URBANA, Ill. — Gardening is an ever-evolving journey, and each growing season brings fresh experiences and strategies for both new and veteran gardeners. This spring, learn more gardening techniques and grow skills at University of Illinois Extension gardening events across the state.These spring garden seminars and workshops go beyond deepening your knowledge; they...
By Jennifer Bass, Extension Master Gardener, Master Naturalist, and Conservation@Home member serving Fulton, Mason, Peoria, and Tazewell countiesOn Sundays, when the grand kids arrive, they often check whether the bird feeders are full and hurry to fill them with seed for our feathered...
Exploding trees made quite a few headlines this past week when winter temperatures dropped across much of the country. While the claim of trees exploding certainly grabs attention, it is a little exaggerated. So, what was behind the frenzy? Is there some truth to the concern?The reality behind...
Creating Simply Lovely Nature Art
Willow, be my valentine?Learn how to create a nature-inspired living heart craft with freshly cut willow. Learn how to add a touch of rustic romance to bouquets that showcase flowers in the sweetest way possible.Presenter: Chris...
Plants of Concern Herbarium Mounting - Williamson County
Are you interested in mounting herbarium specimens for the Plants of Concern Program and Southern Illinois University Carbondale? Sessions will rotate through different Illinois Extension Offices. Training and materials will be provided. Please pay attention to the location and date combination...
Rooted
2nd Annual EventPLEASE NOTE: As of Friday, Feb. 6, general attendee registration is now full. If you would like to join the waitlist in case space opens up, please complete this form....
2026 Attracting Ruby-Throated Hummingbirds to Your Own Backyard Pollinator Garden
Have you noticed different birds at your feeders? Although ruby-throated hummingbirds are expected visitors to gardens east of the Rocky Mountains, several species of vagrant hummingbirds have been documented in Illinois. Did you know that citizen science projects are looking for your observations...
Nursery School: Lessons in Gardening Symposium
A day of gardening inspiration and learningJoin University of Illinois Extension educators, local experts, and Master Gardeners for a full day of inspiration, practical workshops, and community connection. Whether you’re new to gardening or have years of experience, you’ll discover fresh ideas,...
Rend Lake Pollinator Garden Stewardship Day
University of Illinois Extension is partnering with the US Army Corps of Engineers to provide public pollinator garden stewardship opportunities at the Rend Lake Project Office Visitor Center from February to October 2026.Volunteers will receive training of how to care for pollinator gardens,...
Plants of Concern Herbarium Mounting - Jackson County
Are you interested in mounting herbarium specimens for the Plants of Concern Program and Southern Illinois University Carbondale? Sessions will rotate through different Illinois Extension Offices. Training and materials will be provided. Please pay attention to the location and date combination...
2026 Attracting Ruby-Throated Hummingbirds to Your Own Backyard Pollinator Garden - Jackson County
Have you noticed different birds at your feeders? Although ruby-throated hummingbirds are expected visitors to gardens east of the Rocky Mountains, several species of vagrant hummingbirds have been documented in Illinois. Did you know that there are citizen science projects looking for your...
2026 Gardening Insights
Join the Macon County Master Gardeners for a morning packed with inspiring gardening sessions! Whether you're just starting out or have years of experience, you'll pick up fresh ideas, tips, and tricks to help you plan and prepare for a successful 2026 growing season. Don't miss this chance to dig...
Pruning Young Shade Trees
Proper pruning is critical to young trees.Young shade trees face a variety of challenges in the landscape, resulting in surprisingly low survival rates for many of these plants. While planting practices and follow-up care are major factors in the mortality of younger trees, canopy failure from poor...
Home, Lawn, and Garden Day
New location! Parke Regency Conference CenterMake your garden thrive with educational workshops, inspiring speakers, and horticulture treasures from exceptional businesses and organizations at the 24th Annual Home, Lawn, and Garden Day, presented by University of Illinois Extension...
Plants of Concern Herbarium Mounting - Perry County
Are you interested in mounting herbarium specimens for the Plants of Concern Program and Southern Illinois University Carbondale? Sessions will rotate through different Illinois Extension Offices. Training and materials will be provided. Please pay attention to the location and date combination...
VCMG Presents: Garden Day 2026
The Vermilion County Master Gardeners are hard at work planning this year's annual Garden Day. With an expert line-up of speakers and a host of talented local vendors, this year's event promises just the inspiration and knowledge you need to get your gardens and lawns off to a great start come...
Gardeners' BIG Day 2026
Gardeners, naturalists, and anyone interested in conservation are invited to Gardeners’ BIG Day. Sessions are appropriate for attendees of all skill levels! The day includes three educational sessions, snacks, door prizes, and vendors. Sessions filled on a first-come, first-served basis. ...
