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Horticulture day-long program helps gardeners plan for the season

DECATUR, Ill. — The new year has just begun, and gardeners are busy planning for the season. Gardening Insights is an annual event hosted by University of Illinois Extension Master Gardeners in Macon County. This day-long event is an opportunity for gardeners to receive research-based information on many horticulture topics while meeting others who share the same interest.

Gardening Insights will be from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 26, at Richland Community College’s Shilling Center. The day is divided into a morning and an afternoon session. Participants may choose three classes for the morning session from topics such as raising bees, landscape problems, weed management, jumping worms, and more. Two hands-on classes are also available in the morning: driftwood centerpiece art and create your own terrarium.

Mark Dwyer, owner and operator of Landscape Prescriptions by MD, is the keynote speaker for the afternoon session. His presentation “Maintaining the Perennial Garden-Deadheading to Division” focuses on learning how to address the needs of perennials. Mr. Dwyer will also offer some fun combinations and plant suggestions to use in home gardens.

The fee for Gardening Insights is $35 and includes a boxed lunch. Registration for Gardening Insights opens on Jan. 11. Visit go.illinois.edu/GardeningInsights or call 217-877-6042 before Feb. 22. Classes fill quickly, so don’t delay. For more information, contact Julia at julia8@illinois. edu or call 217-877-6042.

University of Illinois provides equal opportunities in programs and employment. If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate in this program, please contact 217-877-6042. Early requests are strongly encouraged to allow sufficient time for meeting your access need.

SOURCE: Julia Duncan, Master Gardener Program Coordinator, University of Illinois Extension

WRITER: Maria Lightner, Marketing and Communications, University of Illinois Extension

ABOUT EXTENSION: 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.