2013 Smart Gardening Conference – Marquette, MI – September 14th

Lakeview Arena
Citizens Forum Room
401 E. Fair Avenue, Marquette, MI

September 14, 2013

9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
(Registration check-in from 8:30 – 9:00 a.m.)

Cost: $50.00 per participant
(includes lunch, refreshments, handouts and “goodies”)

Keynote:
Smart Perennials for Michigan Landscapes
Richard Hawke, Plant Trial Manager, Chicago Botanic Garden, Glencoe, IL

New introductions of perennial plants are often unveiled with the glitz and glamour of a red-carpet model. It can be difficult to sift through differences between cultivars as well as the media hype.  The Chicago Botanic Garden has enthusiastically evaluated plants that are well suited for the Michigan climate for over twenty years. As a part of the program, perennials are evaluated side by side for four to six years and then results are published. Join Chicago Botanic Gardens plant trail manager and acclaimed author of Plant Evaluation Notes, Richard Hawke in a whirl-wind tour of the “best-of the best” for Northern Michigan.

Greening the Garden…A Smart Gardener’s Journey
Rebecca Finneran, Michigan State University Extension, Consumer Horticulture Educator

If you love plants and garden design, but find yourself making resolutions to “green your garden,” don’t assume that all things beautiful must be put out to pasture.  During Finneran’ s presentation you will get ideas for plants and design that are water smart, pest free and low input!

Gardening Smartly for Bees & Other Pollinators
Dr. Rufus Isaacs, Michigan State University, Department of Entomology

You won’t want to miss this engaging presentation by one of the country’s leading pollination experts—Dr. Rufus Isaacs!  Get the BUZZ on how to positively affect Michigan’s native bee populations and help them thrive in your own back yard.

Natives Trees and Shrubs with Bling!
Mary Wilson, Michigan State University Extension, Consumer Horticulture Educator

There are many reasons you might want native plants in your garden, yet a common perception is that they are drab and boring. Not so, as we’ll learn from Mary Wilson. Mary will share some of her favorites, both native species and their cultivars, for a bright and colorful garden in various seasons. No longer the step-children of the plant world, but those with attitude and bling!

*Out-of-Town Participants: For lodging and visitor information, click on
http://www.travelmarquettemichigan.com/

*MSU Extension MG Education Hours: This program qualifies for 6 education hours.

*Special Needs: Accommodations for person with disabilities may be requested by contacting wilsonm1@msu.edu by September 1, 2013.

*Cancellation Policy: Sorry, no refunds after September 9th. Subsitutions allowed and encouraged. This event will not be cancelled unless the facility closes.