2026 Spring Into Gardening Conference
Get ready for the upcoming growing season!The sixteenth-annual Spring Into Gardening Conference invites gardening enthusiasts and beginners alike to enjoy a day filled with expert advice, creative ideas, and hands-on guidance. Connect with experts, explore new gardening methods, and gather...
Russel Allen Garden Day 2026
The University of Illinois Extension Logan County Master Gardeners will host Russel Allen Garden Day on Saturday, March 21, 2026, at Oasis Senior Center, 2810 Woodlawn Road, Lincoln. The event will run from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm, with registration from 8 to 8:45 am. The public is invited for this...
Rend Lake Pollinator Garden Stewardship Day
University of Illinois Extension is partnering with the US Army Corps of Engineers to provide public pollinator garden stewardship opportunities at the Rend Lake Project Office Visitor Center from February to October 2026.Volunteers will receive training of how to care for pollinator gardens,...
2026 Ready.Set.Grow! Gardening Workshop
2026 Ready...Set...Grow...Gardening Workshop, on Saturday, March 28 from 8:00 AM to 12:30 PM at Sauk Valley Community College (173 IL-2, Dixon, IL 61021).Join the Master Gardeners of Carroll, Lee, Ogle, and Whiteside counties for this half-day event offering participants information about various...
Gardener's Day 2026
Get ready for the 2026 gardening season by joining us for Gardener’s Day! This year’s presentation will cover the basics of gardening, caring for trees after planting, and garden planning with native plants. Deep Roots, Strong Shoots: Tree Care after PlantingPlanting is just...
Gardener's Day 2026
Get ready to dig into inspiration at the 28th Annual Gardener’s Day! This special event will bring together gardening enthusiasts of all levels to enjoy engaging speakers, hands-on activities, and plenty of opportunities to learn new tips and techniques for your...
April in Paris Gardening Seminar
Edgar County Master Gardeners are hosting the April in Paris Garden Seminar again! The event will offer four speakers, vendors, and breakfast.This year's speakers and subjects are:Robb Sparks of Sparks Floral Co - "Daylilies - The Indestructible Plant For the Home Garden"
Chris Lueking, University...
Gardenfest - ready, set, grow
Explore the latest gardening trends, techniques, and tools during this daylong series of seminars for gardeners of every skill level.Held annually, Gardenfest is sponsored by McHenry County College and the University of Illinois Extension McHenry County Master Gardeners.Location: McHenry...
A Day in the Garden Patch- Livingston County
Join the Livingston County Master Gardeners for a morning of gardening education and fun!Tropical Plants: Selection, Design, and CareDan Anderson, horticulturist & houseplant expertBring the tropics to your home and garden! Learn how to choose vibrant tropical plants...
Rend Lake Pollinator Garden Stewardship Day
University of Illinois Extension is partnering with the US Army Corps of Engineers to provide public pollinator garden stewardship opportunities at the Rend Lake Project Office Visitor Center from February to October 2026.Volunteers will receive training of how to care for pollinator gardens,...
Plant and Bake Sale
Bring your seedlings, cuttings, and houseplants to sell. Sell your extras or buy what you need! Bake some treats and sell them too, or just come to shop. You set your own prices.PLEASE NOTE: DUE TO THE THREAT OF JUMPING WORMS, PLANTS DUG FROM THE GROUND WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO BE SOLD.Call Edgar...
Cultivating Care Garden Stewardship Day 1
Gain confidence in the garden. Visit with Illinois Extension staff or volunteers on select Monday evenings from5 to 7 p.m. at the Cultivating Care Garden. Learn how to water, weed, and harvest produce, which will be weighed and delivered to the Salvation Army Food Pantry in Marion. Have fun meeting...
2026 Master Gardener Plant Sale
Saturday, May 169 a.m. to 2 p.m. | Rain or shineThe 2026 sale will feature:Several varieties of tomatoes and peppersNative plantsNursery-stock perennialsMaster Gardeners on-hand to answer gardening questionsPayments may be made by cash or credit. Proceeds support the Kendall County Master Gardener...
Rend Lake Pollinator Garden Stewardship Day
University of Illinois Extension is partnering with the US Army Corps of Engineers to provide public pollinator garden stewardship opportunities at the Rend Lake Project Office Visitor Center from February to October 2026. Volunteers will receive training of how to care for pollinator gardens...
Cultivating Care Food Donation Garden Stewardship Day 2
Gain confidence in the garden. Visit with Illinois Extension staff or volunteers on select Monday evenings from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Cultivating Care Garden. Learn how to water, weed, and harvest produce, which will be weighed and delivered to the Salvation Army Food Pantry in Marion. Have fun...
Garden Walk 2026
The Champaign County Master Gardener Garden Walk returns on Saturday, June 20, 2026, inviting the community to once again celebrate creativity, inspiration, and a shared love of gardening at this beloved local event.Garden Walk participants will enjoy a self-guided tour of...
