University of Illinois Extension provides speakers on a wide range of gardening topics through our Master Gardener program. Master Gardeners are a group of volunteers trained by University of Illinois educators to provide a network of gardening programs and horticulture activities to educate the public. Information provided through Speakers Bureau programs is based on research from the University of Illinois.

There is no fee for the services of our Master Gardeners, but a donation to cover costsis greatly encouraged. It is asked that all groups requesting talks anticipate a minimum of 15 people in the audience. Requests need to be made at least 6 weeks in advance in order to coordinate the volunteer's schedules.

Contact Mary Horek, Speakers' Bureau Coordinator, at (630)955-1123 or download request form and mail to the DuPage Extension office.

Also, visit "Upcoming Events" on the Horticulture page to view Master Gardener presentations open to the public.

Topics Offered

Annuals: Three Seasons of Color
This program focuses on the planning and planting of colorful annuals designed to give your garden three seasons of color. Enjoy! (Lecture with slides)

The Basics of Water Gardening
An overview of what you need to know about creating a water garden -- plant selection, maintenance and potential problems. (Lecture with slides)

Body Smart Gardening
Effects of gardening on our bodies can make it more of a chore than a pleasure. This lesson will help one garden "smartly" with emphasis on approved methods to reduce strain and stress on the body. (PowerPoint with samples of tools and garden equipment)

Botanical Latin: What's in a Name?
Are the scientific names of plants and shrubs confusing to you? This program can help explain the meanings of "botanical names." (Lecture)

Butterflies: Magic in the Garden
Discover the many ways to attract butterflies. Learn about the butterfly life cycle, migration habits and plant preferences. (PowerPoint)

Composting: Building Your Garden from the Ground Up
This program touts the benefits of composting. Improve the health and vitality of your garden by using the organic matter generated in your home and yard. (PowerPoint)

Color in Your Garden by Design
Basic landscape design on how to assimilate plants, color, texture and design in your garden using the color wheel. (Evenings only - PowerPoint)

Container Gardening
Gardening in containers affords nearly unlimited options and possibilities. This program offers tips and techniques for helping you achieve success, including choosing the right location, soil mixes, plants, etc. (Offered as a demonstration or as a PowerPoint presentation. The demonstration requires an upfront cost-recovery fee. The group then receives the planted containers, which can be used as raffle prizes)

Dahlias in the Home Landscape
Learn the joy and beauty of using Dahlias in your home landscape. Colorful slides presented of many different forms and colors of dahlias. (PowerPoint presentation)

Garden Calendar by Season
Offered as Garden Calendar for Spring, Summer or Fall, this program discusses necessary tasks in the garden depending on the season. (PowerPoint presentation)

Gardening with Children
Whether you are a parent, grandparent, teacher, children's group leader, or just want to instill your love for gardening with children, this presentation shows you how. A Master Gardener offers advice and innovative suggestions on projects and ways to teach the younger generation all about gardening. (PowerPoint presentation)

Great Garden Ideas
Colorful slides provide the backdrop for this basic gardening talk whether your landscape is large or small. (PowerPoint)

History of Native Plants
Background history of Illinois Native Prairie plants. Description and illustrations proved in PowerPoint presentation. (Evenings only)

Native Plants for All Seasons
Discover the advantages of usingprairie plants in the home landscape. Plants will be categorized for the garden by the month.

Ornamental Grasses in the Landscape
Ornamental grasses can be tall, skinny, clumping, running, perennial or annual. Learn the differences with this informative presentation on ornamental grasses available for landscaping. (Slide presentation)

Don't Use the Worst First: Integrated Pest Management (IPM)for the Home Gardener
Information provided on environmentally friendly pest management techniques and advice on the safe use of pesticides in the garden. (Lecture)

The Herb Patch
Whether you're a new or advanced herb gardener, this program offers information useful in selection, care and uses of a variety of herbs. (Lecture with slides)

Perennials: Workhorses in the Garden
With an emphasis on low-maintenance, long-blooming perennials, this program offers selection and growing advice. (Lecture with slides)

Seed Starting: Giving Your Garden a Head Start
Jump-start the spring growing season. Sandy discusses equipment and methods used for starting seeds indoors. This program offered in winter and early spring only. (Demonstration)

Shade Gardening
There are many plants and shrubs that thrive with very little direct sunlight. Learn about plants, grasses and shrubs that can enliven those shady areas in your yard. (Lecture with slides or PowerPoint)

Small Fruits
Successfully growing and cultivating brambles (raspberries and blackberries) is discussed in this lecture, including advice on choosing the right location, preparing the garden, selecting plant cultivars, care, pruning and harvesting. This talk is available during daytime hours only. (Lecture)

Vegetable Gardening
This talk addresses the basics of vegetable gardening including the preparation of the soil, choosing the right location and selection of plants. (Available as lecture only orPowerPoint)

The Contractors are Coming! The Contractors are Coming!
The damage that home construction can do to your home landscape can be devastating if you don't plan ahead. Sandy maintains her sense of humor as she speaks of her own experiences and offers strategies to protect your lawn, trees and gardens. She also discusses the challenges of establishing a new home landscape after a new home has been constructed. (Lecture)

Winter Sowing
Learn how to have fabulous seedlings in the spring by sowing seeds inrecycled containers outsideduring the winter.