University of Illinois Extension

Events (18)

Home Hydroponics

1 - 2 PM

Thu, 10/28/2021 - 12:00

Online or Montgomery County Extension Office, #1 Industrial Park Dr., Hillsboro, IL 62049

image of a self made home hydroponics system

Master Gardener Meeting - Knox County

5PM - 6PM

Mon, 11/01/2021 - 12:00

Galesburg

Fulfill Your Native Desires: Choosing Native Trees and Shrubs for the Backyard

1 - 2 PM

Tue, 11/02/2021 - 12:00

Online

image of a native tree to Illinois

Fall Tree Walks

10 AM - 11:30 AM, 1 PM - 2:30 PM

Thu, 11/04/2021 - 12:00 - Wed, 11/10/2021 - 12:00

Various

Thankful for our Feathered Friends with Whiteside County Master Gardeners

1:00 PM

Sat, 11/06/2021 - 12:00

Whiteside Extension Office

Macon County Honeysuckle Sweep

9 - 11 AM

Sun, 11/07/2021 - 12:00

Fairview Park, 2095 W. Eldorado St., Decatur, IL 62522

picture of plant

All About Herbal Teas at Thomson Public Library

11:30 AM

Tue, 11/09/2021 - 12:00

Thomson Library

Master Gardener Meeting - McDonough County

10AM - 11AM

Tue, 11/09/2021 - 12:00

Macomb

Garden Cleanup for Another Season

1 - 2 PM

Wed, 11/10/2021 - 12:00

Online

image of a rake with a pile of leaves

Cultivating Connections

6:00 PM - 7:30 PM

Thu, 11/18/2021 - 12:00

University of Illinois Extension Education Center & Community Teaching Kitchen, 944 First Street, LaSalle, Il 61301

Let's Talk About Houseplants

6:00 pm

Thu, 11/18/2021 - 12:00

Danville Library

Hosueplants

Holiday Huddle - Livingston County Master Gardeners

12 PM

Thu, 12/02/2021 - 12:00

Livingston County Extension Office - 1412 S. Locust St. Pontiac, IL 61764

Holiday Huddle - McLean Master Gardeners and Master Naturalists

10 AM or 2 PM

Fri, 12/03/2021 - 12:00

McLean Extension Office - 1615 Commerce Parkway, Bloomington, IL 61704

Master Gardener Meeting - Knox County

5PM - 6PM

Mon, 12/06/2021 - 12:00

Galesburg

Master Gardener Meeting - McDonough County

10AM - 11AM

Tue, 12/14/2021 - 12:00

Macomb

Dragonflies

6:00 PM

Wed, 02/09/2022 - 12:00

Zoom

dragonfly with yellow wings with black markings perching on stick

Gardener's Day

Sat, 03/12/2022 - 12:00

Macomb

Wildflower Photography

6:00 PM

Wed, 03/23/2022 - 12:00

Shannon Bayou, 3301 S. Waldron Road, Aroma Park, Illinois

woman with brown hair taking photograph in nature with camera

Blog Posts (58)

Fall is spider season as orb-weavers spin bigger webs

Yellow garden spider, Argiope aurantia by James Braselton, Bugwood.org

Using natives in a home landscape

Purple coneflowers and other native plants in front of house

Extension Master Gardeners create native landscaping demonstration at Therkildsen Field Station at Emiquon

four people standing in front of building and new landscaping

Garden tips to transition to fall

Before squash harvest, you can cook with the blossoms

Cooking with Squash Blossoms; open blossom on squash plant on right side, three cut squash blossoms on wood background on right

Preserve soil health with microorganisms

Extension Master Gardeners team up with Tazewell County Health Department to grow food for local families

Extension Master Gardener working in a community garden

Think local for eco-friendly and beautiful wedding flowers

wedding bouquet using local blooms

Native plant education aids natural habitat preservation

Picture of native plant Black-eyed Susan with butterfly

Best Practices for Sharing Plants to Stop the Spread of Invasive Species

Stop the spread of jumping worms and other invasive species

Invasive Jumping Worms Confirmed in Peoria County

Are you ready for lawn care season

Large Crabgrass

Tara Heath Joins Extension Horticulture Team

Extension Master Gardeners educate the community about native plants at Morton Public Library

Extension Master Gardeners standing by flower bed

Spring FAQs: Is it time to plant yet?

