Mellody Farm launches free garden workshops, supports local food banks
Mellody Farm, Vernon Hills’ urban-inspired shopping and dining destination, is inviting the community to dig in, grow together and cultivate new gardening skills through From Seed to Supper at Mellody Farm, a complimentary educational series featuring hands-on gardening workshops, interactive MicroHabitat experiences and seasonal programming designed to inspire gardeners of all experience levels.
The five-part series is centered on Mellody Farm's MicroHabitat Urban Farm, an innovative community installation that promotes sustainability, urban agriculture education and community engagement. Located on the green lawn between Nordstrom Rack and the children's play area, the urban farm features 60 planters filled with vegetables, herbs and edible flowers. From July through October, the garden is expected to produce more than 300 pounds of fresh produce, harvested weekly and donated to the Vernon Township Food Pantry, part of the Northern Illinois Food Bank network, to help address food insecurity throughout Lake County.
“At Mellody Farm, we're committed to creating places that bring people together in meaningful ways,” said Peggy McDermott, Regency Centers vice president of property operations. “From Seed to Supper reflects that commitment by providing complementary educational experiences that encourage healthy living, environmental awareness and community engagement. We're proud to offer programming that transforms Mellody Farm into more than a shopping destination — it's a place where neighbors can learn, connect and grow together.”
MicroHabitat, the company behind Mellody Farm's urban farm installation and educational programming, believes initiatives like these demonstrate how even small urban spaces can have a meaningful environmental and community impact.
“Urban farms create opportunities for people to reconnect with nature, better understand where their food comes from and see firsthand how sustainable growing practices can strengthen communities,” said Alejandra Rodriguez, Chicago urban farming coordinator for MicroHabitat and lead farmer at Mellody Farm. “Through From Seed to Supper, we're excited to provide educational experiences that empower families and gardeners of all skill levels while growing fresh produce that helps support the Vernon Township Food Pantry. It's a wonderful example of how environmental stewardship, education and community service can grow together.”
All workshops are complimentary, and advance registration through Eventbrite is required as space is limited. Participants will receive complimentary seed kits and tote bags while supplies last, and guests may even have the opportunity to meet Keenam Jax, Mellody Farm's beloved furry farm ambassador, who will make special appearances throughout the series.
2026 Workshop Schedule
• MicroHabitat Kiosk + Herbs & Basil Workshop, 10-11:30 a.m., Saturday, July 25. Learn the basics of growing herbs and basil and explore the MicroHabitat Urban Farm.
• Maintaining & Harvesting an Ecological Garden, 10 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 15. Learn watering, pruning, harvesting and seasonal garden care best practices.
• Harvesting Your Ecological Garden, 10 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 12. Discover seasonal harvesting techniques and tips for maximizing your garden's productivity.
• MicroHabitat Kiosk Activation, 10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 17. Interactive educational activities focused on biodiversity, pollinators and ecological gardening.
• Winterizing Your Garden: Putting the Garden to Bed, 10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 24. Learn how to prepare your garden for winter during Mellody Farm's Fall Harvest Fest. Guest speakers from regional agriculture organizations are anticipated.
For more information, to register for workshops or to learn more about upcoming events at Mellody Farm, visit the Mellody Farm website, mellodyfarm.com; follow Mellody Farm on social media; or register through Eventbrite.
Mellody Farm is at 851-1101 Milwaukee Ave., Vernon Hills.