URBANA, Ill. –  Wednesdays just got merrier and brighter. Each week, University of Illinois Extension educators will share holiday plant and home landscape tips for winter.

The free online workshops begin Dec. 1 and include live, follow-along activities led by Extension educators Andrew Holsinger, Chris Enroth, Ken Johnson, and Katie Parker, Each hour-long session begins at 3 p.m. Register online at go.illinois.edu/GoodGrowingWinter21.

• Unique Plants for the Holidays | Dec. 1: Are you searching for the perfect holiday gift for that plant lover on your list, but don’t want to give them the typical poinsettia or Christmas cactus? Learn about some out-of-the-ordinary plants and how to grow them like plumeria, citrus, tea, coffee, and miracle fruit that can make great gifts for the plant enthusiast in your life, or yourself!
• Going Nuts Over Tree Nuts! | Dec 8: It's just nuts! Yes, through the holiday season it can get a bit hectic but sit back and relax while you learn about the wonders of growing nuts in your own back yard. The nuts that will be covered fall into the traditional holiday fare of chestnuts, walnuts, pecans, and hazelnuts. 
• Wonderful Winter Interest | Dec 15: The winter season can be a dreary time for your landscape. Learn what plants to use to add color, texture, and plant architecture to your winter landscape, such as red and yellow twig Dogwood, winterberry, witch hazel, serviceberry, and false cypress. 
• Dealing with Winter Wildlife Damage | Jan 12: Wildlife can be fun to watch, but wild animals can also be very destructive to the home landscape. Learn how deer, rabbits, racoons, squirrels, voles, and mice may cause damage to your yard or garden this winter and some tips to help protect your landscape.

If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate, or for more information, contact Katie Parker at keparkr2@illinois.edu. Early requests are strongly encouraged to allow sufficient time for meeting access needs.

SOURCE: Katie Parker , Local Foods and Small Farms Educator, University of Illinois Extension
WRITER: Erin Wunderlich, Writer, 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.