Gardenfest 2026

McHenry County College

Early registration ended on March 29, 2024.
Tickets may be purchased day of at the registration table for an additional  $5.

Saturday, April 11, 2026 | 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.Luecht Auditorium at MCCBuilding B, 8900 U.S. Highway 14, Crystal Lake Registration ends March 28, 2026You must register each attendee separatelyGeneral Admissions includes continental breakfast and lunch <h2>2026 GardenFest – Class Descriptions</h2><h3>🌿 Keynote Presentation</h3>Gardening is Murder Speaker: Neal Sanders Neal 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.<h2>Session 1 Classes</h2>1-1 | Native Plants for Shade Gardens Speaker: 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.1-2 | Edible Landscaping Speaker: 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.1-3 | Intro to Soils: The Garden’s Foundation Speaker: 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.1-4 | The Culinary Garden (Sessions 1 &amp; 3) Speakers: Joyce Lande &amp; 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&amp;A.1-5 | Container Gardening Workshop (Sessions 1 &amp; 3) Speaker: Heather Moister Create a spring-themed container garden with expert tips on design and artistry. Materials Fee: $50 (all supplies provided)<h2>Session 2 Classes</h2>2-1 | Going Native – What’s the Buzz? Speaker: Dana Garretson Learn why native plants matter, how they support pollinators and wildlife, and how to design native gardens while keeping peace with neighbors.2-2 | Beneficial Insects: Garden Warriors Speaker: Jill Bonucci Discover the insects that protect your garden and how to attract these natural pest controllers to your yard.2-3 | Successful Vegetable Gardening Speaker: Andy Brugger Covers planning, site selection, soil preparation, planting techniques, and care. Great for beginners and experienced gardeners.2-4 | Greenhouse Tours (Sessions 2 &amp; 4) Speaker: Mandy Hood Tour MCC’s three-bay greenhouse, including hydroponic systems in Bay 3. Class limited to 20 participants2-5 | Hands-On Fixing Your Soil! Speaker: Rich Tobiasz Learn soil testing, amendments, fertilizers, and organic matter improvements. No additional materials fee<h2>Session 3 Classes</h2>3-1 | Native Design for the Seasons Speaker: Garrett Beier Design native landscapes that provide year-round color, texture, and habitat while supporting biodiversity.3-2 | Bonsai 101 Speaker: Rich Tobiasz An introduction to bonsai styles and techniques, blending horticulture and art.3-3 | Do WHAT With My Herbs? Speakers: Christina Rank &amp; Suzanne Morrissey Explore creative herb uses beyond the traditional—edibles, self-care items, and more. Samples included.3-4 | The Culinary Garden (Sessions 1 &amp; 3) Speakers: Joyce Lande &amp; Sarah Frey See Session 1-4 description.3-5 | Container Gardening Workshop (Sessions 1 &amp; 3) Speaker: Heather Moister See Session 1-5 description. Materials Fee: $50<h2>Session 4 Classes</h2>4-1 | Protecting the Jewels of the Night Speaker: Carol Elkins Xerces Society Ambassador Carol Elkins explores the fascinating world of fireflies, the threats they face, and how we can help protect them.4-2 | Food Forests Speaker: Stephanie Tesmer Learn how urban agroforestry improves food security, biodiversity, and microclimates through a real-world 1/3-acre transformation.4-3 | Intro to Beekeeping Speaker: Jerry Gudauskas An introduction to keeping bees, providing habitat, and harvesting honey.4-4 | Greenhouse Tours (Sessions 2 &amp; 4) Speaker: Mandy Hood See Session 2-4 description.4-5 | Hands-On Bonsai! Speaker: Rich Tobiasz Plant and take home a conifer bonsai. Materials Fee: $25 (all supplies provided)

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Gardenfest 2026