Garden fun for families on Spring Break

terrarium with roman soldier - photo by Brittnay Haag

On-line Extension Master Gardener Training Sees Increase In Unit Participation

Screen shot of on-line training menu

Positive Change Can Make a Difference in Your Community

sunlight through ice covered trees

Local Master Gardeners Honored with State Awards

Pic of Sue Walters, Master Gardener award recipient

Local schools and organizations trained to start school gardens

Children working on a school garden

2019 Vermilion County Master Gardener Garden Walk

Weeds

Idea Garden Theft

Douglas Discovery Garden

2018 Garden Walk

History of the Master Gardener Program

French intensive gardens root well in Central Illinois

full season french intensive garden

Virtual book study group keeps master volunteers connected and learning

Natures Best Hope book cover

Hostas

Hand pollination of last year’s hosta flowers produced the seeds used to grow this tray of hosta seedlings. However, it will take a few more years for these plants to mature and truly express the traits gained from hybridization. Photo credit: Barb and Rick Schroeder

The history of tomatoes: How a tropical became a global crop

Domestication of the tomato was long believed to have happened from plants with cherry-sized fruits, but recent genetic research indicates otherwise.

The Gardening Helpline: An Extension tradition going strong

gardening helpline info graphic

Extension programs continue through a variety of online venues

Growing tender and warm-loving vegetables

Master Gardeners Help the Community's Garden Woes from Home

master gardener observers flowers

Extension Master Gardener trainees revamp Peoria Zoo pollinator garden

group photo of Master Gardeners

Even Gardeners Have Their First Days

LEGO art in the garden. Photo by Kelly Allsup.

A Beginners Guide To Worm Composting

Fruit and vegetable scraps for composting

Kick off spring in Pontiac with Livingston County Master Gardeners

Extension Master Gardeners Provide Education to Hundreds of Farmers Market Visitors Each Year

Volunteer Master Gardeners at Farmers Market

Holiday Gifts for the Gardener in the Family

Gift Ideas for Gardeners this Holiday Season

Gifts

How to overwinter house plants

Houseplants provide beauty as well as a plethora of human health benefits during winter although indoor plant care can often be challenging this time of year.

Extension Master Gardeners receive Keep Peoria Beautiful Award for project and education at St. Jude Church and School

group of people standing in front of brick building

Nicole Flowers-Kimmerle Joins Extension Team as Horticulture Educator

Nicole Flowers staff photo

Master volunteers’ involvement at Mason Tree Nursery expands to help 8-state Project Wingspan

women touching a plant sitting in classroom

New Sensory Garden Added to Community in Village of Bryant

garden with quilt art

College of ACES dean and extension director connect with staff and stakeholders

Dr. Shelly Nickols-Richardson shaking hands with a 4-H teen

What I Do and Why It Matters - Ian Goslin

Ian Goslin standing a podium talking to a group

Winter weather does not slow down Master Gardener activity

five Master Gardeners in winter coats holding shovels

Time to Divide Iris

Purslane - Weed It Or Eat It?

Preparing Black Walnuts for Eating

Rooting Hydrangea Cuttings in Five Easy Steps

Yellow Leaves Can Indicate Plant Problems

Mowing for Monarchs

orange and black monarch butterfly perched on milkweed plant

Beat summer heat with low-water xeriscape gardens

Xeriscape style garden

It's hard to beat a good beet

beet growing with title "it's hard to beat a good beet"

News Releases (191)

Macon County Master Gardeners receive state awards

Embrace the winter! Count feeder birds for science!

Cultivating Connections

Toluca Coal Mine Fall Festival hosts Marshall-Putnam Extension activities

Free learning experience offered in a take home kit

Should you make your garden tidy in the fall or spring?

Piatt County Master Gardeners receive state awards

Two DuPage County Master Gardeners earn state honors

McLean County Master Gardeners Receive State Awards

Livingston County Master Gardeners Receive State Awards

Extension Master Gardeners create native landscaping demonstration at Therkildsen Field Station at Emiquon

Remove invasive honeysuckle from Fairview Park at volunteer event

Woodford County Master Gardeners offer gardening help desk at Eureka Library

Master Gardener coordinator wins Chancellor’s Distinguished Staff Award for work navigating pandemic

Improve your tree identification skills with free tree walk

Goblins, Ghosts, and Ghouls! Oh My!

