Attending the 2014 Home, Lawn and Garden show can only compare in excitement to the sight of the first yellow of the daffodil. The excitement derived from nearing of warm sunny weather, the presence of lush green growth and blossoms of the coming spring. An excellent way to prepare for the upcoming spring is to attend the 12th Annual Home, Lawn & Garden Day sponsored by University of Illinois Extension McLean County Master Gardeners. The event is scheduled Saturday March 1st at the Central Catholic High School in Bloomington.
There will be two keynote speakers, and your choice of three additional classes, morning refreshments, a buffet lunch, and dessert session with McLean County Master Gardeners. The fee for this day long program is $50. Hands on workshops may have additional costs in order to cover materials that may be used.
The first keynote speaker is Mac Condill, a 5th generation farmer and the general manager of the Great Pumpkin Patch in Arthur, Illinois will start the day with his presentation entitled "Seeing the World with Cucurbit-Colored Glasses." Travel with Mac through the experiences, landscape projects and production of more than 300 varieties of pumpkins, squash and gourds that has made The Great Pumpkin Patch an agritourism destination, a botanical showcase, and a cucurbit educational center.
The second keynote speaker will be Jennifer Brennan, Horticulture Information Specialist and Manager of the Education Center for Chalet Nursery in Wilmette, Illinois and she will present "The Art, Skill and Fun of Container Gardening." Jenifer will share the professional; insider's secret to selecting the combination of plants, the best techniques for successful plantings and a list of supplies that make caring for the creation simple, rewarding and fun.
Online registration begins January 13, 2014 and ends February 21, 2014 or when registration is full. Please register at University of Illinois Extension website at http:web.extension.illinoi.edu/lmw/ or call 309-663-8306.
Classes offered include range of topics including tropical plants, container herb gardening, growing pumpkins, pesticides vs. pollinators, tree and shrub health, native plants, garden design, monarchs, working with landscape professionals, new plants of 2014, shade gardening, ergonomic tools, vegetable gardening in small spaces, succulents, early summer blooms, topiary floral design, ornamental conifers, everlasting floral arrangements, environmental stewardship, miniature gardening, making bird baths, tree pests, hints to save you money, strawberries, hydrangeas and poisonous plants.
There will be plenty of time to visit and shop with the many vendors. It's an excellent opportunity to meet and talk with local garden center representatives about new products or to purchase a garden treasure. There also will be a silent auction this year. Be sure to bring cash or your checkbook.