2024 Smart Gardening Conference
Saturday, March 9, 2024
Wayne County Community College District
(WCCCD) Ted Scott Campus
9555 Haggerty Rd.
Belleville, MI 48111
Conference begins: 9 a.m.
Whether you are a seasoned horticulturist or just getting your roots wet, this conference promises inspiration and discoveries that will have you itching to get back into the garden. Join us for a bloomin' good time!
WELCOME - What is Smart Gardening?
Lindsey Kerr, Caitlin Splawski and Barbara Gregerson, MSU Extension Horticulture Educators, Southeast Michigan
The Butterfly Effect: Micro Plantings for Macro Impact
Dr. Jared Barnes, Creator of Meristem Horticulture, Plant*Ed blog, and the Plantastic Podcast
Jared Barnes, Ph.D., started gardening when he was five years old, and since then he has enthusiastically pursued how to best cultivate plants and cultivate minds. He currently fulfills those passions as an award-winning associate professor of horticulture at Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches, TX. He is also the host of The Plantastic Podcast, and writes a weekly newsletter titled plant•ed. He will share his expertise on the little things you can do as a gardener that will have a big impact in your garden and on the environment as a whole. Learn about big garden designs for small spaces.
Local Panel on Urban Agriculture and Gardening
Hosted by Barslund Judd, with panelists Maria Largacha, Wendy Casey and Emily Cunningham
Panelists will share with you the successes and challenges they have experienced growing food and flowers in an urban setting including city ordinances, a range of pest and disease pressures and other trials you may face to have a thriving garden in urban and suburban environments. Our panelists include: Maria Largacha, an Advanced Extension Master Gardener who works with Farm City Detroit, Wendy Casey, Director of Earthworks Urban Farm and Emily Cunningham, Executive Director of Growing Pontiac.
What "Mite" the Problem Be? The Fascinating Lives of Gall-forming Insects and Mites
Duke Elsner, Ph.D. (The Bug Guy), Michigan State University Extension Emeritus
In most areas of Michigan there are hundreds of species of gall-forming mites or insects that live in your gardens and on your landscape plants. Most of these insects and mites cause little to no harm to the plants they inhabit. We’ll take a look into the interesting life cycles of these fascinating bugs that are all around us. Learn how to recognize some of the most common types of gall-forming insects and mites and how they alter the growth and appearance of plants.
Captivating Combinations - Plants and Garden Designs to Inspire
Rebecca Finneran, MSU Extension Senior Consumer Horticulture Educator
Nothing thrills a gardener more than seeing beautiful images of plants and garden designs. Join Senior Horticulture Educator, Rebecca Finneran on an exploration of thrilling gardens as she shares with you a cavalcade of images and "smart plant combos" from her vast travels and garden design experience. You may find that having one of everything may not be the best way to present your favorites.
5 p.m.
Adjourn
Conference Cost: $100.00
Box lunch: The last day to pre-order a box lunch was Feb. 16th and box lunches will not be available to purchase at the conference. You may bring your own lunch or purchase it from outside the facility. There are a variety of restaurants approximately 7 minutes away by car.
Registration deadline: Friday, March 1, 2024, at midnight or when event is full
Registration at the door is not available.
Payment Options:
- Credit Card: Recommended at this secure MSU payment site to expedite your seat reservation.
- Check: Payable to Michigan State University and postmarked by Feb. 20, 2024.
You will receive a confirmation email once you have registered and your balance is paid in full.
Michigan State University Extension Master Gardeners: This conference will count for 7 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.
Accommodations
Michigan State University is committed to providing equal opportunity for participation in all programs, services and activities. Accommodations for persons with disabilities may be requested by contacting the event contact two weeks prior to the start of the event. Requests received after this date will be honored whenever possible.