Prairies to Perennials 2016

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...