Master Gardener

Visitors who opened this gate found a broad spectrum of color and interesting specimens showcased at the Idea Garden, which was coordinated by Ford-Iroquois Extension Master Gardeners. The University of Illinois Extension Master Gardener program provides A GREEN THUMB IN THE GARDEN. Horticulture enthusiasts who completed the 11-week training program, either face-to-face or on-line, agreed to share their knowledge with local residents through volunteer service in the Unit. The Idea Garden continued to grow and flourish in spite of the drought experienced in the area thanks to the TLC of dedicated volunteers.

• 12 active Master Gardeners in the Ford-Iroquois Unit accumulated 693 volunteer hours through presentations for community organizations and other horticulture educational opportunities.
  
  
• The expanded Idea Garden, located behind the Onarga Public Library, featured 5 separate gardens focusing on herbs, native prairie plants, a butterfly garden, shade gardening, and a lasagna garden for children.
  
  
• Master Gardeners were available on Thursday afternoons during the summer months at the Extension Office Help Desk to answer over 150 horticulture questions on a variety of gardening concerns including vegetables, flowers, trees, insects, weeds, and diseases.
  
  
• The Digital Diagnostic system assisted over 100 area gardeners and producers with expert insect and disease diagnosis and recommendations within a short time span. This same system was also in place for soybean rust and sudden oak death diagnosis this past summer.
  
  
• Master Gardener SEASONS telenet programs provided timely topics and gardening tips for 95 horticulture enthusiasts and beginning gardeners.