By Andi Anderson
The University of Illinois Extension is inviting gardening enthusiasts and community members to participate in its free Four Seasons Gardening webinar series this fall. The educational sessions are designed to help individuals improve their gardening knowledge while promoting environmental stewardship and community involvement.
The webinar series focuses on home gardening, backyard food production, and sustainable environmental practices. Each live online session begins at 1:30 p.m. and offers participants the opportunity to learn from horticulture experts while also having their questions answered. Registration is required for all sessions.
The first webinar, "Bringing the Outside In: Overwintering Tender Perennial Plants," will take place on September 15. The session will introduce attendees to various plant species that are often treated as annuals in colder regions but can survive for multiple years with proper indoor care. Participants will learn techniques for overwintering and propagating popular plants such as zonal geraniums, black and blue salvia, coleus, and lemon grass. The program will provide practical strategies to help gardeners preserve these plants for future growing seasons.
The second webinar, "Speak for the Trees: Community Advocacy for Urban Forests," is scheduled for October 20. This program will highlight the importance of community trees and their role in enhancing urban ecosystems. Attendees will learn how they can support and protect local trees through simple and effective actions. The webinar will also provide useful tools, resources, and advocacy strategies to encourage healthier and more sustainable urban forests.
Extension educators Nancy Kuhajda and Emily Swihart will lead the fall webinar sessions and share their expertise on the featured topics. Their guidance will help participants gain practical knowledge that can be applied in home gardens and local communities.
Individuals who are unable to attend the live webinars can still access the information later. All sessions will be recorded and uploaded to the Illinois Extension Horticulture YouTube channel, where they will become available approximately two weeks after the live presentations.
The fall webinar series offers an excellent opportunity for people of all experience levels to expand their gardening skills, learn sustainable practices, and contribute to healthier communities through informed environmental action.
Photo Credit: pexels-greta-hoffman
Categories: Illinois, Education