Registration Deadline: February 23, 2023 - 11:45PM
DeVos Place, Grand Rapids Michigan
8:00 Registration and Marketplace open
8:50 WELCOME!!
Diane Brady, Michigan State University Extension, Conference Coordinator
What is Smart Gardening?
Rebecca Finneran, Michigan State University Extension Senior Horticulture Educator
How to become a Succ-essful Gardener (Succulents and more!)
Lisa Eldred Steinkopf, a.k.a. “The Houseplant Guru”
Ask any garden retailer—succulents are the new rage in plants. Charming, adaptable, and sometimes a bit prickly, learn how to match succulent personality traits to your own growing environment. Which species, the best media, how to water and care for them are all points that Lisa Eldred Steinkopf will impart during this lecture. Author of four dazzling books, Steinkopf is affectionately known as “the Houseplant Guru.” Learn tips and tricks to ensure you will be a SUCC-essful gardener. (Author book purchases and signing during break)
War on Weeds: Beauty vs. Beast & Carrot Conundrums
Dr. Erin Hill, Michigan State University Plant and Pest Diagnostics
Each gardener’s ‘war on weeds’ is unique. Join Dr. Erin Hill to demystify two areas of frequent interest to gardeners—ornamentals that have a tendency to become weedy and the hazards of managing species in the Carrot family. Its almost like a soap opera!
Break & shop the Vendor Marketplace!
Kissing Cousins and Family Skeletons
Dr. Tony Reznick, University of Michigan Herbarium, (retired), Curator Michigan Flora website
Sometimes it is hard to remember your own family names let alone the ever-changing atlas of plant families—especially Latin. Join Dr. Tony Reznicek for a look at modern evolutionary biology and the complex business of changing garden plant names!
12:45 – 2:15 Lunch on your own. Visit the Vendor Market Place and the West Michigan Home and Garden Show!
If you Invite Them - They will Come! The Pollinator Friendly Garden
Dr. Duke Elsner, Ph. D. (The Bug Guy) Michigan State University Extension Emeritus
In most areas of Michigan there are hundreds of species of insects that provide pollination for your gardens and landscape plants. The majority of these are “solitary” bees that do not live in colonies. Some of these bee species have very specific nesting habits, while some will nest almost anywhere. Learn how to recognize some of the most common types of bees, and how to provide good habitat conditions for the nesting and reproduction of different types of bees. Information on some beneficial wasps will be included in the presentation.
Captivating Combinations - Plants and Garden Designs to Inspire
Rebecca Finneran. Senior Horticulture Educator, Michigan State University Extension
Nothing thrills a gardener more than seeing beautiful images of plants and garden designs. We all know that having one of everything may not be the best way to present your favorites. Join Senior Horticulture Educator Rebecca Finneran on an exploration of thrilling gardens as she shares with you her vast travels and garden design experience.
4:00 – 4:15 p.m. Door Prizes and Wrap Up
Don’t miss door prizes, gift bags, a free plant, great vendor items and a weekend pass to the West Michigan Home and Garden Show too!
To reserve a seat, register before February 23rd at:
https://events.anr.msu.edu/2023SGConference/
Please indicate in the registration if you would like to be considered for a partial scholarship.
Attendance at this conference qualifies for 6 MSU Extension Master Gardener Education Credits.
Conference Refund Policy: Sorry, no refunds, but attendance substitutions are acceptable.
Conference Cancellation Policy: This event will not be cancelled unless the facility closes.
Questions about the Grand Rapids Smart Gardening Conference?
Contact Diane Brady at bradydi1@.msu.edu.
