Calendar: Invasive jumping worms program May 10

Join Chris Evans, University of Illinois Extension forestry and research specialist, at noon May 10 to learn about invasive jumping worms.

Jumping worms were first discovered in Illinois in 2015, and have since been found across the state. This presentation will review what we know about jumping worms, their potential impacts to natural ecosystems and managed landscapes, and what can and should be done about them.

Virtual tree walk of Bremer Sanctuary

Join Master Naturalist Beth Groves, and Horticulture Educator Andrew Holsinger for a virtual tree walk covering tree species found in the Bremer Sanctuary in Hillsboro, Illinois. Groves and Holsinger will cover the basic identification of native tree species within the sanctuary. They will discuss summer tree identification using leaves, looking at buds, bark, fruits, branch habitat and other features available now.

The program will be from 2 to 3 p.m. May 12. Register by May 10 by visiting tinyurl.com/52mdm54z.

Composting: How to make the most of it

Learn how to compost and how to use the compost to make a positive contribution to your garden and our environment.

The Solid Waste Agency of Lake County and the University of Illinois Extension, Lake County, present Composting: How to Make the Most of It from 6 to 7:30 p.m. May 12. The virtual program is part of the four-part 2021 Garden Learning Series.

Planting native plants in shade gardens

You may have heard about the benefits of planting native plants in your home landscape, but is there a place for native plants in the shady spots of your yard? Learn which native plants are best suited for a shade garden at the program Shade Gardens: Native Plants & Ecological Benefits at 1 p.m. May 13.

There are many ecological benefits of planting natives underneath trees. Explore your options for choosing shade-tolerant native plants. Replace your existing vegetation with natives that are both aesthetically appealing and help support wildlife food webs.

The online program will be presented by Erin Garrett, University of Illinois Extension energy and environmental stewardship educator. Register by visiting tinyurl.com/jamv6m7f.

Weed management in the vegetable garden

After planting of the spring and summer vegetables, weeds are notorious for moving in. You may have selected an area that already has an established weed problem and are wondering how you need to go about removing them.

The program Weed Management in the Vegetable Garden will look at some basic recommendations on weed management, identifying some very common weeds you might be encountering, and preparing your growing area to keep weeds from becoming a problem.

The online program will be from 6 to 7:30 p.m. May 13. Register by visiting tinyurl.com/2an4h9bh.

Vermilion County master gardeners plant sale May 15

DANVILLE, Ill. — The Vermilion County Master Gardeners Plant Sale will be from 7 a.m. to noon May 15 at The First Presbyterian Church, 100 N. Franklin St., Danville.

There will be a wide selection of annuals, perennials, heirloom tomatoes, herbs, and even some house plants to choose from. There will be a special section for pollinator-friendly plants to attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.

Proceeds fund master gardener involvement and educational programs at community gardens including projects with children and veterans. Call the Vermilion County Extension office at 217-442-8615 for more information.

Kendall County master gardeners plant sale May 15

YORKVILLE, Ill. — The annual Kendall County Master Gardener Plant Sale will be from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. May 15 at the University of Illinois Extension office, 7775B IL Route 47, Yorkville. Master gardeners will provide free presentations on popular home gardening topics, as well as free advice for your gardening questions or concerns.

The sale portion will include native plants, vegetable transplants, perennials, and more. The master gardener volunteers started more than 600 vegetable seedlings, including 14 varieties of tomatoes and eight pepper varieties. Proceeds support the Kendall County master gardener program and community projects.

At the sale, physical distancing and face masks will be required. For questions, call 630-553-5823 or email program coordinator Sarah Fellerer at fellerer@illinois.edu.

Christian County master gardeners plant sale May 15

TAYLORVILLE, Ill. —The Christian County Master Gardeners Plant Sale will be from 9 a.m. until sold out May 15 at the University of Illinois Extension office, 1120 N. Webster St., Taylorville.

The sale will include perennial plants, woody plants and garden-related items. A gardening workshop will begin at 10 a.m.

For more information, call 217-287-7246.