Last week, a team of Purdue Extension educators hosted another successful Rooted and Resilient: Homesteading Conference in Kendallville that brought in over 40 participants. Three HLA Extension specialists shared their expertise at the conference in sessions that connected practical gardening topics with sustainable practices. Miranda Purcell presented “Backyard Berries & Grapes: Small Fruits, Big Rewards,”[Read More…]
Ashley Adair (HLA) and James Wolff (ANR Allen County) led a Diversified Farming and Food Systems Focus Group meeting at Teter Organic Farm in Noblesville, IN on Friday, 10/24. The group shared programming updates, discussed approaches to supporting the new extension pod pilot program, and received training on delivering the Grass to Garden (G2G) program[Read More…]
In October, the Purdue Extension Master Gardener (EMG) Program offered a three-part virtual training series focused on invasive species and native plant alternatives for the home landscape. The series opened with “Invasive Insect Species”, presented by Bob Bruner, Exotic Pest Extension Specialist, who discussed identification, impacts, and control strategies of invasive insects. Next, Amanda Bradshaw-Burks,[Read More…]
The 2025 Purdue Extension Master Gardener (EMG) State Conference, held September 12–13 at the Hendricks County Fairgrounds in Danville, Indiana, was a vibrant celebration of learning, community, and volunteer impact. Nearly 70 Purdue EMG volunteers kicked off the weekend with a hands-on reception Friday evening, featuring engaging workshops on plant propagation and flower arranging. Led[Read More…]
This week marked the second session of Grandparents University, where 44 enthusiastic grandparents and grandchildren joined Karen Mitchell and Vicki Stirm for a hands-on floral experience. The session began with an introduction to the HLA, highlighting exciting career paths and programs like Consumer Horticulture and the Master Gardener initiative. Participants then dove into the ever-popular[Read More…]
On July 15th, Vicki Stirm and Karen Mitchell hosted 29 folks of Caleb’s Kin group from Faith East Ministries of Lafayette for a garden tour of the Jules Janick Hort Gardens. We talked about different plants in the landscape, as well as talking about the Bioswale on the corner of the Pao lot and the[Read More…]
On July 17, 2025, Karen Mitchell, Karen Sullivan, and Vicki Stirm led a fun and engaging session as part of Grandparents University. They welcomed about 35 grandparents and their grandchildren, ages 7 to 14, for a special experience on campus. As part of the Grandparents University program, families come to campus, select a “major,” attend[Read More…]
Peonies are beloved for their lush blooms and longevity, making them a staple in many Indiana gardens. Purdue Extension has just released a revised edition of “Growing Peonies in the Indiana Landscape,” offering gardeners updated, research-based guidance for success with these classic perennials. Authored by a team of Purdue experts—Karen Mitchell, Courtney Lockwood, John Orick,[Read More…]
The HLA Spring Fest Tent experienced tremendous success last Saturday, overcoming a slow start due to the chilly morning. By 1:00 PM, volunteers had distributed an impressive 800 plant necklaces to eager visitors! This year’s featured plant, the Rattail Crassula, was expertly propagated by Alexandra Jewell, whose exceptional work ensured high-quality plant material for all[Read More…]