horticulture Graduate Student, Integrated Fruit Health Research Group, Iowa State University
Explore the history and future of apple growing in the Midwest. Learn about historic cultivars, modern rootstocks, pruning, and weed management. Gain practical insights for successful orchard care and a deeper appreciation of regional apple heritage.
University of Illinois Extension provides equal opportunities in programs and employment. If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate, contact Tracy Jo Mulliken at tmully@illinois.edu or call (309) 756-9978. Early requests are strongly encouraged.
University of Illinois Extension develops educational programs, extends knowledge, and builds partnerships to support people, communities, and their environments as part of the state's land-grant institution. Extension serves as the leading public outreach effort for University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences in all 102 Illinois counties through a network of 27 multi-county units and over 700 staff statewide. Extension’s mission is responsive to eight strategic priorities — community, economy, environment, food and agriculture, health, partnerships, technology and discovery, and workforce excellence — that are served through six program areas — 4-H youth development, agriculture and agribusiness, community and economic development, family and consumer science, integrated health disparities, and natural resources, environment, and energy.