Gardeners in Christian County will have a number of sales and events to look forward to.  The Master Gardeners at the University of Illinois Extension are organizing these happenings.  The sales involve plants which can thrive when set at this time of the year.

On Sunday, July 26 from 12:30-3pm at the Washington Park Botanical Garden in Springfield, an iris sale will take place.  Later, a daylily sale will take place on Saturday, August 1 from noon to 3 p.m., also at the Washington Park Botanical Garden.  Master Gardeners Gwen Podeschi and Kathi Knope say local groups which specialize in these plants will be present. 

The pair add that vendors will be available and eager to share advice with attendees. 

Podeschi adds irises are typically planted earlier in the season but can do well at this point in the year, as well. 

The Extension was due to host a plant photography course in June, but it was postponed due to the heavy rains at that time.  A new date has not yet been set.  There will also be a tree walk, likely at Kitchell Park in Pana, at a date to be determined.

The Master Gardeners also remind the local public that their helpdesk is open Thursdays from 9-11 a.m. Community members can bring their questions or samples to the Extension’s Christian County office at 1120 North Webster Street in Taylorville or call (217) 287-7246.  More information on the Master Gardeners is available at extension.illinois.edu/mg.

Kathi Knope and Gwen Podeschi appeared as guests on the WTIM Morning Show.