Join us for the 25th Annual JOYS OF GARDENING on February 25, 2023, for a Saturday of Horticulture Fun!
The event runs from 8:25 a.m. to Noon (registration at 8 a.m., keynote at 8:25 a.m.) at Highland Community College, Student Conference Center Room 201, 2998 W. Pearl City Rd, Freeport, IL (use Parking Lot A)
Cost is $15.
To REGISTER, use the online form below or contact U of I Extension-Stephenson County at 815-235-4125; the deadline is February 22, 2023.
SCHEDULE:
8:00 - 8:25 a.m. Registration & Refreshments (coffee & tea)
8:25 - 8:30 Welcome
8:30 - 9:30 a.m. Keynote Address
9:45 - 10:45 a.m. - Session 2 Workshops
11:00 a.m. - Noon - Session 3 Workshops
Keynote Presentation
8:30 to 9:30 am
Native Plant Cultivars for Pollinators
Emily Swihart, Horticulture Educator, U of I Extension
Breeding and selection programs have given gardeners a vast array of choices regarding plants for the home landscape. In addition to seeking the newest, most unique plant cultivars, many gardeners also want to plant for pollinators and beneficial insects. Swihart will explore the cross-section of these two gardening trends in an effort to understand better how we can plant to impress creatures large and small.
Session 2: 9:45 to 10:45 am
Tree Pruning
Emily Swihart, Horticulture Educator, U of I Extension
Depending on how it is done, pruning can be one of the best or worst things we can do for overall tree health. It isn’t complicated, but it is critical to understand the why, when, and how-to of pruning. Swihart will cover the basics so attendees feel confident they can properly care for their trees.
Keep Your Soil Healthy!
Grant McCarty, Local Foods & Small Farms Educator, U of I Extension
Whether you are growing annuals or perennials, understanding soil health can ensure that your growing areas stay productive for seasons to come. Chances are that you are already practicing good soil health management, and yet there is still more to learn! This course will share strategies for both perennials and annuals, recommended practices, and simple tests you can do to understand your soil better.
Frosting the Garden Cake—
Planting Design that Wows and Works
Bruce Cubberley, Superintendent of Parks & Natural Resources, Freeport Park District
Planting design should be the final step in the landscape design process. However, many gardeners start with the plants and get mired in the details. It takes more than inspiration to create functional and attractive landscapes. Come and find out what steps you should follow to create an exceptional planting design.
Invitation to Our Local Wild Sites
Jen Nowicki, Jane Addamsland Park Foundation
Come and learn about natural areas that are open to the public in our county. Discover properties that have been left in their natural state or are being restored. Learn about the locations, amenities, trails, natural features, and recreational and educational opportunities available. Jane Addamsland Park Foundation properties, such as the Butterfly Farm, Espenscheid Forest, the Freeport Prairie, and Wohlford Woods, will be highlighted.
Session 3: 11 am to Noon
Houseplants: Always Room for Another
Bruce Black, Horticulture Educator, U of I Extension
Houseplants have become a bigger trend since the pandemic. Have too many or not enough? Join this session to find tips on care, newer varieties, and why it’s okay to talk to your plants!
Hydrangeas Demystified
Monica Putnum, Owner, Hidden Timber Gardens
Hydrangeas are one of the most beautiful additions to summer gardens, but with so many different varieties it can become confusing to choose the best hydrangea for your garden. This class will break down the different types of hydrangeas, optimal growing conditions for each type, and how to care for them so you can confidently select the right hydrangea for your garden and enjoy the beautiful summer blooms for years to come.
You Can't Have One Without the Other:
Plant and Pest Associations
Tricia Bethke, Illinois Forest Pest Outreach Coordinator
Learn how to identify, monitor, and control current and potentially serious threats to tree health. Join Tricia for a lively discussion on plant galls, Emerald Ash Borer, Drippy Oak Blight, Spotted Lanternfly, and many more.
Growing Great Grapes
Grant McCarty, Local Foods & Small Farms Educator, U of I Extension
Wine vs table? Cordon vs Cane? Growing grapes can be intimidating. Since the plant can live for decades, early decisions will ensure you have greater success for years to come. This presentation will provide you with an introduction of the opportunities that await and the challenge you might face in grape production. Varieties, setup, disease management, and pruning will also be discussed.
