Early registration for McHenry County Gardenfest closes March 29

Explore the latest gardening trends, techniques, and tools at McHenry County Gardenfest, a daylong series of seminars and workshops for gardeners of every skill level. The event will take place from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, April 13, at McHenry County College, 8900 Route 14 in Crystal Lake.

Attendees can choose from more than 20 breakout sessions presented by industry experts covering natural lawn care practices, garden insects and diseases, tool care, composting, vertical and container gardening, shrub selection, and more.

Daniel Gerdes will present the morning keynote, “Gardening for Nature.” In the session, attendees will learn about the meaningful steps that anyone can take to support pollinator populations, birdlife, soil ecosystems, and wildlife—all while reducing their carbon footprint, providing healthy habitats, and enhancing genetic diversity.

Held annually, Gardenfest is sponsored by McHenry County College and the University of Illinois Extension McHenry County Master Gardeners.

Registration costs $49 and is now open at mchenry.edu/gardenfest. The fee includes lunch. Space is limited, so those interested are encouraged to register early. The registration deadline is March 29; no refunds will be issued after this date. Tickets can also be bought on a first-come, first-served basis on the day of the event for an extra $5 (as long as seats are available). MCC Horticulture students can attend for $29.

For more information, visit mchenry.edu/gardenfest, email conferencecenter@mchenry.edu, or call (815) 479-7570. If you need an accommodation or a sign language interpreter, contact MCC’s Office of Access and Disability Services at (815) 455-8766 or disabilityservices@mchenry.edu.