Learn, shop and grow: MCC hosts Gardenfest and GardenExpo April 11
Explore the latest gardening trends, techniques, and topics at McHenry County Gardenfest, a daylong series of seminars and workshops for gardeners of every skill level.
The event will take place from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, April 11, at McHenry County College, 8900 Route 14 in Crystal Lake.
Attendees can choose from more than 20 breakout sessions presented by industry experts covering topics such as culinary gardening, hydroponics, tree and shrub selection, cut flower gardening, gardening for comfort, and more.
The morning keynote, “Gardening is Murder,” is equal parts humor, psychology, and gardening wisdom; a husband's point of view of what goes on in the garden. Neal Sanders presents a humorous “spouse’s point of view” of gardening, offering insight from someone who gardens more out of love for a partner than horticulture itself. Good advice is shared, bad advice is debunked, and topics include terrible internet gardening tips, why you should never calculate the value of your gardening labor, proof that wildlife doesn’t watch Disney movies, and why it takes three holes to plant one thing. Gardeners and their loved ones will see themselves in Neal’s stories.
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. Fee includes lunch. Space is limited, so those interested are encouraged to register early.
The registration deadline is March 28; 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 $10 (as long as seats are available).
GardenExpo
Can't spend a full day? GardenExpo will be open to the public from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. for your shopping pleasure! GardenExpo features garden-themed vendors with products to sell, including jewelry, pottery, bird houses, plants, garden art, honey, books, and more.
Gardening advisors from the Master Gardeners, MCC’s Center for Agrarian Learning, local garden centers, the Xerxes Society, the Wildflower Preservation and Propagation Committee, and others will also be on-site to answer questions.
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.
Garden conference session schedule
SESSION 1
Native Plants for Shade Gardens with Sarah Michehl
Shade gardens can be filled with beautiful native plants, from wildflowers to sedges and ferns. Learn creative ways to enhance shady areas while supporting pollinators and suppressing weeds.
Edible Landscaping with Carolina Schottland
Discover how to combine trees, vegetables, herbs, edible flowers, and small fruits into attractive, productive landscapes. Includes easy entry ideas and more ambitious designs.
Intro to Soils: The Garden’s Foundation with Rich Tobiasz
Explore the structure and composition of McHenry County soils, including compaction, porosity, and organic matter. The final 15 minutes include soil profiles and samples.
The Culinary Garden (Sessions 1 and 3) with Joyce Lande & Sarah Frey
Join MCC Culinary Instructors to learn how to incorporate garden flavors into savory and sweet dishes. Includes demonstrations, tastings, a culinary lab tour, and Q&A.
Container Gardening Workshop (Sessions 1 and 3) with Heather Moister; materials fee, $50 (all supplies provided)
Create a spring-themed container garden with expert tips on design and artistry.
SESSION 2
Going Native — What’s the Buzz? with Dana Garretson
Learn why native plants matter, how they support pollinators and wildlife, and how to design native gardens while keeping peace with neighbors.
Beneficial Insects: Garden Warriors with Jill Bonucci
Discover the insects that protect your garden and how to attract these natural pest controllers to your yard.
Successful Vegetable Gardening with Andy Brugger
Covers planning, site selection, soil preparation, planting techniques, and care. Great for beginners and experienced gardeners.
Greenhouse Tours (Sessions 2 and 4) with Mandy Hood
Tour MCC’s three-bay greenhouse, including hydroponic systems in Bay 3. Class limited to 20 participants
Hands-On Fixing Your Soil! with Rich Tobiasz
Learn soil testing, amendments, fertilizers, and organic matter improvements. No additional materials fee.
SESSION 3
Native Design for the Seasons with Garrett Beier
Design native landscapes that provide year-round color, texture, and habitat while supporting biodiversity.
Bonsai 101 with Rich Tobiasz
An introduction to bonsai styles and techniques, blending horticulture and art.
Do What With My Herbs? with Christina Rank and Suzanne Morrissey
Explore creative herb uses beyond the traditional — edibles, self-care items, and more. Samples included.
The Culinary Garden (Sessions 1 and 3) with Joyce Lande and Sarah Frey
See Session 1-4 description.
Container Gardening Workshop (Sessions 1 and 3) with Heather Moister; materials fee, $50
See Session 1-5 description.
SESSION 4
Protecting the Jewels of the Night with Carol Elkins
Xerces Society Ambassador Carol Elkins explores the fascinating world of fireflies, the threats they face, and how we can help protect them.
Food Forests with Stephanie Tesmer
Learn how urban agroforestry improves food security, biodiversity, and microclimates through a real-world 1/3-acre transformation.
Intro to Beekeeping with Jerry Gudauskas
An introduction to keeping bees, providing habitat, and harvesting honey.
Greenhouse Tours (Sessions 2 and 4) with Mandy Hood
See Session 2-4 description.
Hands-On Bonsai! with Rich Tobiasz; materials fee, $25 (all supplies provided)
Plant and take home a conifer bonsai.