Home Newsletters Spring Garden Days and Plant Sales 2026 Spring Garden Days and Plant Sales

2026 Spring Garden Days and Plant Sales

Woman showing two young kids and their mother some gardening information in a greenhouse.

Dig into spring gardening with confidence at local gardening programs

February 5, 2026

URBANA, Ill. — Gardening is an ever-evolving journey, and each growing season brings fresh experiences and strategies for both new and veteran gardeners. This spring, learn more gardening techniques and grow skills at University of Illinois Extension gardening events across the state.These spring garden seminars and workshops go beyond deepening your knowledge; they...

Blog articles

a bird getting ready to eat from a frozen bird seed wreathe

Choose the right feeder and seed for birds in the winter

February 2, 2026

ILRiverHort

By Jennifer Bass, Extension Master Gardener, Master Naturalist, and Conservation@Home member serving Fulton, Mason, Peoria, and Tazewell countiesOn Sundays, when the grand kids arrive, they often check whether the bird feeders are full and hurry to fill them with seed for our feathered...

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Exploding trees? A closer look at frost cracking

January 30, 2026

Good Growing

Exploding trees made quite a few headlines this past week when winter temperatures dropped across much of the country. While the claim of trees exploding certainly grabs attention, it is a little exaggerated. So, what was behind the frenzy? Is there some truth to the concern?The reality behind...

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Events

A heart design made from willow branches hanging outdoors for décor

February 10, 2026

Creating Simply Lovely Nature Art
Willow, be my valentine?Learn how to create a nature-inspired living heart craft with freshly cut willow. Learn how to add a touch of rustic romance to bouquets that showcase flowers in the sweetest way possible.Presenter: Chris...

Various pressed flowers with "Plants of Concern Herbarium Mounting."

February 12, 2026

Plants of Concern Herbarium Mounting - Williamson County
Are you interested in mounting herbarium specimens for the Plants of Concern Program and Southern Illinois University Carbondale? Sessions will rotate through different Illinois Extension Offices. Training and materials will be provided. Please pay attention to the location and date combination...

February 21, 2026

Rooted
2nd Annual EventPLEASE NOTE: As of Friday, Feb. 6, general attendee registration is now full. If you would like to join the waitlist in case space opens up, please complete this form....

A ruby-throated hummingbird flying near a red flower.

February 21, 2026

2026 Attracting Ruby-Throated Hummingbirds to Your Own Backyard Pollinator Garden
Have you noticed different birds at your feeders? Although ruby-throated hummingbirds are expected visitors to gardens east of the Rocky Mountains, several species of vagrant hummingbirds have been documented in Illinois. Did you know that citizen science projects are looking for your observations...

Nursery School Lessons in Gardening tools and plants over soil

February 21, 2026

Nursery School: Lessons in Gardening Symposium
A day of gardening inspiration and learningJoin University of Illinois Extension educators, local experts, and Master Gardeners for a full day of inspiration, practical workshops, and community connection. Whether you’re new to gardening or have years of experience, you’ll discover fresh ideas,...

A pollinator garden surrounding a wooden bridge in front of a brick building.

February 25, 2026

Rend Lake Pollinator Garden Stewardship Day
University of Illinois Extension is partnering with the US Army Corps of Engineers to provide public pollinator garden stewardship opportunities at the Rend Lake Project Office Visitor Center from February to October 2026.Volunteers will receive training of how to care for pollinator gardens,...

February 26, 2026

Plants of Concern Herbarium Mounting - Jackson County
Are you interested in mounting herbarium specimens for the Plants of Concern Program and Southern Illinois University Carbondale? Sessions will rotate through different Illinois Extension Offices. Training and materials will be provided. Please pay attention to the location and date combination...

February 26, 2026

2026 Attracting Ruby-Throated Hummingbirds to Your Own Backyard Pollinator Garden - Williamson County
Have you noticed different birds at your feeders? Although ruby-throated hummingbirds are expected visitors to gardens east of the Rocky Mountains, several species of vagrant hummingbirds have been documented in Illinois. Did you know that citizen science projects are looking for your observations...

