The Arboretum’s native gardening conference is held every September to promote sustainable gardening practices and use of native plants in home landscapes. Expert-led workshops inspire and inform gardeners, homeowners, and landowners to create and maintain native gardens or small-scale restorations where they live. The program welcomes people with a range of interests and experience.

The 2024 conference will take place September 15 at the Visitor Center. The all-day event features expert-led workshops, lunch, a keynote speaker, tours of the Wisconsin Native Plant Garden, a resource packet, and ample time for questions and conversations.

Presentations cover topics such as: garden design, native trees and shrubs, butterflies and bees in your garden, garden planting and management, nature journaling, gardening for bird habitat, native plant identification, and beneficial insects.

The keynote by Skye Bruce, coordinator of the Wisconsin Monarch Collaborative, will explore the essential relationships between butterflies and their botanical partners.

Registration for the 2024 conference is now open.

Early bird registration: $65, through July 21; regular rates: $70, starting July 22. Students (with ID): $35. The registration deadline is September 5. (Capacity is limited and the conference may sell out before the deadline.) Register @ https://arboretum.wisc.edu/learn/adult-education/native-gardening-conference/ngc-registration/ 

University of WI Arboretum

1207 Seminole Hwy.

Madison, WI 53711

608/263-7888 or arboretum.wisc.edu