2026 Gardening Insights

$20 | 12 Classes 

Life Foursquare Church
2954 W Ash Ave.
Decatur, IL  62526

Sign up by February 22

Join the Macon County Master Gardeners for a morning packed with inspiring gardening sessions! Whether you're just starting out or have years of experience, you'll pick up fresh ideas, tips, and tricks to help you plan and prepare for a successful 2026 growing season. Don't miss this chance to dig in, learn, and have some fun with fellow garden enthusiasts!

Items will be available for purchase from a variety of vendors during the event. 

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

Event Schedule:

 
Class Descriptions:
Session 1 | 9:15 AM to 10:15 AM
BEES & SUSTAINABILITY
Sonya Anthony, Macon County Master Naturalist.
Discover why solitary bees, like mason and leafcutter bees, are the unsung heroes of pollination. This presentation busts common myths about honey bees and shares practical tips for creating bee-friendly habitats that boost sustainability and food production. Join us to learn how you can make a big impact - one bee at a time. 

IMPROVINGYOUR GARDEN'S SOIL HEALTH
Doug Gucker, Commercial Agriculture Extension educator with the University of Illinois Extension.
Is your garden not producing as well as it should, and are you not sure what to do? In this session, you will learn how to test for soil compaction and nutrient deficiencies, the importance of organic matter to your garden soil, how to create living soil, and other helpful soil management tips.
 
TREE CARE AND SOILS
Ryan Pankau, Extension Horticulture Educator serving Champaign, Ford, Iroquois, and Vermilion Counties.
Many common tree problems relate to soil issues in one way or another, especially in the urban environment. Examine common soil problems as they relate to trees, and discuss soil testing and interpretation of results as well as many other aspects of tree care from addressing girdling roots or other root-related problems, to remediating impacted urban soils for improved tree health.
 
SMARTER GARDEN DESIGN: USING AI AS A TOOL, NOT A SUBSTITUTE - Hands-On
Jennifer Nelson, Horticulture Instructor, University of Illinois, Grounded and Growing blogger.
Artificial intelligence can't replace the hands-on experience of a gardener, but it can be a powerful planning partner. In this interactive session, participants will learn how to use AI tools to brainstorm design ideas, generate plant combinations, build custom layouts, and troubleshoot challenges. We'll explore how to pair AI with horticulture expertise to create inspiring, functional garden plans rooted in sound science. 

Session 2 | 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM
SPICE UP YOUR GARDEN: GROWING GINGER AT HOME
Ken Johnson, Extension Horticulture Educator serving Calhoun, Cass, Greene, Morgan, and Scott Counties.
Ginger is a popular tropical spice that can be grown right in your backyard. Learn the basics of growing ginger at home, from selecting the right rhizomes, to planting, caring, and harvesting your own fresh ginger.
 
BUZZ ON BEEKEEPING
Susan Shaw, Macon County Master Naturalist.
What insect can fly up to 15 mph, has two stomachs, and can communicate by performing a waggle dance? The honey bee!! Join Susan Shaw as she presents "Buzz on Beekeeping". Learn about these "un-bee-livable" insects and the vital role they play in our environment.
 
ADDING COLOR TO YOUR SHADE GARDEN IN ALL FOUR SEASONS
Sherry Thomas, Macon County Master Gardener
Sherry will share her ideas for adding color in your landscape and shade garden in all four seasons. Participants can also share their own ideas and experiences with shade. Enjoy a session of friendly conversation.
 
WINTER SEED SOWING - Hands-on
Deb Moore, Macon County Master Gardener.
Get a jump start on your spring garden with this hands-on winter sowing workshop! Learn how to create mini greenhouses using recycled containers to start seeds outdoors during the winter months. We'll cover everything from choosing the right seeds and soil, to setup, labeling, and transplanting in the spring.

Session 3 | 11:45 AM to 12:45 PM
HUMMING RIGHT ALONG: HOW TO WELCOME HUMMINGBIRDS TO YOUR GARDEN
Linda Spence, Rock Springs Nature Center head gardener.
Linda will discuss the dos and don'ts for attracting hummingbirds to your garden. She will provide you with a handout of plants that will grow well in central Illinois. This will include a photo of each, their growing requirements, and care. Whether you are working with an existing garden or starting a garden, she will help you attract those gorgeous, feisty, always entertaining little birds.
 
GARDENING HISTORY
Rich Starshak, Macon County Master Gardener and author of "Perfect Design: Using Math and Geometry to Build Great Landscape Designs"
We will begin by looking at the earliest records of ancient gardens, then explore the spread of styles, functions, design concepts, and trends throughout the world. We will look at a number of garden and landscape writers, especially in Europe and America. We will also take a special look at women's writers and accomplishments.
 
CONTRARIAN VEGETABLE GARDENING
Mark and Julie Rotz, Macon County Master Gardeners
Contrary to popular belief, vegetable gardening can be successful and enjoyable while producing delicious and nutritious food. Learn how to grow sweet potatoes, edamame, dried beans, squash and more, plus how you can benefit from eating them.
 
FLORAL ARRANGEMENTS - Hands-on
Karen Tappendorf, Macon County Master Gardener
Learn flower arranging basics with classical designs. Create an easy flower arrangement using tips and tricks that make it stress free. The goal of this session is to foster your creativity while also providing a structure for you to work within so that you can start arranging flowers yourself.