Horticulture

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Blog Posts

Trillium: Good things come in threes group of white trillium blooming on woodland floor
Trillium: Good things come in threes
In my last blog post, I shared my affection for bloodroot and boldly claimed that “among the myriad of spring blooms, few thrill me as much as...
crabgrass
The dilemma with weed-and-feed lawn products
As the winter’s chill lingers into spring, the itch to get out in our yards has never seemed more compelling. One of the ritual tasks performed by...
A favorite spring ephemeral: Bloodroot group of bloodroot plants on woodland floor single green leaves curled around stem of white blossom still cupped ready to open
A favorite spring ephemeral: Bloodroot
My family dedicates an entire weekend to a walkabout in our woodlands each spring. The timing of the retreat is not left to chance, we mark it on...
bunch of daffodils
Springtime gardening trivia
It seems like everyone is doing trivia these days. To celebrate the coming spring, I am trying my hand at writing some gardening trivia questions....
planting boxes
Extension Master Gardeners partner with Phoenix Community Development to promote food access
Community focused, teamwork, and productive are words that Extension Master Gardeners...
When should I clean up my garden? Picture of a garden with brown native bunch grasses and brown fallen tree leaves.
When should I start cleaning up my garden?
As the days get longer and the temperatures start to warm, we often get the itch to start gardening. On the first warm day of the year, I often find...
The weight of winter: snow and ice on trees image of ice on dormant tree branches
The weight of winter: Snow and ice on trees
I write this article as I look out at a snow-covered landscape and give thanks for the warmth of my office. It is during these days that I’m reminded...
mourning cloak butterfly
The mourning cloak butterfly
A winter butterfly sighting We have had some warm weather this February, which means it is time to keep an eye out for butterflies! You may be...

News Releases

Giving Gardens
With a few seeds and a little space, gardeners feed the community
(Livingston, McLean and Woodford Counties) – Healthy communities grow with community support. Let the harvest of your garden contribute to the health of your community this summer. Offering garden vegetables is a source of food that ensures a neighbor facing food insecurity has access to...
Master Gardener harvesting produce in garden with children
As spring nears, ‘tis the season for horticulture education
ROCK ISLAND, Ill. - Across the state, University of Illinois Extension and their volunteer Master Gardeners are busy planning, organizing and hosting horticulture education programs. “Winter is a great time for horticulture classes,” said Martha Smith, Extension horticulture educator. “...
vegetables in raised bed
Growing Spaces for Vegetable Gardens in Raised Beds and Containers
Don’t have usable space in the ground to grow your vegetables?  With Spring upon us, and rising grocery costs, both new gardeners and old gardeners alike are planning what foods can be grown at home. Learn how to use above ground growing systems for safe and fruitful production of your favorite...
flowers growing from the rain off of a rain gutter.
Utilizing Rainwater in the Home Landscape
There are many environmental benefits to reducing stormwater runoff, and it can be done in ways that enhance landscapes and natural areas. Illinois Extension will be hosting a two-part Rainscape Workshop on March 30, and April 6 from 9 am - 3 pm at the Rock...

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