A Saturday of Horticulture Fun!
Event Date(s)
Event Time
-
Location
Highland Community College Student Conference Center
Event Fee
$15.00
County
Stephenson
Join us for the 27th Annual JOYS OF GARDENING on February 28, 2026, 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.
To REGISTER, use the online form below or contact U of I Extension-Stephenson County at 815-235-4125.
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
Keynote Presentation
8:30 to 9:30 am
Gardening for Hummingbirds
Kathi and Michael Rock, Educators & Naturalists, International Hummingbird Society
Kathi and Michael Rock, Educators & Naturalists, International Hummingbird Society
Kathi and Michael will help you learn how to create a sanctuary for hummingbirds in your own backyard. Through the use of perennial and annual plants, wildflowers, shrubs, trees and hummingbird feeders, you too can discover the magic and excitement of hummingbirds! Our presentation will cover identification of the Ruby-throated hummingbird, ideal habitat, migration, nesting, feeding, importance of water features, and how the elements of the best hummingbird feeders and plants can bring you up close to these special birds.
Session 1: 9:45 to 10:45 am
Salivas: Hidden Treasures for your Pollinator Garden
Kathi and Michael Rock, Educators & Naturalists, International Hummingbird Society
Learn how to incorporate salvias into your garden to attract hummingbirds and other pollinators. Many beautiful choices await you and your hummingbirds, butterflies and bees. These easy to grow plants from north, central, and South America and Mexico will bring variety, color, interest, and hummingbirds and other winged wonders into your very own garden.
Growing Forward: What's New for 2026
Monica Putnam, Owner, Hidden Timber Gardens
Monica will be presenting an overview of new plants for 2026 and sharing her expertise about plants that look great and are easy to care for. Join Monica and kickstart your 2026 gardening plans and dreams!
Seed Starting for Success: Pocket-Friendly and Eco-Smart Methods
Liz Riesche, Illinois Extension Master Gardener
Get a head start on a successful growing season and have the garden you want at a pocket-friendly cost by starting your seeds at home. Simplify seed starting by exploring how to start your seeds using budget-friendly, recycled materials found around your home. We'll dive into all the essentials, including seed selection, growing media, containers, light sources, and water. You’ll leave this session with the knowledge and confidence to get growing!
Session 2: 11 am to Noon
Native Plant Solutions for Challenging Landscape Situations
Alan Branhagen, Executive Director, Natural Land Institute
The Flora of the Midwest has a plant for every niche: from desert-like glade to flooded swamp. Plants grow in clumps or run (spread by stolons
or rhizomes) into extensive thickets. Trees can be understory and small to towering giants. Mother Nature fills every void. This program will offer some ideas on how to utilize the attributes of our native flora to find solutions for challenging landscape situations. From streetside hellstrips to poorly drained swales -- from under power lines to steep banks, there are plants available to perform for you.
Tree and Shrub Establishment
Michael Iacomini, Illinois Extension Master Gardener
This presentation covers the crucial multi-stage process of plant selection, proper placement, correct planting, and initial care of ornamental trees and shrubs in a home landscape. Utilizing the information provided will give your plants a jump start, providing years of healthy growth and saving you time and money.
Alan Branhagen, Executive Director, Natural Land Institute
The Flora of the Midwest has a plant for every niche: from desert-like glade to flooded swamp. Plants grow in clumps or run (spread by stolons
or rhizomes) into extensive thickets. Trees can be understory and small to towering giants. Mother Nature fills every void. This program will offer some ideas on how to utilize the attributes of our native flora to find solutions for challenging landscape situations. From streetside hellstrips to poorly drained swales -- from under power lines to steep banks, there are plants available to perform for you.
Tree and Shrub Establishment
Michael Iacomini, Illinois Extension Master Gardener
This presentation covers the crucial multi-stage process of plant selection, proper placement, correct planting, and initial care of ornamental trees and shrubs in a home landscape. Utilizing the information provided will give your plants a jump start, providing years of healthy growth and saving you time and money.
Your Toolbox for a Showcase Landscape
Bruce Cubberley, Executive Director, Freeport Park District
Practical guidance and proven strategies for creating an outdoor space that truly stands out. This presentation highlights essential tools that help transform ideas into an attractive landscape—whether you’re refreshing an existing yard or starting from scratch
Bruce Cubberley, Executive Director, Freeport Park District
Practical guidance and proven strategies for creating an outdoor space that truly stands out. This presentation highlights essential tools that help transform ideas into an attractive landscape—whether you’re refreshing an existing yard or starting from scratch
If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate, please contact
Program Areas