ESCANABA — Locally, it’s one of the signs that spring has arrived. The 24rd Annual Bay de Noc Gardening Conference is returning to Escanaba in April.

April 15 is the registration deadline for the gardening conference. The event will be held at Bay College on Saturday, April 27. This year the event features 16 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. “Smart Ways to Bring Native Plants Into Your Landscape” will be presented by Rebecca Krans, MSU Extension consumer horticulture educator Crystal Falls. Jennifer Guzzetta, licensed veterinary technician, will cover “Pet-Safe Gardening: How to Select Safe Plants, Common Toxic Plants for Pets & What to Do in Case of Emergency.” “Gardening Through Seasons of Change” and orchids will be topics taught by David Gafner, who has a PhD in horticulture. Sue Robishaw will discuss gardening without chemical sprays and artificial fertilizers, sharing her over 40 years of experience. Other topics include small fruits, garlic, two sessions on perennials, miniature conifers, maple syrup, micro greens, cooking with fresh produce, composting, invasive species, and succulents.

The cost of the program is $45 per person, which includes morning refreshments, box 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, Healthway, Mel’s Lawn and Garden, Wickert Floral, L&M Fleet Supply and Pam’s Petals. In the Gladstone area at Trotter’s Floral, Frame Farm, and Gladstone City Hall.   In the Marquette area, brochures are available at Flower Works, and Forsberg Flowers.  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.