A Day In The Garden 2026: Plant Wisely, Grow Abundantly, Support Wildlife

Join us for a full day of hands-on learning with the Guelph-Wellington Master Gardener's annual event, "A Day In The Garden"

This year's theme: “Plant Wisely, Grow Abundantly, Support Wildlife.”

Connect with fellow garden enthusiasts while enjoying live horticultural demonstrations that showcase practical techniques you can use at home. Throughout the day, take in inspiring presentations on invasive plants (and what to plan instead), backyard fruit and nut orchards, and pollinator and wildlife-friendly gardening - topics designed to help you create resilient, thriving landscapes. Explore a curated selection of local vendors, enter to win fantastic door prizes, and enjoy lunch and snacks as you learn, share, and grow with our gardening community.

For Master Gardeners, this event provides six CEUs (Continuing Education Units)

This year's speaker lineup:

SEAN JAMES: Invasive Plants and Their Alternatives

Sean is a graduate of the prestigious Niagara Parks School of Horticulture, a Master Gardener, writer, and teacher; gardening has been Sean James’ passion and profession for over 40 years. Sean owns ‘Sean James Consulting & Design’ and focuses on eco-gardening techniques.

MATT SOLTYS: How to Grow Fruits and Nuts in Your Backyard

Also known as the The Urban Orchardist, Matt operates a unique fruit & nut tree nursery in the Guelph area and has managed the Community Orchard at Ignatius Farm. He has focused on fruit tree horticulture since 2005.

LORRAINE JOHNSON: Birds, Bees and Butterflies: Habitat Gardening for Wildlife

Lorraine is a passionate gardener, viewing gardening as an act of stewardship and earth-tending. She is a renowned speaker and the author of numerous books on growing native plants, gardening for pollinators, and restoring habitat.

VENDORS: Plants, garden art, seeds, garden supplies, and more

HORTICULTURAL DEMONSTRATIONS - by Master Gardeners

DOOR PRIZES - gift certificates, unique garden equipment, plants, flowers, and more.

This event will start at 9 am and end at 3:30 pm. Doors open at 8:30 for check in and seating. You can bring your e-ticket or email confirmation on your phone or tablet - please save the paper. Coffee, tea, pastries will be served, as well as an ample luncheon at noon.

The venue is fully accessible for those using mobilty devices, with plenty of parking. Please let us know via email gwmastergardeners@gmail.com if you have severe allergies, dietary restrictions, or accomodation requirements and we will be more than happy to assist you.

All sales final - no refunds. Tickets are transferable.

gwmastergardeners@gmail.com

https://www.gwmastergardeners.ca/