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Chicago Master Gardener

A blog for Chicago Master Gardeners providing information on volunteer opportunities, training, workshops and resources.

October 30, 2008

Soil Test Results Interpretation Class

Learn to interpret soil test results for the home gardener, so you can advise them on how these results can be used to determine best garden practices. Find out about liming and sulfuring practices as they relate to pH in Cook County. Learn how to choose a fertilizer or soil amendment based on the recommendation and conditions in Illinois, and much more!

This class will assist you in helping the general public interpret soil test
results.

Instructors: Ellen Phillips, Crop Systems Educator; Maurice Ogutu,
Vegetable Crops Educator

Fee $5: Pre-registration with payment required by November 17, 2008.

Call Nancy Pollard, Extension Educator, Horticulture for more information at
708-720-7500.

Register online at
https://webs.extension.uiuc.edu/registration/?RegistrationID=2115

*Event Title*

Soil Test Results Interpretation (for Master Gardeners)
*Date & Time*
November 19, 2008 (9:30 AM - 12:00 PM)

*Location*

University of Illinois Extension
5527 Miller Circle Drive, Suite A
Matteson, IL 60443 (Cook County)

Posted by Ron Wolford at 6:09 PM | Permalink |

October 2, 2008

Continuing ED: Native Seed Hike and Harvest

Two special Native Seed Hike and Harvest events will be given at the thousand acre Orland Grassland for those in the Master Gardener program. You'll learn about one of the largest grassland restorations taking place in the entire region and collect native seed that will help in restoring the native plant life. Enjoy friends, snacks, and a beautiful autumn hike in the grassland.

Native Seed Hike and Harvest

Wednesday, October 8th

Friday, October 10th

10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

Location - Orland Grassland: At 104th Avenue at 175th Street (across from Mission Hills subdivision)Map of the Meeting Location

Please email Ryan White at 4ryanwhite@gmail.com to let him know which date you plan to attend. We look forward to seeing you on the prairie!

Posted by Ron Wolford at 5:36 PM | Permalink |

October 2, 2008

Organic Gardening Day

Organic gardening experts from around the world will present five educational sessions to inspire herb gardening at this year's Organic Gardening Day, Saturday, November 8 from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Holiday Inn Hotel and Conference Center near Lincoln Ave. and I-74 in Urbana.

"This year's speakers include Lee Reich, from New Paltz, New York," said Chuck Voigt, University of Illinois vegetable and crops specialist and coordinator of the event. "Reich is a noted garden author, speaker, and former researcher with USDA and Cornell University. He'll be presenting tips on how to master the art of fearless pruning. Then he'll speak about how to grow native species which are adapted to our local climate as well as pests."

Other presenters include:

Terra Brockman from The Land Connection will speak about Food Democracy: 21st Century Victory Gardens.

Erin Meyer, the owner of Basil's Harvest, and Golda Ewalt, director of a dietetic internship program, will co-present a discussion and cooking demonstration featuring recipes, fresh herbs and organic produce.

Abram Bicksler, a doctoral student at the University of Illinois working with John Masiunas on sustainable systems of vegetable production, will speak about companion planting.

In addition to the speakers, there will be a retail area selling a broad spectrum of gardening products.

Advance registration of $59, which includes an organic lunch, must be received by October 31. Contact Carla Chapman (217-333-7738; carlac@illinois.edu).

On-site registration on November 8 begins at 8:00 a.m. only as space allows and does not include lunch. The first educational session begins promptly at 9:00 am.

Posted by Ron Wolford at 3:40 PM | Permalink |

October 2, 2008

Earn Volunteer Hours: Honors Night: Set-up/Take-down

Good morning Master Gardeners, October 28, our annual Honors night is our largest monthly meeting of the year. I need a crew of at least four people as assistants for the evening. You could earn 4 hours of volunteer credit.

Time: Tuesday, October 28 - 5:00 p.m. -9:00 p.m. Duties: Set up and take down tables and chairs,(This is heavy work) Help set up food tables Assist with awards Put up and take down posters Help take attendance Do general clean-up.

Please contact me via email. I'll take the first four people to apply.

Elizabeth Bruhns
Master Gardener Program Organizer
Cook County/Chicago
ebruhns@illinois.edu

UIUC Extension Office
3807 W. 111th St
Chicago, IL 60655

Posted by Ron Wolford at 3:26 PM | Permalink |

October 2, 2008

Chicago Master Gardener Honors Night

Honors Night

Tuesday, October 28, 2008

Jensen Room

Garfield Park Conservatory

6:00 p.m. - Dinner - Extension is treating with Pizza. Please let us know if you are coming so we will know how much to order

Pot luck desert table. Please bring your favorite to share.

7:00 p.m. - Awards

  • State Team Award
  • Service awards for 100, 200 and, yes, 300 volunteer hours!
  • Years of service presentations for 5 and 15 years of MG service.
  • Recognition of Independent and Extension Projects
  • Master Composter Graduation

All of this and you will still be home in time to catch the 9 o'clock news!

This is a celebration of all our hard work. Don't miss this gala!

RSVP to Elizabeth via email if you are sharing the pizza.


Elizabeth Bruhns
Master Gardener Program Organizer
Cook County/Chicago
ebruhns@illinois.edu


UIUC Extension Office
3807 W. 111th St
Chicago, IL 60655

Posted by Ron Wolford at 2:20 AM | Permalink |

October 1, 2008

Help at Garfield Plant Clinic

Good morning MG Interns,

Aren't you getting a little worried if you have not done your Plant Clinc hours yet? Here is a golden opportunity for you. During the month of October there is an experienced Master Gardener staffing the Plant Clinic table at Garfield Park Conservatory every Saturday from NOON to 4:00 p.m., October 4, 11, 18 and 25. Pick a Saturday to join them and get those Plant Clinic hours done! Email Jackie at msjlpaine@aol.com



Elizabeth Bruhns
Master Gardener Program Organizer
Cook County/Chicago
ebruhns@illinois.edu

UIUC Extension Office
3807 W. 111th St
Chicago, IL 60655

Posted by Ron Wolford at 12:12 PM | Permalink |