Russel Allen Garden Day

The University of Illinois Extension Logan County Master Gardeners will host Russel Allen Garden Day on Saturday, March 15, 2025, at Oasis Senior Center, 2810 Woodlawn Road, Lincoln.  The event will run from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm, with registration from 8 to 8:45 am. The public is invited for this event that will feature various presentations related to gardening.

Breakout Session 1,  9:00 to 9:50 am 

One of the hottest markets in the herbal world are Teas. But what makes a good tea, how do you pick your flavors, and what should you consider when putting together a good tea blend? Participants will learn the three notes required to make truly delicious teas, learn how to develop a winning formula for developing tea varieties, and will mix their own teas in this hands-on class. Herb List for Tea Gardens, Formulation Form & Tea Kits provided with everything needed to blend your own teas. 

Additional fee of $10

This session discusses growing vegetables that thrive in the cool, mild temperatures of spring. Participants will learn essential planting and harvesting techniques tailored for spring vegetables, including tips on preparing garden beds, selecting high-quality seeds, and optimizing planting times to maximize yield. 

Love growing culinary herbs, but aren't sure how to use them? Learn the top culinary herbs for any garden, how to use them - fresh or dried - their flavor profiles and the best preservation techniques to lock in the fresh-flavor taste well after they have been dried and packaged. Handouts and Award-Winning Recipes will be shared.

Microgreens and sprouts include any of a wide variety of vegetable and herb plants eaten at the seedling stage. In this class, learn about the key differences between microgreens and sprouts, why eating these young plants are nutritious food choice, and how you can safely grow them yourself at home. Participants will receive supplies to grow both microgreens and sprouts at home.    

Additional fee of $7

Limited to 25 participants

 
Keynote Speaker  11:10 am to Noon

A few simple ideas will be shared for how to include plants that benefit pollinators. 

In addition, Joe will share resources available from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.