Gardenfest 2012 Features Landscape, Gardening Experts

Take home some expert advice on planting a low-maintenance garden, designing a landscape and learn how to use rain barrels or how to reap fresh produce during the winter months at this weekend’s Gardenfest 2012.

The Gardenfest is being held from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, April 14 at McHenry County College, 8900 U.S. Hwy. 14, Crystal Lake.

Master gardeners and other experts will explain how to get started or enhance a home or community garden. Gardenfest is sponsored by the University of Illinois Extension Master Gardeners McHenry County and by MCC.

New this year: informational sessions on photographing your garden, backyard poultry and community gardening. These are among more than 30 breakout sessions that participants may choose from. Other popular topics include fresh floral arranging, cottage gardening, vegetable garden insect pests, and analysis of tree ailments.

Keynote speaker is Ed Lyon, garden director for Allen Centennial Gardens, a public botanical garden at the University of Wisconsin in Madison. Lyon’s speech, “Changing Trends: Ornamental Edibles, New Audiences and More,” will focus on the new generation of gardeners and what incites them to pursue home landscaping. He will also explain ornamental edibles, lasagna gardening and gravel gardens. Lyon started to look at these issues as part of the university’s garden so it would serve as an outdoor classroom.

Cost is $40 for general admission; $15 for MCC and high school students. Lunch is included. Lab sessions require an additional fee. Registration forms can be found at www.mchenry.edu/gardenfest.

For more information, call Carzoli at 815-455-8764 or Kristine Emrich at 815-479-7570.