COVINGTON, Ind. — Purdue University Extension and University of Illinois Extension are collaborating to offer the annual Bi-State Gardening Conference, being held at The Beef House Restaurant at 16501 Indiana State Road 63, Covington, Indiana, on Tuesday, Jan. 24, 2017. Registration begins at 5:30 p.m. EST (4:30 p.m. CST), with dinner being served at 6 p.m. EST. The presentations will begin after dinner.
This year’s conference will consist of two presentations:
- “Pollinator Pocket Gardening” by Sandy Mason, University of Illinois Extension State Master Gardener Coordinator
- “Cover Crops for the Home Garden” by Ashley Holmes, Purdue University Extension Educator, Ag & Natural Resources.
In “Pollinator Pocket Gardening,” you will learn how to do your part to save the pollinators, including butterflies, bees, moths and other insects critical to our food supply and human survival. Sandy Mason will talk about Pollinator Pockets, pockets of flowers that attract and nurture pollinators in your own yard. Manicured lawns, exotic plantings and enticing hybrids and cultivars often provide no value to pollinators. By placing pollinator pockets into your landscape, you can provide an oasis for pollinators.
During “Cover Crops for the Home Garden,” Ashley Holmes will discuss how to use cover crops to encourage the growth of plants throughout your home garden. The talk will help you determine goals for your garden by testing your soil and the surrounding environment. After you then will learn how to pick species while attracting pollinators, building organic matter and fixing nitrogen. Holmes will also discuss how to successfully terminate cover crops using a variety of methods, both chemical and mechanical.
The cost for the program is $20, which includes dinner, payable online or at the door. Pre-register by calling 765.793.2297 or online at web.extension.illinois.edu/cfiv. Please register by January 20.
Purdue University Extension and University of Illinois Extension provide equal opportunities in programs and employment. If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate in this program, please contact your local Extension Office.
— Purdue University Extension and University of Illinois Extension
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