Annual Gardeners' Christmas in April

Submitted by the University of Illinois Extension

NAPERVILLE, IL — After this long winter, are you itching to get in the garden? Then mark your calendars for Saturday, April 9 to attend the annual “Gardeners’ Christmas in April” event. Hosted by the DuPage Friends of Extension, this sixth annual event will feature informative presentations and the ever-popular silent auction.

Guest speakers include University of Illinois Extension Master Gardener Pat Menzenberger, who will demonstrate “The Art of Floral Arranging” at 10:15 a.m., and fellow Master Gardener Sandy Lentz, who will present “The Herb Patch” at 11 a.m. In addition, dozens of tempting garden gadgets and gift baskets will be up for silent auction, including the demonstration arrangement.

“This unique event is not just for gardeners,” said Marilyn Joyner, President of the DuPage Friends of Extension. “We have restaurant gift certificates, spa items, theatre tickets, and many more items available in the silent auction, and our event supports a variety of University of Illinois Extension programs, which reach a range of audiences from youth through seniors.”

Auction bidding ends at noon sharp, and only cash and checks are accepted. Proceeds will help support University of Illinois Extension community programs, including 4-H Youth Development, Learning for Life, STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) projects for Youth, Nutrition and Wellness programs, and a wide array of Master Gardener volunteer projects including working with Veterans at Cantigny Park, the youth at We Grow Dreams, the Ronald McDonald House, Therapeutic Horticulture for Seniors, School Programs, Community Gardens, and more. The DuPage Friends of Extension is a registered 501(C) (3) non-profit organization which is comprised of 100 percent volunteers.

The 2016 Gardeners’ Christmas in April event will be 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 9 at the University of Illinois Extension office, 1100 East Warrenville Road in Naperville. General admission is $3 for adults. To learn more about the event, visit www.dupagefriendsofextension.webs.com or contact Marilyn Joyner at 630.534.6443. If you need a reasonable accommodation, please notify at least two weeks prior to the event.

For more information on University of Illinois Extension programs in DuPage County, visit web.extension.illinois.edu/dkk/or call 630-955-1123. University of Illinois Extension provides educational programs and research-based information to help Illinois residents improve their quality of life, develop skills and solve problems.