Description

Hosted by the DeKalb County Master Gardeners Grow your skills, spark your creativity, and connect with fellow plant lovers at this year’s Gardening Workshop and Artisan Market—a full day designed for both new and experienced gardeners. Workshop fee: $50 Register by February 14 at https://go.illinois.edu/GP2026 Keynote Speaker: Mark Dwyer We are thrilled to welcome Mark Dwyer, garden manager of the Healing Garden at Edgerton Hospital and Health Services in southern Wisconsin. Mark brings 4½ years of experience in therapeutic garden management, following 21 years as Director of Horticulture at Rotary Botanical Gardens in Janesville, WI. With degrees in landscape architecture and urban forestry, plus his own design business, Landscape Prescriptions by MD, Mark offers a wealth of insight and inspiration for gardeners of all backgrounds. What the Day Includes Continental breakfast Keynote presentation by Mark Dwyer Three breakout sessions of your choice Lunch Door prizes Breakout Session Topics Choose from an exciting lineup of sessions led by knowledgeable speakers: Gardening with Spring Ephemerals — Brian Hale East/West – The Japanese Tea Garden: A Personal Journey — Julia Fauci Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Tomatoes But Were Afraid to Ask — Bob Zeni Design Combinations for Pollinators — Mark Dwyer In the Garden Lens: Photography & Videography / Tips for Plants and Pollinators — Randy Casperson Secrets of Seed Whisperers — Erin McNeal Downsizing Your Garden Without Downsizing Your Joy — Lori Brown Roots, Shoots, and Second Chances — Karen Larson Top Tips for Growing Tomatoes — Bob Zeni Artisan Market Be sure to explore the Artisan Market, where local makers will offer garden‑inspired crafts, décor, and unique handmade items. Local nurseries will also be on-site with plants and gardening supplies to kick-start your spring projects. Master Gardener Q&A Help Desk Bring your toughest gardening questions to the Master Gardener Help Desk—our volunteers are ready to share research-based advice to help your garden thrive. If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate, please contact Connie Handel at 815-758-8194.