By Dennis Patton

The eyes of the Extension Master Gardener world are set to focus on Johnson County as we host the 2023 International Master Gardener Conference from June 18-22 at the Overland Park Convention Center, 6000 College Blvd. This biennial gathering of Extension volunteers will bring together 1,100 participants from 43 states, two Canadian provinces and England.

The conference’s theme is “Celebrate” today, “Educate” for tomorrow and “Grow” the future. During the event, participants can take bus tours, attend interactive workshops and listen to numerous speakers. The Extension volunteers will then return the information they gained to their communities and implement it into their local projects.

We have planned a variety of activity options to engage you in the conference. Public events include a garden tour, featured speakers and a trade show. Take advantage of this once-in-a-lifetime event.

Garden Tour

The Tour of Private Gardens features six of the best gardens in Kansas City. Rarely are these gardens open on tour to the public. One garden includes an orchard, while a smaller one delights with found treasurers. Stroll an old world garden, then step into a modernistic one. There is something for everyone.

The tour will take place from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. June 17 and 18. You may visit all the gardens in one day or over both days. Tickets for all six gardens are $45.

Garden Gurus

Three exciting, featured speakers will take the stage, and you are invited.

“Making the United Kingdom a Greener and More Beautiful Space” will be presented by Leigh Hunt, who oversees England’s Royal Horticultural Society’s urban greening program. He will lead us through working urban gardens from Scotland to the South Coast. These beneficial tips can be applied to our local gardens and communities. Leigh’s presentation will be held on Sunday, June 18.

Native Johnson Countian and author Sara Dykman made history by biking 10,201 miles alongside the migrating Monarch butterflies. Sara’s presentation “Bicycling with Butterflies” will share her experiences, stories and advice on how we can protect, preserve and enhance pollinators. Join Sara on Tuesday, June 20.

Well-known plant explorer, author, and designer Daniel Hinkley will cover “The Forgotten Elements of Good Design.” His unique style, experiences and humor lead to a horticulturally based and immensely entertaining presentation on Wednesday, June 21.

Tickets for each presentation are $49, or you may attend all three for $109, saving $38. The evening speakers start with a social at 6:30 p.m. and will include light snacks before the presentations.

Garden Thyme Marketplace

Open and free to the public is a one-of-a-kind trade show. The marketplace features more than 70 vendors with unique nature-inspired and garden creations. Shop several plant vendors for new additions to your garden, including the hottest perennials, native plants and locally grown orchids.

The Garden Thyme Marketplace is open Monday, June 19, from noon to 7 p.m. and Tuesday and Wednesday, June 20 and 21, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Drop by during these hours and enjoy strolling the trade show.

The garden guru speakers and trade show are at the Overland Park Convention Center and feature easy access and free parking. Private garden tour gardens are in Johnson County and Kansas City, Missouri. Once the ticket is purchased, you will receive the garden addresses at a later date.

Complete information about the International Master Gardener Conference events open to the public can be found at johnson.ksu.edu or by calling the Johnson County Extension office at 913-715-7000.

Dennis Patton is horticulture agent at the Johnson County K-State Research and Extension Office.