Gardeners' Day 2026
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The 28th Annual Gardener's Day, sponsored by University of Illinois Extension and McDonough County Master Gardeners, will be Saturday, March 28, 2026, from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the Spoon River College Outreach Center in Macomb, Illinois. Check-in begins at 8 a.m. with our first sessions beginning at 9 a.m.
Scroll to the bottom to begin the registration process.
LOCATION:
COST:
$40 - Early-bird Registration - register by March 8th - lunch included
$50 - Registration Fee- register after March 8th - lunch included
$30 - Half-day Registration - attend 2 sessions in AM OR 2 sessions in PM - lunch NOT included
REGISTRATION INCLUDES:
Four educational sessions, lunch, morning and afternoon refreshments, access to vendor displays, and a chance to win a door prize.
Seating is limited and will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Registration deadline is March 21st.
Late Registration - register after March 21st; accepted only on a space-available basis.
Contact Kate Budde at 309-342-5108 or kbudde@illinois.edu for space availability.
EDUCATIONAL SESSIONS
SESSION ONE - 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.
Nature Impressions Tile Workshop with Natalie Shelly -$15 fee will be charged to cover the cost of materials.
Make your love of nature permanent during this fun hands-on clay workshop! Naturalist educator, Natalie Shelly, guides you through the design process by selecting natural items to arrange and impress into your clay tile. Participants are highly encouraged to bring a small collection of found natural items (grasses, nuts, twigs) from their own garden to make the piece more meaningful.
SESSION TWO - 10:15 a.m. to 11:15 a.m.
New Plants for the 2026 Growing Season with Jeff Johnson
Join the owner and Head Grower at Sunnyfield Greenhouse and Garden Center, Jeff Johnson, as he covers cultural information on new annuals, perennials, and nursery stock for the 2025 growing season.
Nature Impressions Tile Workshop with Natalie Shelly -$15 fee will be charged to cover the cost of materials.
Make your love of nature permanent during this fun hands-on clay workshop! Naturalist educator, Natalie Shelly, guides you through the design process by selecting natural items to arrange and impress into your clay tile. Participants are highly encouraged to bring a small collection of found natural items (grasses, nuts, twigs) from their own garden to make the piece more meaningful.
LUNCH - 11:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.
SESSION THREE - 12:15 p.m. to 1:15 p.m.
Layer Your Landscape: Native Plants for Birds, Butterflies, and You with Carey Boehm-Corrie
Join Carey Boehm-Corrie, owner of Boehm's Garden Center, for an engaging journey through the world of native plants. Discover the perfect plant for every spot in your garden, from ground covers and perennials to grasses, vines, shrubs, and trees. Each native plant not only enhances your landscape but also provides essential larval food sources, nectar, and seeds for the birds and butterflies. Transform your garden into a thriving ecosystem with native plants!
Hardscaping Basics with Chris Enroth
Do you have a vision of a retaining wall or patio in your yard, but aren't quite sure where to start. Hardscape installation can cost thousands of dollars and many homeowners are turning to DIY to save money. However, there is a lot to know about proper hardscape installation methods. Join University of Illinois Extension horticulture educator, Chris Enroth, as he talks about the basics of modular patio paver and retaining wall installation.
SESSION FOUR - 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
AND DON'T FORGET TO VISIT OUR VENDORS DURING BREAK! *Please note that many vendors will only accept cash.
To register: choose your schedule, pick your lunch, let us know if you need accommodations, and select a payment option.