REGISTRATION IS NOW CLOSED.  WALK-INS WELCOME

16 Classes & Keynote 

Sign up by February 21

It's never too early to start thinking about gardening.  Join the Macon County Master Gardeners for a day of horticulture classes, hands-on activities, and an opportunity to shop vendors.  There is something of interest for all gardeners-beginner to experienced.

Items will be available for purchase from a variety of vendors during the event. A boxed lunch is included in admission.

Please email or call Sarah Vogel at 217.877.6042 with questions. 

We value your health and safety. The University requires all university staff, faculty, and visitors to wear face coverings indoors, regardless of vaccination status. Fully vaccinated means 14 days after the second dose. Those not fully vaccinated are required to wear a face covering in university spaces indoors, as well as outdoors when they cannot practice social distancing.  This is subject to change under change of policy.  

If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate, please contact the event coordinator or call 217.877.6042. Early requests are strongly encouraged to allow sufficient time to meet your needs, when possible.

Printable Flyer

Event Schedule

• Sign in & walk-in registration: 8:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.
• Welcome: 9:00 - 9:15 a.m.
• Session 1: 9:25 - 10:10 a.m.
• Session 2: 10:15 -11:00 a.m.
• Session 3: 11:05 -11:50 a.m.
• Lunch & Vendor Shopping: noon - 1:15 p.m.
• Keynote Address: 1:30 - 3:00 p.m.

Class Descriptions

Session 1 – 9:25 a.m. - 10:10 a.m.

Bringing the Outside Inside - This Class is Full
Nancy Derby, Master Gardener

Decorate your home with nature.  Create a driftwood decoration perfect for your home, office or to give as a gift. (14 seats)

Herb Basics
Jennifer Fishburn, Horticulture Educator

Learn tips on growing and using culinary herbs.  Find out which herbs also benefit pollinating insects.

10 Most Challenging Landscape Problems
Richard Starshak, Garden Path Owner

Learn how to build both exciting and innovative landscape designs, as well as solve a number of design problems by using specific rules and guidelines of visual design.

Managing Weeds in the Garden
Sarah Vogel, Horticulture Educator

Whether you are a beginning gardener or a seasoned green-thumb, the presence of weeds in the garden is a certainty.  Explore options for weed control measures to keep your garden healthy and attractive all season long.

Raising Bees
Doug Gucker, Agriculture and Natural Resources Educator

Interested in learning the basics of beekeeping?  Find out what equipment is needed to get started, the fundamentals to manage a successful hive, and what products can be harvested from your hive.

Session 2 – 10:15 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

Hydrangeas & Alliums
Ellen Culver, Master Gardener

There is a hydrangea (or maybe two) for every garden.  Explore the various types of hydrangeas, learn landscaping, growing, and pruning tips to use in your home gardens.

What is Wrong With My Tree
Sarah Vogel, Horticulture Educator

Explore some of the frequent issues with trees in the home landscape.  Topics will include proper site and tree species selection, installation and establishment, fertilization, common tree pests and pathogens, and care for mature trees.

10 Most Challenging Landscape Problems
Richard Starshak, Garden Path Owner

Discover how to build both exciting and innovative landscape designs, as well as solve a number of design problems by using specific rules and guidelines of visual design.

Houseplants: Aesthetic vs. Function
John Fegan, Casey's Garden Shop

Learn all of the coolest houseplant trends, design aspects, and crucial information you need to keep your plants looking like they belong in a magazine!

Everything to know About Tomatoes
Richard Zerfowski, Master Gardener

Discover how to grow great tomatoes.  Learn how to select the correct tomato for your needs, improve the tomatoes in your garden, prevent diseases, and how weather can be a factor in development.

Session 3 – 11:05 a.m. -11:50 a.m.

Herbal Wreath
Angelina Kellow, Master Gardener

Herbal wreaths are pleasing to the senses of taste, smell, touch and sight.  Enjoy a live demonstration on how to use herbal wreaths in your home and garden.

Creating a Terrarium
Sarah Vogel, Horticulture Educator

Learn terrarium building techniques, how to display, and maintain terrariums.  Create your own living terrarium to take home.  (30 seats)

Winter Seeds Savings
Becky Newton, Wren's Gate Owner

Which seeds are easily saved from your home garden?  Learn from a local "farmener" seed terminology and storage tips.

Everything to Know About Tomatoes
Richard Zerfowski, Master Gardener

Discover how to grow great tomatoes.  Learn how to select the correct tomato for your needs, improve the tomatoes in your garden, prevent diseases, and how weather can be a factor in development.
 

Jumping Worms and Other Invasive Species
Chris Evans, Forestry and Research Specialist

Jumping worms are exotic earthworms that are becoming invasive in Illinois.  This presentation will cover identification, ecology, distribution, and impacts of jumping worms.  Other invasive species to keep an eye out for will also be discussed.

Smart Lawn Care
Chris Enroth, Horticulture Educator

Proper lawn care starts with good cultural practices and integrated pest management.  Participate in a discussion on the fundamental practices to keeping a healthy lawn without the excessive use of chemicals.

Key Note Speaker 1:30 p.m. -3:00 p.m.

Keynote Speaker, Mark Dwyer, was previously the Director of Horticulture at Rotary Botanical Gardens in Janesville, Wis., for the past 21 years. He now owns and operates Landscape Prescriptions by MD, a landscape consultation business. He has degrees in landscape architecture from University of Illinois, Champaign-Urbana, and urban forestry from University of Wisconsin - Stevens Point. His true passion is obtaining, growing, observing and photographing all types of plants.

We look forward to spending the day with you at Gardening Insights 2022!