MOUNT CARROLL – Join the Master Gardeners of Carroll, Lee, Ogle and Whiteside counties in cooperation with Sauk Valley Community College on March 17 for this one-day horticulture workshop. Participants will hear keynote presenter Sandra Mason, State Master Gardener Coordinator, attend three breakout sessions, and shop vendors during breaks and lunch.

Fifteen breakout sessions will be available including: Going Organic: Are Organic pesticides safer than their synthetic counterparts?

Join Chris Enroth, University of Illinois Extension Horticulture Educator as he shares his knowledge on this topic. Statistics show home landscapes receive three times more pesticides per acre than commercial agriculture production. Some government agencies estimate that number to be even higher. Though not quite ready to ditch the bug and weed killers, clients are seeking alternatives to conventional pesticides. Many are turning to ‘organic’ pesticides due to their growing market and perception that these pesticides are safer, but are organic pesticides safer? Hear more about the debate of organic vs. synthetic at this session.

A keynote presentation on “These Are Not Your Granny’s Bloomers: How Flowers Have Changed Over The Decades” will be presented by Sandra Mason, State Master Gardener Coordinator. The program fee is $45 and includes morning refreshments, lunch and select handouts. To register, call Ogle County Extension at (815) 732-2191 or visit their website at: go.illinois.edu/ReadySetGrow. Registration is required by March 9.