2026 Smart Gardening Conference

Saturday, March 28, 2026

Wayne County Community College District, (WCCCD) Ted Scott Campus
9555 Haggerty Rd., Belleville, MI 48111

Whether you’re an experienced gardener or just beginning your horticulture journey, this conference offers fresh ideas, inspiring stories, and research-based guidance you can put to use right away.  Join us for a day of expert-led learning on climate-adapted plants, butterfly habitat gardening, invasive species awareness, native bee ecology, and native-plant design. It’s a full day of learning designed to help you grow with confidence and make sustainable choices in your landscape.

Agenda 

Welcome 

Lindsey Kerr, Melanie Fuhrmann, and Barbara Gregerson, MSU Extension Horticulture Educators, Southeast Michigan

Designing Post-Human Gardens: Wild Systems, Material Agency, and the Gardener's New Role

Kevin Philip Williams, Denver Botanic Gardens

Join Kevin Philip Williams, author and Manger of Horticulture at Denver Botanic Gardens, for an exploration of what it means to design gardens that move beyond human-centered thinking. Drawing on years of plant exploration and bioregional practice, Kevin introduces an approach in which wild systems, climate realities, and materials themselves shape the garden’s form and function. He’ll share insights from projects across Denver, from steppe-inspired plantings to sensory and experimental landscapes, to show how gardeners can create regionally grounded spaces that embrace complexity, adaptability, and storytelling.

Growing Hope in the Garden

Kelly Konieczki, an outdoor educator, Detroit Butterfly Nursery

‘Momcat’ Kelly Konieczki is an outdoor educator who is passionate about pollinators and environmental stewardship. She is the Community Science Chair for Wild Ones Wayne County Chapter and serves on Grosse Pointe Park’s Beautification Commission where she leads volunteer gardening efforts and the NWF Mayors’ Monarch Pledge. Kelly will share how her journey as a habitat gardener continues to inform her gardening practices to create healthier landscapes. She will demonstrate how the power of curiosity and observation can spark joy and inspire meaningful action for science! 

Out with the Bad, In with the Good: Removing Invasive Species and Replanting with Native Plants 

Carolyn Miller, Beal Botanical Garden & Campus Arboretum  

Ever wonder what problem plants might be lurking in your yard? Plants that were once commonly used have become invasive, taking over woodlands, open fields, waterways, and beyond. Now is the time to recognize those plants and remove them from the landscape, and plant with native plants. I’ll walk you through the methods of removal and a better alternative.  

Connecting Pollinators, Place and People

Sharron ‘Ronnie’ Miller, PhD candidate, Michigan State University Department of Entomology

Sharron 'Ronnie' Miller is a PhD student at Michigan State University studying bumble bee communities in natural, urban, and agricultural landscapes across southern Michigan. She will talk about the connections between bee and human communities and ways to strengthen these relationships.

Intentional Garden Design

Matthew Ross, The Botanic Garden at Historic Barns Park

We all fall victim to it.... Buying plants and not having a clue where we are going to place them in the landscape.  Working with a design intent and laying out a cohesive strategy is one way in which gardeners of all abilities can dramatically influence their designs.  Join Matthew Ross, The Executive Director of The Botanic Garden at Historic Barns Park as he develops a landscape design that brings together native and ecologically sensitive plants and features into a residential garden with input from the audience.  This live demonstration will help provide an example of how to elevate your garden and find ways to integrate your next impulse buy from your favorite nursery.   

4 p.m. Adjourn

Conference Cost: $120.00 

Box lunch: Included with registration. Please remember to note any dietary preferences during registration. 

Registration deadline: Friday, March 1, 2026, at midnight or when the event is full
Registration at the door is not available.

Payment Method: Payment is by check or credit card only (preferred and the fastest way to reserve your seat). If paying by check, please make check payable to Michigan State University and send it to the business address listed on the confirmation. 
Your seat is not reserved until your balance is paid in full.

Michigan State University Extension Master Gardeners: This conference will count for 6 continuing education hours to be reported in Volunteer Central.

Cancellation Policy: Sorry, no refunds, but attendance substitutions are acceptable.

This event will not be cancelled unless the facility closes.

Sponsorship

To sign up to sponsor this event, scroll down and click on the applicable button to select your sponsor package. 

MSU Extension Master Gardener Volunteer Program Branded Merchandise for Purchase

During the registration process, attendees will have the opportunity to purchase MSU Extension Master Gardener Volunteer Program branded merchandise. Items will be delivered at the event. Delivery and shipping is not available. Items include a tote bag, vest, as well as a long sleeve and short sleeve tee. View the branded merchandise by clicking on the link below.