Nida Tazeen
| Reporter Assisted by AI
The University of Illinois Extension and the U of I Extension Master Gardeners will host the 28th annual Joys of Gardening program on Feb. 28, at the Highland Community College Student Conference Center, 2998 W. Pearl City Road, Freeport.
Registration begins at 8 a.m., with the program starting at 8:25 a.m., according to a community announcement. The event will feature a keynote presentation followed by two breakout sessions.
Learn about attracting hummingbirds
The keynote speakers, Kathi and Michael Rock, will present “Gardening for Hummingbirds.” The session will cover how to create a sanctuary for hummingbirds using perennial and annual plants, wildflowers, shrubs, trees and hummingbird feeders. Topics will include identification of the Ruby-throated hummingbird, ideal habitat, migration, nesting, feeding, the importance of water features and the best hummingbird feeders and plants.
Following the keynote, there will be two breakout sessions, each offering a variety of garden-related classes.
Sessions will cover a variety of gardening topics
Session one classes include Salvias: Hidden Treasures for your Pollinator Garden, Growing Forward: What’s New for 2026 and Seed Starting for Success: Pocket-Friendly and Eco-Smart Methods.
Session two classes include Native Plant Solutions for Challenging Landscape Situations, Tree and Shrub Establishment and Your Toolbox for a Showcase Landscape.
Local professionals, Extension staff and U of I Extension Master Gardeners will lead each class.
How to register for the Joys of Gardening event
Registration for the event is $15. For more information, visit go.illinois.edu/jog or call 815-235-4125, according to the announcement.
This story was created by reporter Nida Tazeen, NTazeen@usatodayco.com , with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Journalists were involved in every step of the information gathering, review, editing and publishing process. Learn more at cm.usatoday.com/ethical-conduct.
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