Joys of Gardening

Join us for the 27th Annual JOYS OF GARDENING on February 22, 2025, 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.

 

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 1 Workshops

11:00 a.m. - Noon - Session 2 Workshops

 

8:30 to 9:30 am

Introduction to the University of Wisconsin-Madison Arboretum and the Longenecker Horticultural Gardens
David Stevens, Curator, Longenecker Horticultural Gardens

From the birthplace of ecological restoration to the largest and most diverse collection of woody plants in Wisconsin, the arboretum has been a vital part of the Wisconsin landscape since its inception in the 1930s. Today’s talk will introduce us to the arboretum and explore the beauty of the Longenecker Horticultural Gardens’ living collection of woody plants.

 

Secret of Seed Starting
Victor Zaderej, Chief Technology Officer & Grower at Happy Leaf, LED
Whether this is your first time starting seeds, or you have done it for many years, Vic will share his secrets for taking seed starting to amazing production levels with minimal effort and cost.

Growing Great Apples
Grant McCarty, Local Foods & Small Farms Educator, U of I Extension
Apples are one of the main fruit trees that thrive season after season in Northern Illinois. Like with any fruit or vegetable, apples require management, can get destructive insects/diseases, and need attention via yearly pruning. This session, for new and established growers, will cover variety selection, rootstocks, general management, pests, special issues to look for in 2025, and harvest challenges. 

Enchanted Spaces: Designing a Whimisical Garden
Bruce Cubberley, Executive Director, Freeport Park District
Step into a world where imagination meets nature in Enchanted Spaces: Designing a Whimsical Garden. This inspiring talk explores how to transform ordinary outdoor areas into magical retreats that evoke wonder and delight. Discover design principles that blend fantasy and functionality, from choosing playful plant combinations to incorporating charming garden features like fairy lights, hidden paths, and storybook-inspired decor.

Whether you're an experienced gardener or a creative dreamer, learn how to infuse your garden with whimsy through thoughtful layout, thematic accents, and interactive elements that spark joy. Join us to uncover the secrets of crafting enchanting spaces where nature and creativity flourish in harmony.

 

Session 2: 11 am to Noon
 

Indoor Gardening for Food and Fun
Victor Zaderej, Chief Technology Officer & Grower at Happy Leaf, LED
Everyone can have a green thumb with the techniques Vic shares in this fun and informative presentation. Save money and enjoy an amazing bounty of greens, herbs, and vegetables year-round. Vic emphasizes simplicity and successful outcomes with methods that allow him to grow even the most demanding of fruits and vegetables, including tomatoes, eggplants, and peas, not to mention leafy greens, root vegetables, and herbs. You can do this, and Vic will show you how.

Branching Out: Choosing the Perfect Trees for Your Landscape
Monica Putnam, Owner, Hidden Timber Gardens
Transform your yard with the perfect trees! This workshop covers ornamental, shade, spring-blooming, and native trees, offering tips on selection, placement, and care tailored for Northern Illinois. Gain insights on tree maintenance, growing requirements, and design strategies to create a sustainable, beautiful landscape.