Gardening in the Air! Virtual Gardening Symposium - Saturday, October 24, 2026
Gardening in the air! Virtual Gardening Saturday, October 24, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. - 12:30 CST
University of Illinois Extension and Iowa State University Extension have teamed up to offer a virtual gardening symposium. Combining expertise from both institutions, we are offering an assortment of current topics for you to pick and choose from. All will be offered via Zoom, so participants must have internet access and a valid email address.
Gardening in the Air! will offer three different topics per hour for you to choose from.
The virtual Saturday will offer three programs at 9:00 a.m., 10:15 a.m., and 11:30 a.m. CENTRAL TIME. You decide which ones you want to participate in. We will send you ZOOM links before October 18 to the email you provide.
There is no registration fee to attend, but a donation is appreciated.
9:00 – 10:00 a.m. (Choose one):
9:00 – 10:00 a.m. (Choose one):
- Runaway Landscapes: Practical Strategies for Working With Nature, Not Against It
Chris Enroth, Horticulture Educator, University of Illinois Extension
Not every plant labeled a weed is necessarily a problem. An untidy garden is not a failure. And not every landscape challenge needs an immediate solution. By learning when to intervene, when to adapt, and when to embrace a little chaos, gardeners can create landscapes that are both manageable and meaningful. Explore practical strategies for evaluating and improving trees, shrubs, lawns, and garden beds while developing realistic expectations for long-term landscape management. Learn how to prioritize landscape projects, rejuvenate overgrown plants, suppress unwanted vegetation, and create a plan for restoring neglected spaces. Along the way, we'll discuss how personal aesthetics, ecological value, and a willingness to embrace some imperfection can help transform a runaway landscape into a space that is both manageable and enjoyable.
- Extension Master Gardener Program Demystified
Candice Anderson, State Master Gardener Specialist, University of Illinois Extension, and Alicia Herzog, Iowa Master Gardener Program Manager with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach
Learn from the Iowa and Illinois State Master Gardener Program Managers about what the Extension Master Gardener Program is, how many people it reaches, and what types of projects volunteers participate in.
Learn from the Iowa and Illinois State Master Gardener Program Managers about what the Extension Master Gardener Program is, how many people it reaches, and what types of projects volunteers participate in.
- Tough Trees (and a few shrubs) for Midwestern Landscapes
Jeff Iles, Professor, Iowa State University
What can I plant? What should I plant? These are common questions posed to all horticulturists, and in this presentation, we'll attempt to provide some solid plant advice and guidance to help you field those questions. Of course, not every plant discussed will thrive in every situation, but most have proven to be winners in both gentle and challenging sites. Bring your questions.
What can I plant? What should I plant? These are common questions posed to all horticulturists, and in this presentation, we'll attempt to provide some solid plant advice and guidance to help you field those questions. Of course, not every plant discussed will thrive in every situation, but most have proven to be winners in both gentle and challenging sites. Bring your questions.
10:15 – 11:15 a.m. (Choose one):
- Harvesting and Preserving Herbs
Bruce Black, Horticulture Educator, University of Illinois Extension
Herbs are great fun to grow in the home landscape – and they are easy to grow, harvest, and keep. Join Bruce to learn more about harvesting and preserving your home-grown herbs to enjoy in recipes all winter. - Right Perennial, Right Place
Aaron Steil, Consumer Horticulture Extension Specialist, Iowa State University
The secret to a thriving perennial garden is choosing plants that match your growing conditions. Discover great options for sun, shade, wet soils, dry sites, and other challenging locations. - Extending the Season of Your Vegetable Garden
Dan Fillius, Field Specialist of Horticulture, Iowa State University
Why limit yourself to gardening in only the warm months? So many delicious vegetables produce better in the shoulder seasons of spring and fall, and some can even survive the winter. You'll leave this session knowing a few tips and tricks to help you grow on the other side of "the frost barrier."
11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. (Choose one):
- Introduction to Including Native Plants in Your Landscape
Jennifer Fishburn Steil, Horticulture Educator, University of Illinois Extension
Expert tips on getting started with incorporating native plants into your landscape. Native plants can add beauty, conserve water, and provide habitat for wildlife and food for beneficial insects. Leave this session with a better understanding of how to enhance the beauty and ecological value of your landscape. - Tomato Troubles... & Triumphs?
Bruce Black, Horticulture Educator, University of Illinois Extension
Everyone always wants that perfect, juicy, ripe, blemish-free tomato every year. Depending on the weather, diseases, or physiological disorders, that may not be possible. Join Bruce to discuss some tomato troubles and talk about how to get those tomato triumphs more often. - From Tree to Table: Making Maple Syrup
Brandon Miller, Assistant Professor, University of Minnesota
Discover the basics of maple syrup production, from collecting sap to creating one of nature’s sweetest treats.
Discover the basics of maple syrup production, from collecting sap to creating one of nature’s sweetest treats.
Some programs will be recorded, and the link will be sent out only to registered participants after Closed Captioning.
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