ESCANABA — April 15 is the registration deadline for the 21st Annual Bay de Noc Gardening Conference in Escanaba.

The event will be held at Bay College on Saturday, April 27. This year the event features 20 different classes on a variety of yard and garden topics.

Participants will be able to choose to attend four classes at this day-long conference. “French Castles, Chateaus, and Gardens” will be presented by Rebecca Krans, MSU Extension horticultural educator. Belinda Collins, advanced master gardener, will discuss growing and harvesting garlic. Poppy Hatinger will talk about “Cordage-A Twisted Adventure,” covering the plants you can grow to produce cordage. Dr. Dave Gafner will be discussing, “Bulbs for Spring Beauty”. He will also be teaching a class on dividing perennials. Other conference topics include attracting birds to your garden; perennial garden design; composting; bees and other pollinators; hydrangeas; food preservation; incorporating vegetables into the landscape; cut flowers; sedum; root crop vegetables; season extension and hoop houses; apples; and rock gardens. Ryan Leary of Tonella Farms will give a hands-on workshop on mushroom log inoculation, and Chef Robin Holmes of Pacinos will be back to demonstrate simple cooking techniques.

There is a fee to attend, which includes morning refreshments, lunch, and up to four classes. Only pre-paid registrations postmarked by April 15 will be accepted. Brochures can be picked up in the Escanaba area at Tractor Supply, Mel’s Lawn and Garden, Wickert Floral, Pam’s Petals, Escanaba Downtown Development Authority, and the Bonifas Arts Center. In the Marquette area, brochures are available at Flower Works, Forsbergs…a New Leaf, and Northwoods Flora. To receive a printable pdf of the brochure by email, contact DeltaCountyMGA@gmail.com or, on Facebook, private message your email address to the event Facebook page, Bay de Noc Gardening Conference.

For a registration brochure or more information call, text, or leave message at 906-398-8145. The program is open to anyone with an interest in gardening, regardless of experience. The program also qualifies for Master Gardener educational credit. The event is sponsored by the Delta County Master Gardener Association.