Spruce and Callery pear can be problematic for your midwestern landscape

Monarch Migration Festival to take place in person

Donate Your Extra Garden Produce; Help Your Community Eat Fresh

Farm Stroll 2021 Offers Tours of 12 Small Family-Owned Farms

Free hands-on monarch butterfly event is fun for all ages

Explore your creative side at this free terrarium workshop

Become a Master Gardener and help others grow

Free hands-on event to spread education on monarch butterflies

Learn to grow with fall Master Gardener online training

Learn to grow with fall Master Gardener online training

Wondering how to rid your landscape of parasitic plants?

Enrich your knowledge and your soil at free composting event

Go back in time with free historical cottage garden tour

Backyard landscape or garden got you stumped? Request advice from Master Gardeners

See garden ideas come to life with the Kane County Master Gardeners

Free learning experience offered in a take home kit

Learn about heirloom gardening and native plants at free garden tour

Learn how to grow great tomatoes and tour community garden

Free event to tour Crossing Garden and learn about composting

Extension Master Gardeners team up with Tazewell County Health Department to grow food for local families

Learn how to make your landscape attractive to pollinators

Community Garden in Toluca has vegetables ready to harvest!

Residents offered two Kendall County Master Gardener training options for fall

Weeds or wildflowers? It's a matter of perspective

Livingston County Master Gardener Help Desk Open

Master gardeners to answer questions in-person at the farmer's market

Tour some of the best gardens with the McHenry County Extension Master Gardeners’ and MCC’s Garden Walk 2021 on July 10

Four Seasons Gardening Program Offers Free Summer Series Webinars

Master Gardeners Ready to Help in Carroll, Lee and Whiteside Counties

Double Your Garden Harvest with Succession Gardening

Tour beautiful gardens during the Master Gardener Over the Gate Garden Walk

Learn how to grow fresh herbs and the ways to use them

McHenry County Extension Master Gardeners Grow Produce ‘for Good’

Extension Master Gardeners Educate the community about native plants at Morton Public Library

Kendall Master Gardeners host plant sale May 15

Apply for Online Master Gardener Training for Livingston, McLean, and Woodford Counties

Fieldcrest Intermediate School in Toluca begin the “Seeds to Harvest” garden program

Darla Bradham joins Illinois Extension Master Gardener Program

Debbie Fearn joins Illinois Extension Master Gardener Program

Community Service Hours Opportunity in Marshall County

Learn how to attract pollinators to your garden and why it is important

Invasive jumping worms confirmed in Peoria County

Become involved with a local community garden

Tara Heath joins Extension horticulture team

Take home kits offer learning experiences for children

Whiteside County Master Gardeners Presenting Container Workshop on May 22

Lee County Master Gardeners Host Seed Starting Workshop

Whiteside County Master Gardeners Presenting Mums The Word Workshop April 17

Lee County Master Gardeners Host Junior Garden Tour

Whiteside County Master Gardeners Host Demonstration Shade Garden Tour

Carroll-Lee-Whiteside Extension to Offer Growing Horticulture in Northwest Illinois Series

University of Illinois Master Gardener Program Accepting Online Applicants

Learn how to prune your shrubs with 'cutting hedge' technology

The gardening methods you need to tell goodbye

Log on to the McHenry County Virtual Gardenfest on April 10

Extension is here to share in your gardening triumphs and woes

Lake County Extension Master Gardener Spring Plant Sale June 12

Four Seasons Gardening Program Offers Free Spring Series Webinars

Magnolia Public Library to Host University of Illinois Extension Live Virtual Presentation of “Container Gardening”

Become a citizen scientist and record precipitation in your neighborhood

LaSalle Public Library to Host University of Illinois Extension Live Virtual Presentation “Growing Food, No Matter the Garden Size”

Master Gardeners open e-help desk for 2021 growing season in DuPage, Kane and Kendall counties

Four Seasons Gardening Program Offers Final Program on Free Winter Series Webinars

Tips for starting your spring garden off strong

Vermilion County Master Gardeners present 2021 Garden Day Workshop

Illinois Extension leads efforts to address food insecurity in DeWitt and Piatt Counties

Illinois Extension & Rock Island Public Library offer free online series: Vegetable Gardening Made Easy

Magnolia Public Library to Host University of Illinois Extension Live Virtual Presentation of “Start Your Seeds!”

LaSalle Public Library to Host University of Illinois Extension Live Virtual Program “Growing Plants from Seeds”.

