Get ready for spring! Join Master Gardeners for a fun morning filled with engaging speakers, door prizes, a silent auction, and tasty refreshments. We are excited to have Illinois Botanizer Chris Benda as our keynote speaker. He will be presenting:

Wildflowers for the Home Garden

With so much of the state converted to agriculture and urbanized areas, it is ever so important that homeowners create mini-refuges on their properties when possible. Native wildlife need native plants to survive and there is a lot the average person can do to create habitat for these organisms in their own yards. Botanist Chris Benda will take the audience on a tour of Illinois by region, highlighting the many showy and interesting wildflowers that can be found in each region of the state. Emphasis will be on easy to grow species that are available in the nursery trade.

Pollinators in the Urban and Suburban Environment

Explore the fascinating world of pollinators in our urban and suburban environments. Extension Specialist Brodie Dunn will provide you with a deeper understanding of the crucial role that pollinators play in sustaining urban ecosystems and supporting biodiversity. Learn how you can contribute in the creation of pollinator-friendly spaces and make a positive impact in your community.

Making the Most of Small Spaces with Raised Bed Gardening

This presentation will empower you with the knowledge and skills needed to design, build, and plant a thriving raised bed vegetable garden. Macon County Master Gardener Chelsea Schmid will delve into the fundamentals of garden design. Learn how to construct a raised bed, how to strategically plan and layout your raised bed garden, explore organic and sustainable soil amendments and composting techniques, and learn the benefits of raised bed gardening.