![Dean Bev Durgan](/sites/extension.umn.edu/files/styles/crop_featured_image_crop/public/Durgan_Bev_126-edit.jpg?h=19bd71b1&itok=OkfNthCm)
The awards were presented Oct. 6-7 by Extension Dean Bev Durgan during Extension’s annual conference, which took place virtually this year.
Reflecting on garden successes and mistakes from the past year can help you grow healthier and more enjoyable gardens in the future. Take notes now while this season is fresh in your mind.
![Yellow flower with green leaves.](/sites/extension.umn.edu/files/styles/crop_featured_image_crop/public/Red-hailstone-flower.jpg?h=58cddd89&itok=-AKI7dWR)
A perennial vine native to Asia, red hailstone, or golden creeper, may have been planted as an ornamental vine or vegetable crop. It grows over and smothers other plants.
![A few lilac flowers on a bush in fall](/sites/extension.umn.edu/files/styles/crop_featured_image_crop/public/Remondant%20Lilac.jpg?h=9f4b3c4c&itok=h1KV0CB-)
Why were spring-blooming plants flowering in September?
![The reflection of a man looking at himself in a window.](/sites/extension.umn.edu/files/styles/crop_featured_image_crop/public/man-looking-at-mirror-sbi-302799022-1000w.jpg?h=59a1e1f8&itok=GlZf5CLj)
Reflexive thinking is having the ability (and commitment) to look inward and to see what some people refer to as a “standpoint.” Learn how you can practice reflexivity.
![family playing in yard](/sites/extension.umn.edu/files/styles/crop_featured_image_crop/public/family-playing.jpg?h=8ff4c1d3&itok=cQzWKsYg)
Although our world is ever-changing and families are more diverse, one thing remains the same — the family unit is one of the closest and most important sources of influence for the exercise and health behaviors of children and youth.
![Boxelder bugs swarming on a window sill.](/sites/extension.umn.edu/files/styles/crop_featured_image_crop/public/boxelder-bugs-bugwood-cranshaw.jpeg?h=7fc9dc41&itok=B1JzxKyG)
Why my house, and what do they want from me? These nuisance bugs are just looking for a place to stay warm. But, ugh.
![Six people from diverse races form a circle of trust using their hands, with one person's hand holding the wrist of another person.](/sites/extension.umn.edu/files/styles/crop_featured_image_crop/public/pixabay-hands-together-235128.jpg?h=0e5b7cf2&itok=aJkSnvjZ)
Trust binds a relationship, keeps a team together, drives performance, and enables collaboration and coordination. Learn five steps to build it.
![Three deer under a tree in a back yard.](/sites/extension.umn.edu/files/styles/crop_featured_image_crop/public/deer-in-lawn.jpg?h=f5805d3f&itok=4C-3C7zU)
Fall is a great time to protect your plants from winter foraging. You can build structures to keep deer, rabbits and other wildlife out of your garden.
![A women holding a pencil close to her head in deep thought while working in front of a computer.](/sites/extension.umn.edu/files/styles/crop_featured_image_crop/public/woman-thinking-computer-room-sbi-301080048-1000w.jpg?h=8cbc6c6b&itok=bfBpy_qb)
What questions can you ask to help with critical thinking? Read about a definition and learn a three-step tool to help your thinking process.
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