Photo Galleries

Bright Spots

The City of Canton and University of Illinois Extension-Fulton County Master Gardeners are happy to partner in a new program called "Bright Spots".

This program will recognize area spots of horticultural interest and delight which can be observed by a passerby. According to Canton Mayor Kevin Meade, nominations for this award will be accepted by contacting the Mayor's office at 309-647-0065 or by email at mayor@cantoncityhall.org. All nominations should include a description of the Bright Spot in the landscape, a physical address, and a contact name for the nominated site. If possible, a digital image or a picture of the nomination should be included.

Based on the philosophy that if you look for good you will find it, area residents are encouraged to look around for horticultural bright spots to share and encouraged to make nominations.

Congratulations to the first 'Bright Spot' award winner: the Mandevilla vine at the Rose Cannon residence at 225 East Hickory Street, Canton, Illinois. This residence features additional plantings and container gardens.

Images may be viewed at the Bright Spot link on the City of Canton web site at cantonillinois.org and also at University of Illinois Extension-Fulton County web site at fulton.extension.uiuc.edu following the link to Bright Spot photo galleries.

Thanks, Rose, for your horticultural efforts and creating such a bright spot!

2009 IL Master Gardener Conference pictures

Photos from the Gardens of Coles County Tour taken at the 2009 IL Master Gardener Conference in Effingham, Illinois.

The first stop on our tour was the 308 acre Lake Land College campus near Mattoon, Illinois. Inspiring!

Next to the Lincoln Log Cabin State Historic Site, the last homestead of Abraham Lincoln's father and stepmother. Saw handmade quilts. Gardening 1840's style , cooking on open fire using fresh garden vegetables and herbs; the aroma was amazing! Raised bed gardening at this site.

Final stop for the day was the acreage of retired EIU Botany Professor and noted gardener Wes Whiteside. Many magnolias present. Planting areas devoted to roses, hardy cacti, wild flowers, winter-flowering plants, and an extensive collection of daylilies. Whiteside demonstrated propagation techniques with attendees. Water lilies and other aquatic plants were seen in several pond areas. Plants include hundreds of Venus-Flytrap plants. Photos from five acres of garden spaces. Whiteside has donated his property to EIU so future generations will be able to learn to grow. His property is also the location of the annual Garden Ramble held on Memorial Day weekend.

In the evening we enjoyed dinner at Effingham's Firefly Grill & Restaurant. This restaurant has received national attention, and the food was delicious! Check them out on the web.

I hope that someday you have the opportunity to visit these sights.

2009 Astoria Gardens Garden Walk
Pictures of the 2009 Astoria Gardens Garden Walk

Moments in Mason County

The amazingly beautifully cool July weather provided a perfect environment for the recent July Jaunt: Moments in Mason County tour attended by Master Gardeners from Fulton, Mason, Schuyler, and Peoria Counties.

Grand Prize Garden of U of I Extension Master Gardener Terry Meade

Grand Prize Garden Grows in Canton

Nestled among century old homes near the center of Canton is a garden space that has received regional attention. The Grand Prize winner in the Better Earth Contest sponsored by Better Earth Compost Company, Hoerr Nursery, and the Peoria Journal Star has been awarded to the Canton garden of University of Illinois Extension-Fulton County Master Gardener Terry Meade. Congratulations, Terry and family! Thank you for sharing your beautiful creation. Your space inspires us all.

June 2009 Master Gardener Garden Shop Caravan
U of I Extension Fulton County Master Gardeners traveled 100 miles visiting garden centers in West Central Illinois. What a fun day!

Fulton County Master Gardener Program, Projects and Garden Spaces
These pictures are from a PowerPoint presentation given by Bob Keene at Gardener's Big Day 2009. Find out about the Fulton County Master Gardener Program and view pictures of Master Gardener projects and garden spaces.

Gardeners' Big Day 2009

Enjoy pictures from Gardeners' Big Day 2009. Pictures taken by Bob Coker Photos at www.cokerphotos.com and olive oil sample picture taken by Golda Ewalt of Basil's Harvest at www.basilsharvest.com.

Master Gardener Christmas Florals
Check out the Master Gardener Christmas florals. Try creating some arrangements to be used in your home this holiday season. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!