By Andi Anderson
Spring marks a season of fresh beginnings, and for many gardeners, it brings excitement for new plants, colorful butterflies, and the promise of homegrown vegetables.
To help gardeners prepare for the upcoming growing season, the University of Illinois Extension is offering two new installments in its Four Seasons Gardening webinar series.
These online programs are free and designed to educate people about simple and effective ways to improve their gardens.
The spring series will begin on April 7 with a session focused on creating butterfly‑friendly gardens. Many butterfly species depend on specific native plants for food and survival.
While adult butterflies may visit a wide range of flowers for nectar, their caterpillars often require very particular host plants.
The webinar will guide participants in choosing the best native plants to attract butterflies and support local ecosystems. Attendees will learn how using native species can help boost butterfly populations and add beauty to any landscape.
The second webinar, scheduled for May 12, introduces new vegetable varieties for the 2026 growing season. Gardeners will explore unique flavors, characteristics, and planting tips for these fresh additions.
The session aims to inspire gardeners to try new vegetables and bring exciting flavors to their kitchens. Participants will also learn about current trends in vegetable gardening and practical ways to grow these varieties at home or in containers.
Both sessions will be led by Extension educators Jamie Viebach and Bruce Black, who bring expert knowledge and enthusiasm to each topic.
The webinars begin at 1:30 p.m. on select Tuesdays and require online registration. Anyone interested can sign up by visiting the Four Seasons Gardening website.
For those unable to attend live, recorded versions of the programs will be available about two weeks later on the Illinois Extension Horticulture YouTube channel. This allows gardeners to learn at their own pace and revisit helpful information whenever needed.
Individuals needing accommodations to participate may contact the series coordinators in advance to ensure accessible learning options. The Extension team encourages early requests to better meet the needs of all attendees.
These spring webinars offer a simple and enjoyable way for gardeners of all ages to gain new skills, stay inspired, and prepare their gardens for a successful growing season.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-joshua-resnick
Categories: Illinois, Rural Lifestyle