Calling All Gardeners: The 28th Annual Gardener’s Palette

The University of Illinois Extension Adams County Master Gardeners are hosting the 28th annual Gardener's Palette, a one-day conference on Saturday, March 2, 2024, from 9 am to 3 pm. The event will be held at the Quincy Senior and Family Resource Center located at 639 York Street, Quincy, Illinois. For just $40, you can participate in gardening education classes, receive class materials, enjoy a delicious lunch, and have a chance to win door prizes. Don't miss out on this fantastic opportunity to network with fellow gardening enthusiasts and enhance your knowledge. For registration help, call the U of I Extension office at 217-223-8380.

Instructions and Important Information:

• If you would like a printed brochure, or to be added to our Gardener's Palette mailing list, please email sschoon@illinois.edu or call (217) 223-8380.
• Registration deadline is February 23, 2024.
• Cancellations will be accepted up to Friday, February 23, 2024. There will be no refunds after this date.
• Pre-registration is $40 per person. This includes a boxed lunch and printed materials. *Make-&-Take Workshops are an extra $15*
• Registrations after Friday, February 23, 2024 are $45 per person. On-site registration will be offered if space is available.
• No refunds due to cancellations beyond our control (i.e., weather, power outage, flood, fire, etc.).

Workshop Options

9:00-10:00 am: Keynote

Time to Try a New Tree with Jeff Vancil

• With over 11,000 tree species found in North America, why are most urban forest areas (cities, towns, and parks) primarily made up of less than 10 tree species? Overuse and incorrect planting of favorite tree species have historically proven catastrophic. Let’s learn from our mistakes and plant more diverse species of trees with better cultural practices!

10:15-11:15 am: Workshop Session Set 1

Option 1: Trees and Disaster Preparedness with Emily Swihart

• Trees are wonderful plants to incorporate into our landscape, but what happens when weather threatens the health and safety of these plants? Join University of Illinois Extension Horticulture Educator, Emily Swihart, as she explores the factors of weather that impact our trees and how to respond to storms aftermath.

Option 2: Culinary Herbs and Pollinating Insects with Jennifer Fishburn

• Gardening with culinary herbs is a great way to add interest and fragrance to the landscape. Tips will be shared on using herbs to attract pollinating insects.

Option 3: Gardens of Nauvoo: Rain Garden and Heirloom Plantings with Richard Hancock

• Did you know that Nauvoo, IL has over 5 themed public garden displays? There is the Women’s Garden, Browing Gun garden, Woodruff orchard & vegetable Garden, Lyon Drug medicinal garden, Smith Family Cemetery, and two new rain gardens. See and learn about these new and old heirloom gardens.

12:45-1:45 pm: Workshop Session Set 2

Option 1: Make Every Drop Count - Xeriscaping with Chris Enroth

• Tired of dragging the hose around and hauling buckets of water to parched plants? Learn how to incorporate xeriscaping in your home garden. From a minimalist landscape or a lush garden; gain design strategies and proper plant selection to minimize your water usage and make every drop count.

Option 2: ReTHINK, ReIMAGINE, ReCREATE Your Landscape with Carey Boehm-Corrie

• Perspective has the power to change everything. We will analyze past and current landscape styles and address a few landscape problems, and look at sustainable, ecologically friendly and environmentally focused perspectives that may just create the future of your landscape.

Option 3: Bring More Flavor to Your Food with Deborah Lee

• This is a make-and-take workshop, there is an extra $15 charge.
• This Make and Take class will allow you to explore ways to "kick up" your meals with the simple addition of easy-to-grow herbs. We will discuss marinades, and give you a blended mixture; plus another blend. Learn about growing and mixing herbs, plus where to order the best.

2:00-3:00 pm: Workshop Session Set 3

Option 1: Sustainable Pest Management with Ken Johnson

• Pests are a fact of life in our gardens, but do we need to 'kill them all'? Learn to manage pests by utilizing Integrated Pest Management, a sustainable approach to managing pests by combining biological, cultural, physical, and chemical tools in a way that minimizes economic, health, and environmental risks.

Option 2: Simple Gardening Tips and Tricks with Kerry Bergman

• Kerry Bergman, a Master Gardener with over 24 years of experience, will share his practical gardening hacks. Learn tips on lawn care, vegetable growing, bed maintenance, tool usage, early season start, root cuttings, and understanding seed catalogs. Save time and money with our easy gardening strategies.

Option 3: Preserving Your Garden's Beauty with Dried Flowers with Brea Corrigan

• This is a make-and-take workshop, there is an extra $15 charge.
• Discover how to dry garden flowers for long-lasting beauty and creative projects. We’ll guide you on the best flowers for drying and how to preserve your existing garden blooms. You’ll also create your own pressed flower artwork to take home. Enjoy the enduring charm of your garden flowers with us!