DIXON, IL---On Saturday, March 18, 2023, University of Illinois Extension Master Gardeners of Carroll, Lee, Ogle, and Whiteside Counties will be hosting 2023 Ready…Set…Grow… gardening workshop from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Loveland Community Building, 513 W 2nd St., Dixon.

This year’s keynote address: Literary Gardens, will be presented by Master Gardener and natural history writer Cindy Crosby. Cindy takes a fun look at gardens in literature and poetry. From Agatha Christie's mystery series to Brother Cadfael's medieval herb garden to Michael Pollan's garden in "Second Nature," to the "Secret Garden" beloved of children's literature, there are so many gardens that helped shape the books we love to read. See your garden with new eyes and come away with a list of books you can’t wait to explore.

Ready…Set…Grow… will also offer two breakout sessions, a swag bag, a book nook, door prizes, and a Master Gardener Help Desk. Breakout sessions include Growing Great Grapes, Natural Fairy Gardens, Tree Management, Hummingbird Gardens, Contained Compositions, Backyard Orchard, Growing Vegetables Through the Seasons, and Nature Journaling. 

The fee for this program is $25, and registrations will be accepted until March 10, 2023. Register online at go.illinois.edu/ReadySetGrow

If you are interested in more information about Ready…Set…Grow… or becoming a Master Gardener, please contact your local Extension office.

Carroll County: (815) 244-9444
Lee County: (815) 857-3525
Ogle County: 815-732-2191
Whiteside County: (815) 632-3611

ABOUT EXTENSION: Illinois Extension leads public outreach for University of Illinois by translating research into action plans that allow Illinois families, businesses, and community leaders to solve problems, make informed decisions, and adapt to changes and opportunities.