Prairies to Perennials 2016

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...