Prairies to Perennials 2016

The University of Illinois Extension Logan-Menard-Sangamon Unit is accepting applications for the sixth class of Master Naturalist volunteers. Training will begin in August 31 and go through October 26. Classes are held on Wednesday's. Optional Saturday field trips will be scheduled for hands-on...

Amish Cockscomb, Celosia cristata, is an annual flower that has beautiful fuzzy red flower heads. This plant is currently growing in the Dean Heirloom Garden at the Lincoln Home National Historic Site, 413 South Eighth St., Springfield, Illinois.  At the Dean Heirloom Vegetable Garden...

This summer, University of Illinois Extension Master Gardener volunteers will provide programs in the Master Gardener demonstration gardens. Learn more about how to turn your yard waste into black gold for your garden. University of Illinois Extension Master Gardeners volunteers will discuss steps...

Raising vegetables in a square foot garden can be a great way to grow produce in a small space. In 2016, master gardener volunteers planted a square foot garden in their Small Fruits and Vegetables Demonstration Garden. The set-up followed the expertise of Mel Bartholemew set out in his "Square...

Harvesting Peppers. This summer, University of Illinois Extension Master Gardener volunteers will provide programs in the Master Gardener demonstration gardens. Join Master Gardener volunteers on Thursday, August 25, at 5:30 p.m., for theirthird in a series of...

Worth Waiting For.... There are many annual and perennial sages commonly found in gardens in spring and summer. They are reliable bloomers in reds, blues, and other colors and fill a variety of landscape needs. Several Salvia species are easy to grow, relatively trouble free, and...

This spring, University of Illinois Extension Master Gardener volunteers will provide programs in the Master Gardener demonstration gardens. Thursday, May 19, at 5:30 pm, volunteers will demonstrate "Dividing Perennials." Demonstration will include information on how to divide...

This summer, University of Illinois Extension Master Gardener volunteers will provide programs in the Master Gardener demonstration gardens. On Thursday, June 9, at 5:30 p.m., Master Gardener volunteers will discuss "How to Grow and Harvest Horseradish." Roots of the horseradish...

University of Illinois Extension and Dana-Thomas House are partnering to offer a Container Gardening program on Thursday, May 19, from 5:30 to 7 pm. Join local container gardening experts Mark and Lori McWilliams, and Karen Grant at the Dana Thomas House for an opportunity to learn all the tips for...

The summer series of University of Illinois Extension's Four Seasons Gardening program, which focuses on environmental stewardship and backyard food production, gets underway this month. Quercus Quandaries: Common Oak pests in Illinois will be offered on Tuesday,...

The University of Illinois Extension Master Gardener volunteers in conjunction with the Elijah Iles House Foundation will present a program on "How to plant and care for Roses". This program will be offered on Tuesday, June 21, from 5:30 to 7 pm at the Elijah Iles House, 628 S. 7th Street,...

Even experienced gardeners express frustration about successfully growing lavender. It can take up to two years to achieve the full rounded look of a beautiful mature plant. Many cultivars are labeled suitable to grow in USDA Zone 5b,but some of them can still be sensitive to the severity of the...

Join University of Illinois Extension Master Gardener volunteers for fun children garden activities at Henson Robinson Zoo on Friday, June 17, from 10 am to 5 pm. Join volunteers at Imagination Station Children's Garden were they will host a fairy house building activity for children and provide...

Perhaps you've noticed the bright orange pops of color in fields and along roadsides? Butterfly weed is currently in bloom throughout Illinois. Butterfly weed (Asclepias tuberosa) is a native perennial that grows in dry open woods, prairies, fields, and along roadsides. Typically, it...

What's new with the Small Fruits and Vegetable Gardens located at the University of Illinois Extension office located at 700 S. Airport Drive in Springfield? The asparagus has been harvested for several weeks.  Soon it will be time to let the plants rest for the season.  For more...

Salsa Salsa is one of America's favorite condiments. While there are many types of salsa available commercially, this summer consider making garden fresh tomato salsa. Grow your own plants or purchase fresh produce from a local farmer's market. A basic tomato salsa recipe includes tomatoes,...

You will notice something new at the University of Illinois Extension office located at 700 S. Airport Drive in Springfield, Illinois. On May 18th, 2016, while working the Master Gardener Help Desk, which researches and helps the public with their gardening questions, a lot of activity was going...

As Fall advances, coneflowers, milkweed and other favorites of butterflies and beesare producing fewer blooms and concentrating on seed production for next year. There are plenty of plantsthat continue to brighten container andlandscape plantings andserve asnectar sources.There are alsosome native...

When considering native plants to add to your garden, don't overlook Lead Plant, Amorpha canescens. It is an herbaceous, multi-stemmed perennial that grows 3 feet tall and 3 feet wide. If this is a little tall for your garden location, the size is easily managed by pruning. Lead Plant has...