Local Gardeners Embrace Native Plants at Educational Workshop in Breese
University of Illinois Extension in Clinton County buzzed with excitement on June 7 as 21 local gardening enthusiasts gathered to deepen their knowledge of native plants and their role in supporting pollinators and biodiversity. The event, titled “Getting Started with Native Plants,” was led by Master Naturalists Laurie Henderson, Dian Langenhorst, and Deanna Ratermann.
Held from 10 a.m. to noon at the Extension Office on North 4th Street in Breese, the workshop offered participants a hands-on opportunity to explore the ecological and aesthetic benefits of incorporating native species into home landscapes. Attendees received a curated kit of four native plants (provided with funds from the Clinton County Pollinator Grant Program), along with expert guidance on how to plant and care for them.
The program covered:
- The ecological role of native plants in local landscapes
- Benefits to both gardeners and pollinators
- Design strategies for year-round native blooms
- Tips on sourcing native plants for home use
One of the most impactful moments came when Laurie Henderson explained that native plants serve not only as nectar sources for butterflies but also as essential host plants for caterpillars. “Natives are for the caterpillars, as a host plant, not just for the butterflies,” she emphasized, highlighting the full lifecycle support these plants provide.
Participants left with more than just plants—they gained a deeper appreciation for the interconnectedness of native flora and local ecosystems, as well as practical tools to bring that knowledge to life in their own gardens.
For more information about upcoming workshops and native plant resources, contact the Clinton County Extension Office at (618) 526-4551.
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.