February 27, 2026

2026 Attracting Ruby-Throated Hummingbirds to Your Own Backyard Pollinator Garden - Jackson County
Have you noticed different birds at your feeders? Although ruby-throated hummingbirds are expected visitors to gardens east of the Rocky Mountains, several species of vagrant hummingbirds have been documented in Illinois. Did you know that there are citizen science projects looking for your...

Open book with colorful flowers sprouting from the middle.

February 28, 2026

2026 Gardening Insights
Join the Macon County Master Gardeners for a morning packed with inspiring gardening sessions! Whether you're just starting out or have years of experience, you'll pick up fresh ideas, tips, and tricks to help you plan and prepare for a successful 2026 growing season. Don't miss this chance to dig...

A person using cutters to prune a small tree branch in winter time

March 3, 2026

Pruning Young Shade Trees
Proper pruning is critical to young trees.Young shade trees face a variety of challenges in the landscape, resulting in surprisingly low survival rates for many of these plants. While planting practices and follow-up care are major factors in the mortality of younger trees, canopy failure from poor...

March 7, 2026

Home, Lawn, and Garden Day
New location! Parke Regency Conference CenterMake your garden thrive with educational workshops, inspiring speakers, and horticulture treasures from exceptional businesses and organizations at the 24th Annual Home, Lawn, and Garden Day, presented by University of Illinois Extension...

March 12, 2026

Plants of Concern Herbarium Mounting - Perry County
Are you interested in mounting herbarium specimens for the Plants of Concern Program and Southern Illinois University Carbondale? Sessions will rotate through different Illinois Extension Offices. Training and materials will be provided. Please pay attention to the location and date combination...

March 14, 2026

VCMG Presents: Garden Day 2026
The Vermilion County Master Gardeners are hard at work planning this year's annual Garden Day. With an expert line-up of speakers and a host of talented local vendors, this year's event promises just the inspiration and knowledge you need to get your gardens and lawns off to a great start come...

March 14, 2026

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. ...

A gardening planting a flower in a garden.

March 14, 2026

2026 Spring Into Gardening Conference
Get ready for the upcoming growing season!The sixteenth-annual Spring Into Gardening Conference invites gardening enthusiasts and beginners alike to enjoy a day filled with expert advice, creative ideas, and hands-on guidance. Connect with experts, explore new gardening methods, and gather...

an assortment of garden tools on green grass

March 21, 2026

Russel Allen Garden Day 2026
The University of Illinois Extension Logan County Master Gardeners will host Russel Allen Garden Day on Saturday, March 21, 2026, at Oasis Senior Center, 2810 Woodlawn Road, Lincoln. The event will run from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm, with registration from 8 to 8:45 am. The public is invited for this...

March 25, 2026

a bouquet of pink and white tulips on a gray background

March 28, 2026

2026 Ready.Set.Grow! Gardening Workshop
2026 Ready...Set...Grow...Gardening Workshop, on Saturday, March 28 from 8:00 AM to 12:30 PM at Sauk Valley Community College (173 IL-2, Dixon, IL 61021).Join the Master Gardeners of Carroll, Lee, Ogle, and Whiteside counties for this half-day event offering participants information about various...

Gardener's Day. Red, orange, yellow, and pink tulips.

March 28, 2026

Gardener's Day 2026
Get ready for the 2026 gardening season by joining us for Gardener’s Day! This year’s presentation will cover the basics of gardening, caring for trees after planting, and garden planning with native plants. Deep Roots, Strong Shoots: Tree Care after PlantingPlanting is just...

Spring flowers in a multitude of colors.

March 28, 2026

Gardener's Day 2026
Registration is now closed. If you are interested in attending, please contact Kate Budde, kbudde@illinois.edu to see if there are any spots left.Get ready to dig into inspiration at the 28th Annual...

