McHenry County Gardenfest 2021

Earn your green thumb while in pajamas at the virtual 2021 McHenry County Gardenfest, to be held from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, April 10, via Zoom. You will learn about new garden trends, plants and techniques at this half-day-long series of garden seminars.

Gardenfest has been hosted by the University of Illinois Extension McHenry County Master Gardeners in person for more than 20 years, and this year it will be conducted virtually. A keynote speaker kicks off the seminar at 9 a.m., followed by six breakout sessions presented by industry experts, U of I Extension Master Gardeners and extension educators.

“We are excited to bring Gardenfest to a virtual platform this year,” said Suzanne Morrissey, co-chairman of the Gardenfest committee. “Attendees will have the opportunity to watch the keynote speaker plus two classes as live online sessions, but then attendees will have access to the recordings of all six sessions for a limited time.”

The morning keynote speaker will be Diane Blazek, executive director of the National Garden Bureau and All-America Selections, based in Downers Grove, Illinois. Blazek will present “Inspiring Plant Varieties for Your Future Garden,” which will touch on NGB’s “Year Of” program, as well as some of the innovative breeding that NGB members are working on. She will also have fun facts about past, present and future gardens.

The six 2021 Gardenfest topics will be: “Hydroponics at McHenry County College” by Rich Tobiasz; “Long-Blooming Perennials” by Kim Hartmann; “Growing Your Own Bouquets” by Liz Cardella; “Native Plants: Beauty and Benefits” by Carol Rice and Kris Hall; “Landscaping for Birds” by Lisa Maier; and “Community Composting” by Sarah Farley and Amy DeLorenzo. Attendees will choose to watch two of these six classes live online. Then after the seminars have ended, attendees will have access to the recordings of all six sessions for a limited time.

Registrants will receive instructions for using Zoom after they register; the active Zoom link will be emailed the day before, April 9.

Registration for Gardenfest 2021 is available at https://extension.illinois.edu/events/2021-04-10-virtual-2021-gardenfest. The registration cost is $20, payable via credit card. Space is limited to 150, so register early. The registration deadline is April 4 or until capacity is reached. No refunds will be given.

Several local vendors, who have supported U of I Extension Master Gardeners in the past, will offer their wares and services through websites and online contact information. Visit the vendors at https://extension.illinois.edu/sites/default/files/garden_fest_2021_vendors.pdf.

For more information, email Brenda Dahlfors at dahlfors@illinois.edu or call the U of I Extension McHenry County office at 815-338-3737.