More About Garden Learning Series -

Every 2nd Wednesday (Feb-Dec)

Via Zoom 6:30-7:30pm

This year we have a fantastic variety of topics being presented by The University of Illinois Extension Master Gardeners and Educators along with Educators and Ecologists from the Lake County Forest Preserve District and the Solid Waste Agency of Lake County (SWALCO).

Presentations are scheduled the second Wednesday of each month from 6:00pm-7:30pm Starting in February of 2024. This year we have 11 sessions. All sessions are free, virtual on Zoom, and are NOT recorded.

Registration closes the Tuesday before each session at 11:59pm. Zoom link, slides and handouts will be emailed to registrants by 2pm the day of the presentation (Check ALL your email folders including SPAM).

We cannot wait to see you at the 2024 Extension Garden Learning Series!

Register for individual programs below. You cannot register for all programs at once.



Session 1 - Seed Starting

When: Wednesday February 14th 2024

Presenter: Extension Master Gardeners

Topic:

Description: Master Gardeners will deliver timely tips on how to start seeds to grow your own seedlings for your garden. Basic requirements, including time, light, growing medium, water and attention, will be shared as well as suggested plants to start from seed. Seed starting is not limited to vegetables. Annuals and perennials can also be started to get a jump on the growing season.

Registration: Click for Details



Session 2 - Vegetable Gardening

When: Wednesday March 13th 2024

Presenter: Extension Master Gardeners

Description: Imagine tasting your own vegetables picked fresh from your garden... Build your success with research-based methods that promote healthy, productive plants. To get the most out of your garden, University of Illinois Extension Master Gardeners will give you steps to plan and tend your garden. This will include tips on garden location/layout, preparation, recommended varieties, proper planting, pest control, watering, and harvesting tips.

Registration: Click for Details



Session 3- Landscaping with Native Plants

When: Wednesday April 10th 2024

Presenter: Lake County Forest Preserve District

Description: Discover the benefits of designing native habitats such as butterfly gardens and rain gardens. Native plant selection and identification, habitat requirements and maintenance will be discussed.

Registration: Click for Details



Session 4 - Adding Color With Annuals

When: Wednesday May 8 2024

Presenter: Extension Master Gardeners

Description: Learn more about the wide array of annuals available for your containers and gardens. Learn how to create beautiful combinations of color, texture and form to add a long season of bloom. Change your color scheme and approach each year to keep your outdoor spaces fresh and fun.

Registration: Click for Details



Session 5 - Edible landscaping

When: Wednesday June 12th 2024

Presenter: Extension Master Gardeners

Topic:

Description: By combining trees, vegetables, herbs, edible flowers or small fruits and berries in aesthetically pleasing ways, edible landscapes can be just as attractive as ornamental ones. Learn how to eat your yard by creating a tasteful home landscape using edible plants. We will cover both simple suggestions to ease into integration and more ambitious designs. Registration: Click for Details



Session 6 - Northern Illinois Trees

When: Wednesday July 10th 2024

Presenter: Extension Master Gardeners

Description: Learn more about the value of various types of trees and planting a diverse set of trees in your landscape. We will review alternatives to invasive or non-native trees and shrubs suitable to our northern Illinois conditions. We will share best practices about how to care for and maintain your trees so they thrive.

Registration: Click for Details



Session 7 - Healthy Yard, Healthy Home, Healthy Planet

When: Wednesday August 14th 2024

Presenter: SWALCO

Description: Merleanne Rampale from SWALCO will share resources, tips and how-to information on ways to create a healthy yard, including information on the importance of healthy soil/compost/composting.

Registration: Click for Details



Session 8 - Soil Health Check-up

When: Wednesday September 11th 2024

Presenter: U of I Extension Educators

Description: Gear up for autumn by joining our session where the Local Food Systems and Small Farms Educator, Sarah Farley will guide you through key strategies to nurture healthy soils. Explore topics like soil basics, fertility, and effective management strategies applicable to both home and community gardeners.

Registration: Click for Details



Session 9 - Healthy Hedges (buckthorn Eradication)

When: Wednesday October 9th 2024

Presenter: Lake County Forest Preserve District

Description: Matt Ueltzen is the Manager of Restoration Ecology for the Lake County Forest Preserves. He has been with the Forest Preserves for 24 years and manages the District’s prescribed burn and reforestation programs. He also works on various habitat restoration projects including wetland restoration, farmland conversion, and invasive species management such as the eradication of buckthorn which we will talk about today.

Registration: Click for Details



Session 10 - Starting Native Plants from Seed

When: Wednesday November 13th 2024

Presenter: Lake County Forest Preserve District

Description: Starting native plants from seed can be challenging until you know the tricks to sparking germination. Discover what it means to stratify and scarify seeds and which species need which treatment.

Registration: Click for Details



Session 11 - Houseplant Propagation

When: Wednesday December 11th 2024

Presenter: Extension Master Gardeners

Description: Propagation is easy, fun, and addicting! This presentation will primarily focus on the various vegetative options to propagate your houseplants. We will cover tools, techniques, and methods to get you motivated to create new houseplants from your existing houseplants!

Registration: Click for Details

Date & Time

April 17, 2024
6:30pm - 7:30pm

Additional Dates

This event also occurs on:
05/08/2024, 06/12/2024, 07/10/2024, 08/14/2024 and 4 other dates

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