April 9, 2026

April in Paris Gardening Seminar
Edgar County Master Gardeners are hosting the April in Paris Garden Seminar again! The event will offer four speakers, vendors, and breakfast.This year's speakers and subjects are:Robb Sparks of Sparks Floral Co - "Daylilies - The Indestructible Plant For the Home Garden" Chris Lueking, University...

April 11, 2026

Gardenfest - ready, set, grow
Explore the latest gardening trends, techniques, and tools during this daylong series of seminars for gardeners of every skill level.Held annually, Gardenfest is sponsored by McHenry County College and the University of Illinois Extension McHenry County Master Gardeners.Location: McHenry...

April 18, 2026

A Day in the Garden Patch- Livingston County
Join the Livingston County Master Gardeners for a morning of gardening education and fun!Tropical Plants: Selection, Design, and CareDan Anderson, horticulturist & houseplant expertBring the tropics to your home and garden! Learn how to choose vibrant tropical plants...

April 22, 2026

May 1, 2026

Master Gardener Plant Sale - Montgomery
Just in time for Mother's Day! Montgomery County Master Gardeners will be holding a plant sale. The sale will include 10" premium hanging baskets with assorted colors and different sun and shade varieties.Everyone is encouraged to come early, as many selections run out quickly.Proceeds to benefit...

May 2, 2026

Plant and Bake Sale
Bring your seedlings, cuttings, and houseplants to sell. Sell your extras or buy what you need! Bake some treats and sell them too, or just come to shop. You set your own prices.PLEASE NOTE: DUE TO THE THREAT OF JUMPING WORMS, SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS MUST BE FOLLOWED TO SELL PLANTS DUG FROM THE GROUND....

May 2, 2026

Master Gardener Plant Sale - Christian
Christian County Master Gardeners will host a plant sale in the back parking lot of the Christian County Extension Office. Shop a wide variety of perennials, native plants, house plants, trees, and shrubs. Our Master Gardeners will be available for consultations, so feel free to ask questions,...

"Cultivating Care Garden" created with root vegetables.

May 11, 2026

Cultivating Care Garden Stewardship Day 1
Gain confidence in the garden. Visit with Illinois Extension staff or volunteers on select Monday evenings from5 to 7 p.m. at the Cultivating Care Garden. Learn how to water, weed, and harvest produce, which will be weighed and delivered to the Salvation Army Food Pantry in Marion. Have fun meeting...

signs out by the road advertising plant sale

May 16, 2026

2026 Master Gardener Plant Sale
Surplus sale announced for Wednesday, May 20 - 4 to 6 p.m. Saturday, May 169 a.m. to 2 p.m. | Rain or shineThe 2026 sale will feature: native plants, nursery-stock perennials, 23 varieties of tomatoes, 16 varieties of peppers, other vegetables, and more! Plus, Master Gardeners on-hand...

May 23, 2026

Master Gardener Plant Sale
Macoupin County Master Gardeners will host a plant sale at the Macoupin County Historical Society Spring Festival. The plant sale will take place on the east side of the grounds, next to the windmill and red barn.Come and shop for perennials, herbs, native plants, hardware, and more while...

May 27, 2026

Rend Lake Pollinator Garden Stewardship Day
University of Illinois Extension is partnering with the US Army Corps of Engineers to provide public pollinator garden stewardship opportunities at the Rend Lake Project Office Visitor Center from February to October 2026. Volunteers will receive training of how to care for pollinator gardens...

June 1, 2026

Cultivating Care Food Donation Garden Stewardship Day 2
Gain confidence in the garden. Visit with Illinois Extension staff or volunteers on select Monday evenings from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Cultivating Care Garden. Learn how to water, weed, and harvest produce, which will be weighed and delivered to the Salvation Army Food Pantry in Marion. Have fun...

June 20, 2026

Garden Walk 2026
The Champaign County Master Gardener Garden Walk returns on Saturday, June 20, 2026, inviting the community to once again celebrate creativity, inspiration, and a shared love of gardening at this beloved local event.Garden Walk participants will enjoy a self-guided tour of...