(Moline, Ill.) University of Illinois Extension is thrilled to announce the 25th Annual Nursery School: Lessons in Gardening, taking place on February 10, 2024, from 8:00 AM to 2:30 PM at the Vibrant Arena in Moline, IL. This event promises a day brimming with horticultural insights, expert-led workshops, and opportunities to connect with fellow garden enthusiasts.

The symposium commences at 8:45 AM with the Keynote Presentation, "This Isn't Your Grandparents Gardening Weather," presented by Duane Friend, Climate Change Specialist from Illinois Extension. Friend will explore the impact of weather changes on gardening and landscape activities, offering valuable insights on adapting to these shifts.

Participants will engage in three additional sessions, choosing from a variety of topics in each session:

Session 1 (10-11 AM):

• Dive into the world of gardening success with Diane Blazak, Executive Director of All-America Selections, in "AAA Winners."
• Learn the art of seed starting for spring seedlings from Nicole Flowers-Kimmerle, Illinois Extension Horticulture Educator, in "Seed Starting."
• Explore the unique adaptations of owls with James Wiebler, Naturalist and Research Coordinator at Nahant Marsh, in "Hunters of the Night."

Session 2 (11:15 AM-12:15 PM):

• Embark on a virtual tour of the forest floor with Emily Swihart, Illinois Extension Horticulture Educator, in "Beneath the Canopy: Exploring Spring Ephemeral Flowers."
• Join Ken Johnson, Illinois Extension Horticulture Educator, in "Organic Vegetable Gardening" for insights into organic practices.
• Revisit Duane Friend to discover "Climate/Weather Tools for Gardening."

A taco bar lunch buffet, served from 12:15 to 1:15 PM, provides participants with an opportunity to refuel, network, and explore the vendor area for shopping.

Session 3 (1:30-2:30 PM):

• Join Molly Blogg, Manager, CEO, Co-Owner of Hornbaker, Inc., for "New Plants and Inspirations for the Spring Season."
• Learn about growing and cooking with culinary herbs from Christopher Enroth, Illinois Extension Horticulture Educator, and Chef Elly Voss from Nest Café.
• Discover how to "Enrich Your Yard with Native Plants" with Amy Loving, Director of Education at Nahant Marsh.

Registration is open until February 5, @ go.illinois.edu/NurserySchool2024 with tickets priced at $70. Participants must register in advance, as no walk-ins will be accepted. The fee includes morning coffee and rolls, the keynote session, taco bar buffet lunch, three additional classes, and access to the Nursery School vendor area, featuring a variety of merchants and agencies offering garden-inspired gifts, crafts, plants, and resources. For those interested in being a vendor at the event, see details at go.illinois.edu/NSvendor or call Extension at (309) 756-9978.

Doors open at 8:00 AM, and the keynote session begins promptly at 8:45 AM. For those requiring reasonable accommodations, please contact Tracy Jo Mulliken at Illinois Extension (309) 756-9978 or email uie-hmrs@illinois.edu.

Don't miss this incredible opportunity to bloom with knowledge and passion. Register now to secure your spot and join us for an unforgettable gardening experience!