Four Seasons Gardening Program Offers Free Winter Series Webinars

Plant tags provide valuable information

2021 is the year of the gardener; get ready with Home, Lawn, Garden Day

Four Seasons Gardening Program Offers Free Winter Series Webinars

Planning flower gardens for those hot, dry spots

Winter take home learning kits now available through Illinois Extension

Gardening interests bloom in 2020

Carroll-Lee-Whiteside Extension Announces New Master Gardener Interns and Winter Training

Master Gardener program offers two online training options

Learn to identify trees in winter with bark, twigs, buds

Become a U of I Extension Master Gardener

Apply for Online Master Gardener Training for Livingston, McLean and Woodford Counties

Master Gardener Program offers new training options

A Very Berry Christmas Webinar: Winter Garden Landscaping With Various Berry Shrubs

Expand your iris IQ

Now is the time to become a Master Gardener

Take home learning kits for children now available

Overwintering annuals is possible with these tips

Illinois Master Gardener program recognizes 2020 award winners

Whiteside County Master Gardeners Awarded Top Award

Two local Master Gardeners earn state honor

McNabb Public Library to Host University of Illinois Extension Live Virtual Presentation of “Preparing Your Garden for Winter”

Piatt County Master Gardeners receive state awards

Macon County Master Gardeners receive state awards

October Master Gardener Column

Four Seasons Gardening Program Offers Free Fall Series Webinars

LaSalle Public Library to Host University of Illinois Extension Live Virtual Presentation “Preparing the Garden for the Winter”.

Master Gardener creator remembered for volunteer program

DIY Halloween Make-up Workshop offered by local Master Gardeners

McNabb Public Library to Host University of Illinois Extension Live Virtual Presentation of “Landscaping for Birds”

September 2020 Master Gardener Column

LaSalle County Master Gardener Wins 2020 University of Illinois Extension State Master Gardener Outstanding Award

Virtual book study group keeps Master Volunteers connected and learning

Learn how to tell which grass is which

There’s Still Time to Register for the University of Illinois Master Gardener On-Line Training Program in Bureau, LaSalle, Marshall and Putnam Counties!

Mushrooms of Illinois Webinar

Master Gardener Program Accepting Applicants for Fall Online Training

Harvest milkweed pods; plant Monarch butterfly garden

6th Annual Monarch Migration Festival to be held online

August Master Gardener Column by Jan Phipps

The Gardening Helpline: an Extension tradition going strong

Unique Master Gardener Training to be held this fall

Master Gardener Training to be held this fall

Illinois Master Gardeners announce new volunteer website

July Master Gardener Column

June Master Gardener Column by Jan Phipps

Ready to start your gardening adventure with Illinois Extension Master Gardeners?

Extension Master Gardener Trainees Revamp Peoria Zoo Pollinator Garden

Extension Master Gardeners Offer Free Gardening Helpline

Master Gardener program offers online training

Online Master Gardener Training Available

Master Gardener Training Available Online

University of Illinois Extension McHenry County Master Gardeners Offer Virtual Gardening Advice for Spring

Tri-County Master Gardeners Host e-Help Desks this Spring

April Master Gardener Column

2020 Cook County North Suburban Master Gardener Training

Program cancellations and postponements

All Levels of Gardening Experience Encouraged to Attend Gardeners’ BIG Day

Local Volunteers Plan Spring Fling Garden Day

All About Berries Series in Christian County

Starting Seeds Indoors Workshop - Christian County

Reserve Your Spot at the 2020 Ready Set Grow Gardening Workshop

All Gardener’s Day – 2020 registration is open

Communities Join in Master Gardeners' Annual Seed Swap

February Master Gardener Column

Master Gardener Training Offered Spring 2020

Leap into Learning at the 23rd Annual Nursery School: Lessons in Gardening Feb 29 in East Moline, IL

‘Think Spring!’ Learning Series Underway with Kane County Master Gardeners

Kendall County Master Gardeners Host Seed Swap on Jan. 25

Winter Tree ID Walk at Spoon River College Arboretum

Mason Bees Workshop

Starting Seeds Indoors Workshop - Macoupin County

Ready Set Grow Gardening Workshop Hosted By Carroll, Lee, Ogle and Whiteside Counties Master Gardeners

