Turn the Page on Winter and Start a New Gardening Chapter at Nursery School

The Quad Cities’ premier gardening symposium!

Whether you’re cultivating your first garden or adding to your expertise, this event offers something for everyone. Join us for a day of inspiration and learning as horticulture experts share practical tips, creative ideas, and the latest trends to transform your garden. 

Gift certificates available: Makes the perfect present for the gardeners in your life. Order yours here

Your Gardening Story Starts Here

Opening Keynote 8:45 AM

Begin with the keynote Perfectly Paired: Plants, Pollinators, & You, where Emily Swihart, Illinois Extension horticulture educator, reveals the essential connection between plants and pollinators.

Choose Your Adventure  and 11:15-12:15PM

Dive deeper into your gardening story by selecting two of the following engaging sessions to customize your day:

Adventure 1: 10 - 11 AM

• Plan to Plant Your 2025 Garden: New Plants for Current Trends
  Join Kate Terrell, President of Wallace’s Garden Center, as she explores must-have plants for 2025. Discover heat- and drought-tolerant varieties, native plants, and exciting cutting garden trends, plus the latest breeder introductions to inspire your garden design.
• Honey and Health: Nature’s Sweet Treat
  Kristin Bogdonas, Illinois Extension Nutrition and Wellness Educator, will guide you through the wonders of honey. Learn about its varieties, health benefits, and culinary uses while sampling recipes featuring this true superfood.
• Jumping Worms: Identification, Impact, and Prevention in Illinois
  Chris Evans, Illinois Extension Forester, sheds light on the invasive jumping worm species spreading across Illinois. Learn to identify these earthworms, understand their impact on soil and plants, and discover steps to prevent their spread.

Adventure 2: 11:15-12:15 PM

• Tapestry Farms: An Urban Farm System in the QC
  Ann McGlynn, Executive Director of Tapestry Farms, shares the inspiring story of this nonprofit empowering refugees through urban farming. Learn about their innovative growing techniques and how their harvest benefits the local community.
• Elevate Expectations with Raised Bed Gardening
  Ken Johnson, Illinois Extension Horticulture Educator, introduces the benefits of raised bed gardening. From vegetables to ornamental plants, learn practical tips to create accessible, productive garden spaces.
• The Enchanting World of Dragonflies and Damselflies
  Amy Loving, Director of Education at Nahant Marsh, takes you on a journey through the life cycle and ecology of dragonflies and damselflies. Discover their vital role in ecosystems and how to identify common species in our area.

Each session offers practical knowledge and inspiration to expand your gardening skills and spark your curiosity!

Workshops, Lunch, Shopping & More

• Enjoy morning coffee and rolls
• Explore unique items from garden vendors
• Savor a taco bar buffet while networking with fellow gardening enthusiasts 12:15-1:15 PM

Closing Chapter Keynote

Conclude your day with the final session on Landscape Design, led by Nancy Kreith, Illinois Extension horticulture educator, who will inspire you to craft stunning and sustainable outdoor spaces.

Special Features

• Bookend Keynotes: Start and end your day with powerful presentations that connect the themes of growth and inspiration.
• Vendor Giveaway Drawing: Visit our vendor booths, complete your "Nursery School library card," and enter for a chance to win a prize basket during the final session.

Register Early & Save!

• $60 Early Bird Registration (through January 31)
• $70 Standard Registration (February 1–15)

Registration closes February 15. Register Now or call (309) 756-9978.

Download a Nursery School brochure with all the details 

Don’t Miss These Highlights!

• Expert-led sessions on gardening trends, edible plants, landscape design, and more.
• Interactive vendor marketplace featuring garden-inspired products and services.
• Morning coffee, taco bar lunch, and opportunities to connect with fellow gardeners.

Hosted by University of Illinois Extension and Master Gardeners

This event is brought to you by the University of Illinois Extension and Master Gardeners from Henry, Mercer, Rock Island, and Stark counties.