Successful gardeners rely on all sorts of support. Personal experiences, friendly advice, research orientated books, plant-based events, and horticulture programs all can assist homeowners as they live and learn while trying to grow vegetables, flowers and shrubs. For 114 years, Illinois residents have benefited from the research and education of the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign’s Extension programs. In 2022, their programs attracted over seven hundred thousand attendees resulting in participants who learned about topics such as consumer economics, food nutrition, family life and horticulture. The staff at the Illinois Extension office Serving Lake and McHenry Counties work diligently to enrich the lives of all that live Northern Illinois. The office itself is a tremendous asset to our area. Brenda Dahlfors, the McHenry County Horticulture Program Coordinator has agreed to answer a few questions for this column.
Brenda, can you please tell us more about your position at Illinois Extension?
Absolutely! I coordinate the approximately 150 volunteers who make up the Master Gardener program in McHenry County. I also coordinate the Master Naturalist program and those volunteers.
What is the Master Gardener program?
Master Gardeners are adult volunteers with a passion for plants and gardening who are trained by the University to give research based and unbiased information related to all things gardening – plants indoor and out, insects, diseases, lawns, trees and shrubs. The mission is “Helping Others Learn to Grow.”
Master Gardeners often volunteer their time helping others. What services do those volunteers provide?
There is a helpline where people can call, walk in and/or email questions, we have a demonstration garden on the grounds of McHenry County College, there are several food pantry gardens located around the county, we provide mentors/programs at several schools and we host four events throughout the year – The Great Seed Event, Gardenfest, Garden Walk, and Farm Stroll. The Farm Stroll is coming up next – September 29.
What types of questions are master gardeners available to answer?
Anything garden-related. We don’t know it all but we can do the research and get back to you.
I am not familiar with the Master Naturalist program. Can you tell us a bit more about that program?
The program has been around Illinois for quite a while, but we only introduced it to McHenry County last fall. The program educates and trains adult volunteers so they are better equipped to share natural resource information with others in their communities and to assist with environmental conservation and restoration activities.
How do you recommend area gardeners connect with the Illinois Extension office that serves Lake and McHenry Counties?
There are multiple ways…stop by 1102 McConnell Rd in Woodstock – I’m here on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, email us uiemg-mchenry@illinois.edu , or call 815-338-3737. We have two email lists people can get on – one is just for reminding people when our 4 events are coming up, and one for people who are interested in getting involved in the program. Anyone can email me directly to request getting on one or both of those lists: dahlfors@illinois.edu .
The Demo garden is said to be a hidden gem in McHenry County. Where is this garden located and what makes it so special?
It is, isn’t it? It is on McHenry County College’s campus, just off parking lot C, behind Liebman Science Center. It is always the starting point for our July GardenWalk. The garden is meant to demonstrate what we can (and can’t!) grow well here. It is ever-changing. We try to keep everything well labeled. There are 14 beds within the garden showcasing shade plants, peonies, vegetables, ornamental grasses, natives, and theme gardens. There is a little free library and a compost demonstration area that is being developed.
I believe that you assist in organizing the Farm Stroll each fall. What is included in that event and who do you recommend consider attending?
The Farm Stroll is a collaboration between our local food system and small farm educator, Sarah Farley, the Farm Bureau, and MCC’s Center for Agrarian Learning. The Master Gardeners act as greeters at each of the 12 family-owned farms. It’s free and family-friendly! It’s your chance to learn more about McHenry County’s agricultural heritage, let the kids see farm animals up close, and to find locally grown fruits/veggies and meats. It’s always the last Sunday in September. More information is available through our website. www.mchenrycfb.org
Master Gardeners are also available to answer questions in the Social Lounge at the Prairie Lodge each Tuesday from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. through August 27. They provide very valuable assistance to Sun City residents.
Kathleen Carr is the owner of The Growing Scene, Inc.,a landscaping company. She can be reached by calling 815-923-7322 or emailing her at Kathleen@thegrowingscene.com. Have a gardening question? Please contact her. She may address it in an upcoming column.
