12 Classes and Keynote Speaker
Sign up by February 18

It's never too early to start thinking about gardening.  Join the Macon County Master Gardeners for a fun, engaging day of classroom-style sessions both beginning and expert gardeners will enjoy. Youth are also invited to join 4-H for crafts, STEM, and gardening activities while caregiver is attending sessions. 

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

Questions? Contact Whitney Allison at 217.877.6042 or wallison@illinois.edu 

Event Schedule

• Registration & Shopping: 8:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.
• Welcome and Keynote: 9:00 - 10:20 a.m.
• Session 1: 10:30 - 11:30 a.m.
• Lunch & Vendor Shopping: 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
• Session 2: 12:40 - 1:40 p.m.
• Session 3: 1:50 - 2:50 p.m.

Lunch choices:

• Turkey Sandwich
• Ham Sandwich
• Veggie Sandwich

Key Note Speaker 9 -10:20 a.m.

Amanda Thomsen, 150 Ways to Make A Fantastic Yard Totally Tailored to You: Practical, fun, imperfect gardens for everyone! Amanda Thomsen is a horticulturist, garden designer, keynote speaker, freelance writer, backyard consultant, and author living in suburban Chicago.  Amanda wants to help the world live more sustainably (but without a load of effort and twice the fun!). Amanda has been working as a professional horticulturist, landscape designer and project manager for last 20+ years. Her focus is bringing rule-breaking fun, a little kitsch and a lot of humor into an industry that is often thought of as stodgy and full of rules. Amanda speaks and gives classes at all-sized events throughout the United States.  Amanda Thomsen is the author of two books: Kiss My Aster: A Graphic Guide to Creating a Terrific Yard Totally Tailored to You and Backyard Adventure: Get Messy, Get Wet, Build Cool Things, and Have Tons of Fun.
She is half of The Garden Girls podcast and produces a one-woman gardening show, Mud Life Crisis. She has a monthly column in the garden center industry magazine, Green Profit. Amanda was chosen to attend the Better Homes and Gardens Stylemaker event in NYC in 2017 & 2018. 

Class Descriptions

Session 1 10:30-11:30 a.m.

COMMON INVASIVES AND CONTROL METHODS
Ethan Snively, Natural Resources Manager, Macon County Conservation District
This presentation will discuss common invasive plants in Central Illinois and how to control them. We will discuss why invasive species are a problem and how to identify them. We will also discuss the different tools and methods for controlling invasive species such as mechanical removal, chemical treatment, biological control, and prescribed fire.
KOKEDAMA STRING GARDENS | HANDS ON
Candice Anderson, State Master Gardener Specialist, University of Illinois Extension
Embark on a journey into the world of Japanese bonsai with a focus on "String Gardening." Discover the rich history and cultural significance of these moss ball plantings. Learn the artful process of crafting a string garden and bring your own creation to life in this hands-on session. Elevate your appreciation for bonsai and cultivate your creativity in this unique and engaging class.
THIS ISN'T YOUR GRANDPARENTS' GARDENING WEATHER
Duane Friend, State Master Naturalist Coordinator and Climate Specialist, University of Illinois Extension
Duane will talk about weather trends, projections, and what gardeners can do to adapt to these changes.
PRUNE YOUR TREES LIKE A PRO
Ryan Pankau, Horticulture Educator, University of Illinois Extension
Elevate your tree-tending game with proper pruning methods. This session will discuss tips, timing, and techniques of shaping trees to improve the health and vitality of our green spaces. Participants will discover the function and goals of pruning and leave with the knowledge and skills needed to properly care for trees.
 

Session 2 12:40 to 1:40 p.m. 

THESE PLANTS ARE FOR THE BIRDS!
Kristen Ragusa, CREP Specialist Supervisor, Illinois Department of Natural Resources, Decatur Area Audubon Society
This session will discuss how you can promote wildlife in your garden with a focus on birds and native plants. We will briefly discuss common backyard birds, threats to birds, and some of the initiatives that are going on locally to support our feathered friends; then we will dive into how you can help within the confines of your own backyard.
STARTING SEEDS FOR YOUR HOME GARDEN | HANDS ON
Deanna Koenigs ,Greenhouse and Small Farm Coordinator, Richland Community College
This session will focus on techniques for starting seedlings indoors for your vegetable and flower gardens.  Topics include which plants to start indoors, potting mixes, germination rates, lighting, temperature, watering requirements, transplanting, and acclimating plants.
CULTIVATING A POLLINATOR PARADISE
Ken Johnson, Horticulture Educator, University of Illinois Extension
The plight of bees and other pollinators has been a captivating topic for several years. Understand pollinators' vital role in our landscapes and local ecosystems, and learn how to transform your garden into a safe and irresistible haven for them. Discuss practices that will leave your garden buzzing with life.
HOPS AT HOME: CULTIVATING AROMATIC CONES IN YOUR BACKYARD
Chris Enroth, Horticulture Educator, University of Illinois Extension
Embark on a flavorful journey into the world of backyard hops growing with Illinois Extension horticulture educator Chris Enroth. This class is designed for homebrewers looking to elevate their craft or gardening enthusiasts eager to cultivate a unique and rewarding crop. Discover essential practices involved in cultivating hops in your backyard. From selecting the right hop varieties to mastering the art of care and maintenance, participants will gain the knowledge and skills needed to foster a thriving hops garden.

Session 3 1:50 to 2:50 p.m.

THE NATIVE GARDENER'S PALETTE
Erzebet Getz, Decatur Park District Greenhouse Grower, Master Naturalist Volunteer
Dive into the beauty and sustainability of cultivating native plants. Unlock secrets to cultivating a garden that is not only beautiful but also promote biodiversity and healthy local ecosystems. Receive insights, tips, and a renewed appreciation for the rich tapestry of native flora around us.
ANOTHER VEGETABLE CONTAINER GARDEN TALK? REALLY??
Brenda Craven, Macon County Master Gardener Volunteer
All the regular cultivation info (like what container to use, potting mixes, light and moisture requirements, and fertilization), PLUS personal experiences with what has worked and what has not. Bring your questions and Brenda will provide her best answers.
SWEET SECRETS OF GROWING BACKYARD BERRIES
Ken Johnson, Horticulture Educator, University of Illinois Extension
| Have you ever wanted to grow your own berries? Fresh home-grown berries are a summer treat. Learn to grow and care for small fruits like strawberries, blackberries, blueberries, and raspberries, and embark on your own flavorful adventure.
RAIN GARDEN ESSENTIALS: DESIGN, BUILD, PLANT
Chris Enroth, Horticulture Educator, University of Illinois Extension
Transform your yard into a sustainable oasis with the art of rain gardening! In this enlightening class, Illinois Extension horticulture educator Chris Enroth will guide you through the process of designing, building, and planting your very own rain garden. Discover the power of rain gardens as effective tools for managing stormwater, where they act as nature's filters, slowing runoff, reducing soil erosion, and alleviating strain on stormwater systems. Gain insights into the principles of rain garden construction and design, ensuring that your garden not only enhances the beauty of your space but also contributes to the health of the environment.
 

All Day 4-H Youth Activities
Adult attendees are welcome to bring youth (ages 5-18) for craft, STEM, cooking, and gardening activities.  Please include children on the registration form of their guardian. Limited number of spots available!

We look forward to spending the day with you at Gardening Insights 2024!

By attending, you consent to your image being used in university marketing, social media and publications. Please alert the photographer if you don’t want your photograph taken.