REGISTRATION IS CLOSED 

Join us on January 27, 2024 for Garden Visions 2024. 

Attend Your Way

Attend in person all day

Attend virtually via Zoom for the morning speakers only

Agenda

7:30am - 8:30am   Registration / Vendors / Coffee

8:30am - 10:15am   Keynote: "Wildflowers - Nature's Stunning Beauty," Stan Tekiela

10:15am - 10:45am   Break / Vendors

10:45am - 12:00pm  Featured Speaker: "What's New in Gardening for 2024," Rob Zimmer

12:00pm - 1:00pm   Lunch / Vendors

1:00pm -2:00pm   Workshops Session 1

2:00pm - 2:15pm  Break / Vendors

2:15pm - 3:15pm  Workshops Session 2

Morning Presentations (In Person and Virtual)

Keynote: "Wildflowers - Nature's Stunning Beauty," Stan Tekiela

Wildflowers color our lives. Stan will present the fascinating world of Wildflowers in a fun and engaging way that only Stan can deliver. Learn why we have wildflowers and what they do. 

Naturalist, wildlife photographer and writer Stan Tekiela is the originator of the popular state-specific field guides such as Birds of (state name) Field Guide, Wildflowers of (state name), and Trees of (state name). Over the past three decades Stan has authored more than 190 field guides, nature appreciation books and wildlife audio CDs for nearly every state in the nation, presenting many species of birds, mammals, reptiles and amphibians, trees, wildflowers and cacti. Holding a Bachelor of Science degree in Natural History from the University of Minnesota and as an active professional naturalist for more than 35 years, Stan studies and photographs wildlife throughout the United States and has received various national and regional awards for his books and photographs.

Featured: "What's New in Gardening for 2024," Rob Zimmer

An enticing, exciting and inspiring look at new perennials, shrubs and other garden plants for the new growing season. We will also explore the hottest garden trends for the new year, along with plants receiving distinctive annual honors.

Rob Zimmer is a nature and gardening author, radio host, photographer, columnist and public speaker. He is the host of two radio programs, Outdoors with Rob Zimmer and In the Midwest Garden, both on WHBY radio. He is an award-winning columnist and photographer for 15 newspapers throughout Wisconsin, writing weekly and twice weekly features on the nature of Wisconsin and gardening and plants. His feature articles and photos have appeared in more than 100 local, national and international magazines.

He is also the author of more than 100 books on nature and plants of Wisconsin with a focus on native wildflowers, butterflies, birds and native orchids. Find him on Facebook at Rob Zimmer Outdoors.

Afternoon Workshops (In Person Only - Attend 2)

"Hydrangeas for the Wisconsin Gardener," Rob Zimmer

Explore the world of hydrangeas especially suited for gardens in our climate. The toughest, most beautiful and elegant varieties that do well here in northern and central Wisconsin.

"tips and tricks for a successful Vegetable Garden," Trevor Frank

Attendees in this session will hear about several topics for successful vegetable gardening in Central Wisconsin. Topics will include: designing and timing your vegetable garden, succession and companion planting, and best management practices for the growing season. New and exciting vegetable cultivars from various seed suppliers will also be discussed, for the avid gardeners in our growing region.  

Trevor Frank is a Faculty at Northcentral Technical College (NTC), working as the Garden to Market Specialist Instructor and also teaches in the Crop Science and Agri-Business Programs. Trevor teaches students how to manage a variety of garden spaces, a hoop house, greenhouse and indoor hydroponic growing facility. Prior to NTC, Trevor was an Assistant Plant Breeder and Product Development Assistant at Illinois Foundation Seeds, Inc. (IFSI), based out of Plover, WI. Trevor earned his Bachelor's degree from UW-River Falls in Crop and Soil Science, with a Crop Production Emphasis and a Spanish minor. Afterwards, Trevor earned his Masters of Science in Agronomy at Purdue University in West Lafayette, IN.  

"Low Maintenance Landscape Design," Marissa Ashbeck

Marissa is excited to share her knowledge of low maintenance and sustainable landscaping during her Low Maintenance Garden Design presentation. She will present on how to plan a successful garden by going through design concepts, planting elements, and design influence. Once the basics of low maintenance design are covered, she will dig into steps of designing and the different tools that are used to design your dream landscape. Put on your "planting caps" and let's brainstorm your ideal garden space!

Marissa Ashbeck graduated from the University of Wisconsin- River Falls with a Bachelor's Degree in Horticulture- Landscape Design and Management. Using her Horticulture degree, she has been able to experience many aspects of the Green Industry through her career in nurseries and garden centers, garden maintenance, Horticulture education and outreach, consulting, and landscape design.

"Beneficial Insects for the Garden," Janell Wehr

Discover the essential role of beneficial insects in our gardens! Not all bugs are pests; in fact, out of nearly one million known insect species, only one to three percent are considered harmful. Learn how beneficial insects can assist by preying on pest insects or parasitizing them. Explore the crucial role of pollination carried out by pollinators. Expand your understanding to non-insect allies like birds and bats that feed on pest insects. Uncover the delicate balance in your backyard ecosystem and how fostering beneficial insects contributes to a thriving environment.

Janell Wehr is an Extension Horticulture educator serving Marathon and Wood Counties. Her role with Extension as a county educator includes public outreach and therapeutic horticulture programs with justice involved individuals. She also  provides researched based gardening information  and resources to the residents in central Wisconsin.

Registration Fees

$59 - Regular Registration (in person, includes lunch)

$49 - 62+ Registration (in person, includes lunch)

$25 - Virtual Attendance (morning speakers only)

Onsite Vendors!

This conference is presented in partnership with