CHAMPAIGN, Illinois — Purdue University Extension and University of Illinois Extension are collaborating to offer the annual Bi-State Gardening Conference, held virtually (via Zoom) on Jan. 21. Presentations will begin at 6 p.m. CST (7 p.m EST).
This year’s conference will consist of two presentations:
• Perennial Plant of the Year – 2020 Hindsight, presented by Martha Smith, University of Illinois Extension Horticulture Educator. The Perennial Plant Association members have been selecting the perennial of the year since 1990. The first was Phlox stolonifera — but since 1990 newer and improved Phlox have been introduced. This program will look back and review all the past winners and talk about a few recent introductions.
• Grow Something NEW!: Ginger, Horseradish, Luffa, Artichokes, and more! presented by Erin Harper, University of Illinois Extension Local Food Systems and Small Farms Educator. Have you ever wondered if ginger grows in our Midwestern climate? Are artichokes something that we can grow locally? Join Erin Harper for tips on growing some of the more uncommon vegetable crops for our area.
Cost for the program is $10, payable online at bit.ly/2021GardenConf. Login information for the Zoom virtual platform will be shared with registered participants a few days prior to the event.
If you have addiational questions, contact Ryan Pankau at 217-300-6009 or rcpankau@illinois.edu.
