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 information on...

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...

Lincoln Memorial Gardens and Nature Center ecology camps are officially underway this summer for youth. Ecology camps offer children ages 4-15 the chance to explore the varied ecosystems of Illinois including the prairie, woodlands, wetlands and savanna. The camps are held during the dayfrom 8:30-3...

University of Illinois Extension Master Gardener volunteers will offer "Evening in the Garden" on Thursday, July 21, from 5:30 – 7 pm. This event will showcase Master Gardener demonstration garden projects including Small Fruits, Perennial, Herb, Idea and Compost. Volunteers will be on hand to...

Volunteering is a great way to share your talents. University of Illinois Extension Master Gardener program provides an opportunity for participants to learn more about gardening, develop new friendships and share information with others on good gardening practices. Springfield resident and...

University of Illinois Extension Master Gardener volunteers of Sangamon and Menard Counties are sponsoring a Garden Garage Sale. The event will be Friday, June 10, from 9am to 1pm, at the U of I Extension Building, 700 S. Airport Drive, Springfield. Driving directions can be found at U of I...

Bluebirds Face Predators While Nesting Once nearly eliminated from Illinois, local bluebird enthusiasts who have put up and regularly monitor bluebird boxes are helping to grow the population of these birds locally. At the Lincoln Memorial Garden and Nature Center in Springfield,...

This is the time of year when some varieties of basil like large leaf, purple and red varieties start to look straggly and weak. Leaves may start to discolor and drop, leaving a blank spot in the garden and few leaves for late season pesto. There are some varieties, however, that stay attractive...

More than 30 individuals gathered on June 4th at the Nipper Wildlife Sanctuary in Loami for the 2016 University of Illinois Extension Master Naturalist Summit. Attendees learned about wetlands including grasses, plants and wildlife that live around this habitat. Speakers included: Joe Bartletti,...

University of Illinois Extension and Dana-Thomas House are partnering to offer Butterflies, Moths and Bees program on Thursday, June 16, at 5 pm. Join Master Gardener volunteers and local experts for a program on the importance of these insects and how to attract them to the garden. Program will be...