Chris Enroth received his bachelor's of plant and soil science specializing in landscape horticulture from Southern Illinois University Carbondale and earned his master's of landscape architecture at Kansas State University.

Chris is responsible for horticulture programming in Henderson, Knox, McDonough, and Warren Counties, with an emphasis on the home gardener, landscape maintenance personnel, commercial landscapers, and includes both adults and youth.

Additional responsibilities include coordinating county Master Gardener and Master Naturalist volunteers - providing their training, continuing education, advanced training, seasonal events, and organizing community outreach programs for horticulture and conservation assistance/education.

Online education and social media pages:

• YouTube Channel - University of Illinois Extension Horticulture 
• Good Growing Blog
• Good Growing Podcast
• Good Growing Video Playlist
• Facebook Page - Three Rivers Horticulture
• Instagram - @Three_Rivers_Hort
• Facebook Group (private) - Illinois Extension Horticulture

Programs offered:

Japanese beetles

The Japanese beetle has been named the most devastating pest of urban and rural landscapes in the eastern United States costing Americans more than $460 million per year in management alone. It seems our landscapes are filling up with destructive invasive insects. Are they here to stay? Will it ever get better? Join University of Illinois Extension horticulture educator, Chris Enroth, as he answers those questions, best practices for managing Japanese beetles, and the dos and don’ts on protecting our landscape plants.

Growing Ginger, Turmeric, and Other Unique Crops [Check it out online]

Are there markets beyond tomatoes for local growers? During this class, University of Illinois Extension horticulture educator, Chris Enroth, will share his experience growing tropical crops like ginger, turmeric, and other unique market vegetables in the Midwest.

Introduction to Sustainable Landscaping [Check it out online]

Taking a sustainable approach to your yard benefits you, the environment, and our future. Sustainable landscapes save money by using fewer pesticides and fertilizers and lowers power, water, and waste disposal bills. Sustainable landscapes safeguard our water quality, soils, and wildlife and provide us with countless ecosystem services. University of Illinois Extension horticulture educator, Chris Enroth will introduce several different techniques to incorporate sustainable practices into the lawn and garden. During the session we will discuss sustainable lawns, how to handle stormwater, building healthy soils, and more fundamental methods to reduce your eco-footprint.

Identify & Attract Beneficial Insects to Your Garden

Enlist some natural predators in your fight to save your garden. After attending this program, participants will have the fundamental knowledge to identify which insects can help them control pest populations and how to attract the good guys to your garden.

How to Kill Your Tree: A guide of what NOT to do [Check it out online]

Sometimes a tree’s biggest pest is the homeowner. During this webinar participants will learn all the common mistakes homeowners make when planting and maintaining their most valuable landscape investment, their trees.

Planning Your Vegetable Garden

Growing a vegetable garden has benefits beyond a tasty tomato- it can also be a rewarding and productive experience. University of Illinois Extension horticulture educator Chris Enroth will introduce participants to concepts of planning and organizing their future garden patch. We will layout elements that are essential to gardening such as efficient irrigation, composting systems, integrated pest management, selecting your vegetables, and many more basic skills and techniques.

Going Organic: Are organic pesticides safer than their synthetic counterparts? [Check it out online]

Statistics show home landscapes receive three times more pesticides per acre than commercial agriculture production. Some government agencies estimate that number to be even higher. Though not quite ready to ditch the bug and weed killers, clients are seeking alternatives to conventional pesticides. Many are turning to ‘organic’ pesticides due to their growing market and perception that these pesticides are safer, but are organic pesticides safer? Join the University of Illinois Extension horticulture educator Chris Enroth as he sheds some light on the debate of organic vs. synthetic.

Water Management in the Home Landscape

This program will address the issues surrounding the pressures on our nation’s water quality and provide design solutions for homeowners to reduce their impact on those downstream. Come learn the fundamentals and creative design strategies of bioswales, living roofs, rain gardens, permeable paving, and rain barrels. This program is a great opportunity to appreciate how small changes can make big impacts.

Make Every Drop Count – Xeriscaping

Tired of dragging the hose around and hauling buckets of water to parched plants? Then learn how you can incorporate xeriscaping into your home garden. Whether you desire a minimalist landscape approach or crave a lush garden; listen as Horticulture Extension Educator Chris Enroth details design strategies and proper plant selection to minimize your water usage and make every drop count.

Smart Lawn Care

Pop Quiz: Who typically applies more chemicals to their land, farmers, or homeowners? The answer may surprise you. With or without the use of chemicals, proper lawn care starts with good cultural practices and integrated pest management (IPM). University of Illinois Extension horticulture educator Chris Enroth will lead a discussion on the fundamental practices of keeping a healthy lawn without excessive chemicals.

Getting Your Feet Wet with Rain Gardens

Learn how to reduce your impact downstream by building a rain garden. University of Illinois Extension horticulture educator Chris Enroth will introduce participants to the concepts and construction techniques of a successful rain garden. Chris will also discuss what plants work best in rain gardens and share some fantastic rain gardens you can visit right here in Illinois.

Landscaping for the Long-Term

Have you recently purchased a new home, are on a budget or would like to give your gardens a new look? Avoid potential pitfalls by phasing in your new landscape over the long-term. University of Illinois Extension horticulture educator Chris Enroth will discuss the best practices for phasing in the important elements first while accounting for the future needs of your landscape.

Gardening for Pollinators

What do pollinators do for us? Imagine how much an apple would cost if we had to pay a worker to climb around and pollinate the apple bloom. Pollinators are integral to the health and well-being of a garden and are essential for much of our vegetable production needs. Join horticulture educator Chris Enroth as we discuss the importance of bees, butterflies, and other pollinators and some basic methods for attracting them to your garden. As pollinator habitat dwindles, come find out what you can do to support nature’s most vital workers.

Native Illinois Plants in the Home Landscape

Do you have a passion for wildflowers? Home gardeners will learn how and when to plant and how to maintain the long-term health and appeal of native plants. This session will equip every gardener to make the most of the beauty and hardiness of native plantings.

Landscaping: Fact or Fiction [Check it out online]

With our ever-expanding technology and connectedness, we have more information readily available than any human society in history. In our swirling whirlpool of digital communications, it can be hard to tell what is fact and what is fiction. Join University of Illinois Extension horticulture educator, Chris Enroth, as we dispel landscaping myths of products, trends, and management strategies and get to the science of gardening.

The Monarch Butterfly: Bringing them back from the brink

Explore the fascinating life of the Monarch butterfly, with University of Illinois Extension horticulture educator Chris Enroth.  During this exciting session, you will explore the stages of development of the Monarch and how you can raise your own brood of this grand North American species.

Fall Gardening: Preparing for Next Season

The growing season may be over for many home gardeners, but there is still much you can do now to prepare for next year. University of Illinois Extension Horticulture Educator, Chris Enroth, will deliver timely tips on what you can do to get your lawns, landscaping and vegetable beds ready for spring.

Sustainable Landscaping Workshop – (six, 2-hour sessions; qualifies for advanced MG certification)

• Soils
• Water
• Plants
• Materials
• Human Health

* Program includes design lab for participants to create a design for their property. Homework is assigned for this program.