Smart Gardening Conference Returns

By Andi Anderson

Michigan State University Extension will host the 2026 Smart Gardening Conference on March 28 at the WCCCD Ted Scott Campus in Belleville, Michigan.

The event will run from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., bringing together gardeners, educators, and plant enthusiasts for a full day of learning.

Although registration has closed, the conference remains an important annual gathering for those seeking research-based gardening guidance. The event is designed for both beginners and experienced gardeners who want to expand their knowledge and adopt sustainable gardening practices.

The Smart Gardening Conference focuses on topics that help participants make informed decisions about their home landscapes. Sessions will cover climate-adapted plants, butterfly gardening, invasive species awareness, native bee ecology, and thoughtful garden design.

These topics reflect current environmental needs and the growing interest in environmentally friendly gardening habits. The conference encourages gardeners to think about long-term sustainability and the role of native species in supporting ecosystems.

Several expert speakers will share their knowledge during the event.

• Kevin Philip Williams from Denver Botanic Gardens will present “Designing Post-Human Gardens: Wild Systems, Material Agency, and the Gardener's New Role.”
• Kelly Konieczki from the Detroit Butterfly Nursery will speak on “Growing Hope in the Garden with Native Plants,” highlighting how native species support butterflies and other pollinators.
• Carolyn Miller from the Beal Botanical Garden & Campus Arboretum will discuss “Out with the Bad, In with the Good: Removing Invasive Species and Replanting with Native Plants.”
• Sharron “Ronnie” Miller, a PhD candidate at Michigan State University, will present “Connecting Pollinators, Place and People,” focusing on native bee ecology and community involvement.
• Matthew Ross from The Botanic Garden at Historic Barns Park will lead an interactive workshop titled “Intentional Garden Design.”

Conference registration included a boxed lunch, tea, coffee, and snacks. Free on-site parking also made the event convenient for guests. More details remain available on the official Smart Gardening Conference registration page for those interested in future events.

The Smart Gardening Conference reflects MSU Extension’s commitment to providing practical, research-based information for community members. Through expert-led sessions and engaging workshops, the event supports gardeners in making confident, sustainable choices that benefit both home landscapes and the environment.

Photo Credit:istock-herreid