SYCAMORE, Ill.— The annual Gardener’s Pathway and Artisan Market hosted by the DeKalb County Master Gardeners returns on Feb. 28 at the DeKalb County Farm Bureau, 1350 W Prairie Dr, Sycamore, from 7:30 am to 3:00 pm. Gardeners of all experience levels are invited to grow their skills and connect with fellow plant enthusiasts at this year’s Gardeners Pathway and Artisan Market, a full‑day educational event designed to inspire, inform, and kick‑start the spring season. Registration is open through Feb. 14 at go.illinois.edu/GP2026.The program fee is $50.
Participants will enjoy a full schedule that includes a continental breakfast, a keynote presentation by Mark Dwyer, three breakout sessions of your choice, lunch, and door prizes.
This year’s keynote address will be delivered by Mark Dwyer, garden manager of the Healing Garden at Edgerton Hospital and Health Services in southern Wisconsin. Dwyer brings more than four years of experience in therapeutic garden management and previously spent 21 years as Director of Horticulture at Rotary Botanical Gardens in Janesville, Wisconsin. With academic training in landscape architecture and urban forestry, along with his design business, Landscape Prescriptions by MD, Dwyer offers deep expertise and inspiration for gardeners of all backgrounds.
Attendees may choose from a diverse lineup of expert‑led sessions, including:
Gardening with Spring Ephemerals — Brian Hale
East/West – The Japanese Tea Garden: A Personal Journey — Julia Fauci
Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Tomatoes But Were Afraid to Ask — Bob Zeni
Design Combinations for Pollinators — Mark Dwyer
In the Garden Lens: Photography & Videography / Tips for Plants and Pollinators — Randy Casperson
Secrets of Seed Whisperers — Erin McNeal
Downsizing Your Garden Without Downsizing Your Joy — Lori Brown
Roots, Shoots, and Second Chances — Karen Larson
Top Tips for Growing Tomatoes — Bob Zeni
The event also features an Artisan Market, where local makers will showcase garden‑inspired crafts, handmade décor, and unique creative items. Local nurseries will be on-site with plants and gardening supplies to help attendees prepare for the upcoming growing season.
Visitors are encouraged to bring their toughest gardening questions to the Master Gardener Help Desk, where trained volunteers will offer research‑based guidance to support healthy, thriving gardens.
For questions or to request reasonable accommodations, contact Connie at the DeKalb County Extension office at 815‑758‑8194. Early requests are strongly encouraged so that we may access your needs.
— Teresa Schwarz, University of Illinois Extension
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