Four Seasons Gardening

The spring season brings new growth for you and your gardening hobbies. 

In a few short months, spring will be sprung. Kick it off by discovering a new outdoor hobby or backyard project to add to the to-do list. A few ideas include backyard beekeeping, replacing invasive trees like the Callery pear, or incorporating more natural lawn care techniques. 

The spring Four Seasons Gardening sessions led by University of Illinois Extension experts begin March 19.

The Four Seasons Gardening series focuses on home gardening, environmental stewardship, and backyard food production. Monthly webinars are led by Illinois Extension experts from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. on select Tuesdays and are free to attend. Registration is required. 

Have a gardening topic on your mind and want to know more? Share suggestions for upcoming sessions with Nancy Kreith at kreith@illinois.edu.

If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate, please contact Gemini Bhalsod at gbhalsod@illinois.edu. Early requests are strongly encouraged to allow sufficient time for meeting access needs.

Spring 2024 Sessions

Bee handler removing trays from hive.

Backyard Beekeeping | March 19

Beekeeping is a growing and rewarding hobby that can be enjoyed by backyard gardeners looking to expand into new ventures. Learn the basics of starting a backyard colony, understanding honeybees, and hive management techniques. Get questions answered before the hive arrives.

Presenter: Jennifer Fishburn, Extension horticulture educator

Register

High blooming branches with white flowers on a Callery pear tree.

Managing Invasives: Eight Replacements for the Callery Pear | April 23

Now considered an invasive species, the Callery pear is a widely used ornamental flowering tree with negative effects on native ecosystems. Until policies are amended and put in place to regulate the Callery pear, also called Bradford pear, this tree continues to be commonly produced and planted. Discover the numerous Illinois native species that are suitable alternatives or replacements for the Callery pear in the landscape.

Presenter: Sarah Vogel, Extension horticulture educator

Register

Backyard with blooming shrubs, evergreens, and a bright green managed lawn.

Exploring Natural Lawn Care | May 14

With billions of gallons of water used on lawns every year, more residents are researching natural approaches to lawn care. Learn what goes into taking care of a lawn and what to swap to achieve more natural, environmentally friendly lawn habits. Explore resources, what a lawn requires, and how to seasonally adjust natural care techniques. 

Presenter: Gemini Bhalsod, Extension horticulture educator

Register

Information whenever you need it!

Every program is recorded and available to watch on the Illinois Extension Horticulture YouTube channel. Videos are available about two weeks after the live program.