Cochrane’s Gardening Expo is set to return for its third year on Sunday, offering a free, information-packed event aimed at everyone from first-time gardeners to seasoned green thumbs.
Presented by the Cochrane Environmental Action Committee (CEAC), the 3rd Annual Gardening Expo runs Sunday, April 26, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Cochrane Lions Event Centre.
Mark Denton, one of the organizers, says this year’s event has grown again, with 36 vendors expected, alongside expert speakers, a seed exchange, and a wide range of gardening resources.
“I think it’ll be really timely because people are just now getting into their yards, and so I’m hoping this will be a really good springboard for them to get going,” said Denton.
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Three speakers
The three speakers will each be making a 45-minute presentation in the centre’s lounge.
Sydney Worthy, Native Bee Stewardship Specialist with the Alberta Native Bee Council, will focus on pollinators and sustainable gardens. Her presentation will explore the role of native bees and other pollinators in urban environments, and what gardeners can do to support them while still building productive, visually appealing gardens.
Sheryl Normandeau, co-author of The Guides for the Prairie Gardener series, will lead a session on the key to successful gardening. Her talk will focus on improving soil structure, enhancing nutrient balance, and explaining the critical relationship between soil and water in building healthier, more resilient gardens suited to prairie conditions.
Kurt Stenberg, arborist with Cochrane Tree Care, will present on regenerative yard care and the concept of a holistic yard. His session will look at how healthy plants function in partnership with soil biology, while encouraging gardeners to reduce or eliminate reliance on fertilizers and pesticides in favour of more sustainable, ecosystem-based approaches.
The main hall will be set up in a racetrack-style layout featuring vendors selling seeds, seedlings, compost, garden crafts and services such as landscaping and tree care.
The Cochrane & District Horticultural Society will also host a seed exchange table, where gardeners can swap or donate seeds by contribution, with proceeds supporting local charities.
Denton says the idea for the Expo came from a similar Calgary event he attended with CEAC president Tim Giese.
“We just thought, wouldn’t it be great if Cochrane could do something similar later in the year without stepping on anyone’s toes. We basically talked about it from time to time, and then three years ago, we decided to pull it off.”
About building community
He said the event is solely focused on providing education around gardening and sustainability.
“For me, it’s really about building community. Gardening is something you can do from age one to age 100. A lot of people do it in some capacity, and everyone wants to see a nice lawn or a nice yard or try to grow a little bit of food.
“At the very least, when you grow some food in your yard, you start to appreciate what it takes to bring produce to your grocery store, and that it’s not that easy. But also, too, if you do well, you can save a little bit of money against the cost of groceries. So there’s an affordability aspect to it as well.”
Organizers are hoping to draw more than 1,000 visitors to the free event this year.
You can get further details at Cochrane & Area Gardening Expo – April 26, 2026 – Cochrane Environmental Action Committee.
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