DANVILLE, Ill. – The Vermilion County Master Gardeners' annual Garden Day event was a resounding success, drawing over 175 gardening enthusiasts from across the region for a full day of inspiration, learning, and community celebration. Held at the Danville Area Community College Bremer Conference Center, Garden Day has become a beloved tradition for over 25 years, offering a perfect blend of educational opportunities, vibrant vendors, and exciting fundraising activities.

The day kicked off with a packed house, as guests arrived early to check in and settle in for a day filled with expert advice from renowned speakers. With topics ranging from creating bird-friendly landscapes to exploring the latest gardening trends, the lineup of speakers offered something for every type of gardener.

Speaker Highlights:

• Mike Ward captivated the audience with his presentation on Creating a Bird Ecosystem in Your Landscape, providing invaluable tips on transforming home gardens into bird sanctuaries and encouraging biodiversity year-round.
• Ryan Pankau shared his expert knowledge on Raised Garden Beds, walking attendees through the ins and outs of building and maintaining raised beds for a more fruitful vegetable garden.
• Karla Griesbaum inspired many with her talk on Flowering Native Trees and Shrubs, teaching guests how to incorporate these beautiful, low-maintenance plants into their gardens while boosting local ecosystems.
• Nathan and Lisa Campbell wrapped up the day with a forward-looking session on What’s New in 2025, introducing the latest gardening innovations and trends that are sure to shape the future of home gardening.

Vendor Market and Silent Auction:

In addition to the compelling lineup of speakers, the event also featured an impressive vendor market. Local artisans and garden experts showcased a variety of unique products, including plants, tools, decor, and more. Attendees had the chance to purchase one-of-a-kind gardening treasures and engage with knowledgeable vendors on the latest gardening products and techniques.

The highly anticipated Silent Auction was one of the most popular highlights. Guests placed bids on a variety of themed baskets, each filled to the brim with garden-themed goodies. From carefully curated gift baskets packed with local goods to themed collections perfect for every gardener, the silent auction provided a fun and exciting way to support the Master Gardener program.

A Delicious Lunch and Garden Goodies:

Attendees who registered for the full day were treated to a delicious hot lunch from the Danville Area Community College Culinary Arts School. Each participant also received a welcome bag filled with gardening information, helpful tips, and a few special surprises to kickstart their gardening season.

Looking Ahead:

With Garden Day tickets selling out in advance, the Vermilion County Master Gardeners were thrilled by the overwhelming support from the community. This year’s event was a wonderful reminder of the passion and knowledge that the local gardening community shares. Plans are underway for next year’s event, with organizers promising more inspiring speakers, exciting vendors, and unique silent auction baskets.