Written by Rhonda Ferree, retired horticulture educator

Registration is open for the 19th Annual Gardeners' BIG Day! University of Illinois Extension Master Gardeners in Fulton and Mason County sponsor this event, which is Saturday, April 14, at Dickson Mounds Museum in Lewistown.

Back by popular demand, this year's keynote speaker is Fr. Dominic Garramone. Fr. Dominic is a monk of St. Bede Abbey in Peru, IL and the author of nine books related to bread baking. Known as the "Bread Monk" on his PBS cooking show, Fr. Dominic will show how to incorporate herbs and garden produce into delicious bread.

Attendees will also choose from a variety of breakout sessions. They'll learn about shading gardens, monarchs, miniature gardens, going organic, pollinators, hosta, climate change, beekeeping, and much more!

Register at go.illinois.edu/BIGday2018. Early bird registration is $32 by March 26, or $42 by April 6. Registration for the day-long event includes lunch.

MEET THE AUTHOR

As horticulture educator, Rhonda Ferree inspired citizens in local communities to grow their own food and improve their home landscapes. She focused on high quality, impactful programs that taught homeowners how to create energy-efficient landscapes using sustainable practices that increase property values and help the environment.

After 30 years with University of Illinois Extension, Rhonda retired in 2018. She continues to share her passion for horticulture related topics as “Retro Rhonda” on social media.

ABOUT THE BLOG
ILRiverHort is a blog that helps people connect to nature and grow.