ESCANABA — April 1 is the registration deadline for the 23rd Annual Bay de Noc Gardening Conference in Escanaba. The event will be held at Bay College on Saturday, April 15. This year the event features sixteen 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. “Reducing Synthetic Inputs in Home Gardens” will be presented by Scott Reuss, University of Wisconsin Extension Crops and Soils Educator. Bill Van Kosky of Marquette will discuss bog gardening. Dr. Dave Gafner will talk about pruning shrubs. He will also be teaching a class on native plants and grasses. Jim Isleib, retired MSU-Extension Educator from Munising, will discuss techniques in growing tomatoes and peppers. Dan Doyen from Seven Acre Gardens near Hyde will discuss ideas including the use of metal, wood, fences, stone, and recycled materials in the garden. Other conference topics include food preservation, willow structures, monarch butterflies, indoor succulents, cooking fresh from the garden, root vegetables, lilies, invasive species, fruit tree pruning and house plants.

There is a fee to take part, which includes morning refreshments, box lunch, and up to four classes. Only pre-paid registrations postmarked by April 1 will be accepted. Brochures can be picked up in the Escanaba area at Tractor Supply, Healthway, Mel’s Lawn and Garden, Wickert Floral, and Pam’s Petals. In the Marquette area, brochures are available at Flower Works, and Forsbergs…a New Leaf. 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 a 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. This event is sponsored by the Delta County Master Gardener Association, MSU-E Master Gardeners, Bay College, and the Bay de Noc Gardening Association.