U OF I EXTENSION OFFERS FOUR SEASONS GARDENING WEBINARS

Pruning Apples and More Workshop - Macoupin County

Pruning Apples and More Workshop - Montgomery County

January Master Gardener Column

Dried Floral Arranging Workshop Offered in Sterling

DuPage Master Gardeners Log 9,900 Service Hours in 2019

University of Illinois Extension announces Four Seasons of Gardening Winter Webinar Series Dates and Topics

Become a University of Illinois Extension Master Gardener in 2020 - Training Starts January 24 in Milan, IL

MidWinter Horticulture Workshop is set for January 25

December 2019 Master Gardener Column

Extension Master Gardeners receive Keep Peoria Beautiful Award for project and education at St. Jude Church and School

University of Illinois Extension recognize accomplishments of members

Kendall County Master Gardeners on Track for 2,000 Service Hours in 2019

Kane County Master Gardeners on Track for 4,000 Service Hours in 2019

Extension Accepting Applications for Master Gardener Training

McLean County Master Gardeners Receive State Awards

Woodford County Master Gardener Receives State Award

Livingston County Master Gardeners Receive State Awards

October Master Gardener Column

Five Area Master Gardeners receive Outstanding Master Gardener award at the Illinois State Master Gardener Conference

Community Garden Raises Spirits at Good Samaritan House

Campus Rain Garden Receives Upgrades

Local Master Gardener Receives State Award

Master Gardeners and Master Naturalists Shared Information at Fair

September Master Gardener Column

Master Gardeners and Master Naturalists Share Information at Fair

Succulent Wreath Workshop in Macoupin County

Landscaping with Native Plants in Christian County

Southern Illinois Wine Trail Bus Trip

University of Illinois Extension Announces New Horticulture and Naturalist Education Course

Illilnois Extension Presents Fall Harvest of Horticulture in Aledo, Ill on September 21

2019 Idea Garden Open House Dates Set

Spring into Action with Livingston County Master Gardeners Help Desk

Staff (28)

Gemini Bhalsod

Gemini Bhalsod

Cook County Horticulture Educator

Bruce Black

Bruce Black

Horticulture Educator

Travis Burke

Dr. Travis Burke

Assistant Dean, Agriculture/Agri-Business Program Leader

Margaret Burns Westmeyer

Margaret Burns Westmeyer

Cook County Horticulture Program Coordinator

Brenda Dahlfors

Brenda Dahlfors

Program Coordinator, Horticulture-McHenry

staff photo of Julie Dantone

Julie Dantone

Tazewell County SNAP-Ed Community Worker

Karen Davis

Karen Davis

DuPage County Master Gardener Program Coordinator

Christopher Enroth

Christopher Enroth

Horticulture Extension Educator

Sarah Fellerer

Sarah Fellerer

Master Naturalist Program Coordinator and Kane, Kendall County Master Gardener Program Coordinator

Wendy Ferguson

Wendy Ferguson

Horticulture Program Coordinator

Mary Fisher picture

Mary Fischer

Extension Educator, Horticulture

staff photo of Nicole Flowers-Kimmerle

Nicole Flowers-Kimmerle

Agriculture and Natural Resources (Horticulture) Educator

Holly Froning

Holly Froning

Program Coordinator, Master Gardener and Master Naturalist-Kankakee County

Erin Garrett

Erin Garrett

Energy and Environmental Stewardship Educator

Candice Hart

Candice Hart

State Master Gardener Specialist

staff photo of Tara Heath

Tara Heath

Horticulture Program Coordinator

Ken Johnson Staff Photo

Ken Johnson

Horticulture Educator

Valerie Kehoe

Valerie Kehoe

Program Coordinator, Horticulture

Marilyn Kemmerer

Marilyn Kemmerer

Lee County Ag and Natural Resources Program Coordinator

Nancy Kreith

Nancy Kreith

Cook County Horticulture Educator

Nancy Kuhajda

Nancy Kuhajda

Program Coordinator, Master Gardener, Master Naturalist and Master Composter-Will County

Jenny Lee

Jenny Lee

Program Coordinator, Master Gardener/Master Naturalist

Judy Lemenager

Judy Lemenager

Office Support Assistant-Kankakee County

Beth Miglin

Beth Miglin

Horticulture Program Coordinator

Mary Nelson

Mary Nelson

Whiteside County Ag and Natural Resources Program Coordinator

Meg Overocker

Extra Help, Master Gardener and Master Naturalist Program Coordinator

Latosha Reggans

Extension Program Coordinator, Horticulture

Kimberly Rohling

Energy and Environmental Stewardship Program Coordinator