Gardeners' BIG Day 2026

Gardeners, naturalists, and anyone interested in conservation are invited to Gardeners’ BIG Day. Sessions are appropriate for attendees of all skill levels! The day includes three educational sessions, snacks, door prizes, and vendors. Sessions filled on a first-come, first-served basis.

 

Registration Fee - $20 early bird til Feb. 1 – $25 until March 6

Doors Open at 8 AM; First Session at 8:30 AM

Welcome Address - 8:30 AM

SESSION 1 - 9:00 AM
A. Grow Great Gourds and More! 
Discover Suzanne Cook's secrets to growing gorgeous gourds, pumpkins, squash, and other specialty crops with confidence. Learn best practices for planting, care, and harvesting to boost success in your garden. 
B.  Creature Comforts: Attracting Wildlife to Your Yard 
Ellen Denler will teach us how to transform our landscapes into a welcoming haven for birds, pollinators, and beneficial creatures. Explore practical design tips and planting strategies that support wildlife year-round. 
C.  Brewing Botanicals: Enhancing Tea with the Power of Plants 
Unlock the flavors and benefits of homegrown botanicals to elevate your tea experience. Karen Corrigan will present which herbs, flowers, and leaves make the perfect infusions and how to blend them beautifully.  
D.  Watercolor Botanical Workshop (+$12.50)
Allie Goudy will guide our exploration of the gentle art of watercolor painting in this hands-on botanical workshop. All supplies are provided as you learn techniques to bring flowers and foliage to life on paper.
E.   Let Them Make Cake! - Floral Design Workshop (+$12.50)
Create a beautiful “cake” made entirely of fresh flowers using floral foam and stand in this fully guided workshop presented by Christine Wright, Hy-Vee Floral Manager. All materials are provided, just bring your own clippers and get ready for a fun floral-design experience!  

SESSION 2 - 10:00 AM
A. Shade Gardens
Discover the plants and design principles that make shady spaces thrive. Ella Maxwell will be presenting on how to create lush, inviting gardens even where the sun is scarce.  
B.  The Forest’s Best Kept Secret: Spring Ephemerals 
Step into the enchanting world of spring ephemerals with Karen Weigelt to experience nature’s fleeting woodland treasures. Explore their ecology, beauty, and how to incorporate them thoughtfully into home landscapes.  
C.  Urban Pollinator Pockets  
Learn how small urban spaces can become powerful pollinator habitats with Gayle Blodgett. This session explores plant choices and design strategies for creating thriving mini-gardens in the city. 
D.  Rockin' Your Garden Art - Painting Workshop (+$12.50)
Add personality to your landscape with hand-painted garden rocks in this creative, all-supplies-included workshop presented by Julie Wasson of The Hangar 750 Art Studio. Learn techniques for durable, vibrant designs that brighten any outdoor space.  
E. Let Them Make Cake! - Floral Design Workshop (repeated from Session 1) (+$12.50)

SNACKS AND VENDOR SHOPPING - 10:50 AM

SESSION 3 - 11:30 AM
A.  Soils: Micro & Macro Nutrients 
Valerie Wolfe from Diverse Metamorphosis will show us how to dig into the science of soil with an accessible look at essential micro and macro nutrients. Understand how nutrient balance impacts plant health and what gardeners can do to improve it. 
B.  Pesticide Labels: New Guidance on Endangered Species 
Stay up-to-date on new EPA guidance and learn how to interpret both commercial and non-commercial pesticide labels. Tara Heath will be giving information to help you make informed, IPM-aligned choices for safer, more effective home gardening.  
C.  Nature as a Classroom
Discover how outdoor spaces can spark curiosity, learning, and discovery for all ages. May Bach will be sharing activities, design ideas, and approaches that turn any garden into a living classroom. 
D. Watercolor Botanical Workshop (repeated from Session 1) (+$12.50) 
E.  Rockin' Your Garden Art - Painting Workshop (repeated from Session 2) (+$12.50)