Morning Keynote:David McKinney 

Gardening in a Warmer World

As Iowa’s temperature continues to become more like that of latitudes further south, severe storms become more frequent while precipitation is less predictable. Journey with David through what future Iowa may look like, gain insight into planting decisions for the next 50 years, and explore strategies to make your garden successful in a changing world. Finally, learn about a new perennial and shrub trial program for Iowa where plants will be put to the test to save gardeners everywhere frustration and heartache. You will walk away with tools and resources for help, while also understanding how to select the right plants now for future Iowa.

David McKinney is a horticulturist, ecologist, entomologist, and plant physiologist currently working as the curator at the Iowa Arboretum and Gardens where he manages 160 acres of gardens, prairie restoration, and native woodland. On top of his curatorial work David is a writer, speaker, and serves on the AmericanHort Landscape Community Connectors group, recently receiving the Emerging Perennial Professional Award from the Perennial Plant Association.

A love for nature is caught, not taught: The Wanderwood Gardens

During this introduction to the new children’s garden opening in Dubuque, Iowa, in 2016, Jared will guide you through corresponding research, ongoing practice and his professional experiences over the past 20 years that support this model of early childhood and environmental education. Where imaginative play in nature serves as the conduit in which children and their households become happier, more hopeful, resilient, collaborative, and healthier human beings who develop a lifelong positive relationship with the living world.

With a vast experience in environmental education, Jared began his journey as the first Director of the Wanderwood Gardens in 2023. Jared’s passions and career align around human-centered conservation, teaching about the wonders of the outdoors, equitable access to nature, and playing outside.

Garden Myths and Misconceptions

Cindy Haynes, Professor of Horticulture, Iowa State University

As gardeners, we are often inundated with information about gardening tips from family, friends, and social media. But many of these sources also propagate misinformation or garden myths.  In this interactive session, Dr. Haynes will debunk some of the most common garden myths and discuss tactics to recognize them.

Thomas Rosburg, Professor of Biology, Drake University

Over the last 200 years, invasive species have become an increasingly serious problem not only nature, but human societies and economies as well. Some conservation organizations rank invasive species as either the first or second greatest threat to native biodiversity. This presentation will raise your awareness and concern for the dangers of invasive species and provide convincing evidence of the importance of using native species in landscaping.

Selecting Trees for the Iowa Landscape

Jeff Iles, Professor of Horticulture, Iowa State University

Selecting large- and small-statured trees for Iowa landscapes should be a thoughtful and fact-driven process.  Unfortunately, and all too often, we end up choosing tree species based on familiarity and availability.  And when these criteria are given disproportionate attention, we lose an opportunity to create functional, aesthetically pleasing, and biologically diverse landscapes.  In this session we will introduce tree species that, when planted correctly, will stand the test of time.

Gardening for Butterflies and Other Welcomed Insects

Aaron Steil, Consumer Horticulture Extension Specialist, Iowa State University

Learn about creating beautiful green spaces that are perfect not only for people but all the welcomed six-legged creatures that find plants and flowers just as alluring as we do! Do your part to help the invertebrate-residents of your garden, and enjoy all of the benefits they provide.

Good Neighbor Iowa and Pesticide Reduction

Brittany Latch, Environmental Health Program Associate, Good Neighbor Iowa

Explore all of the reasons to change your lawncare practices. Good Neighbor Iowa is a statewide public health education initiative managed in partnership with the University of Northern Iowa’s Center for Energy and Environmental Education. The program aims to reduce unnecessary urban pesticide use, encourages appreciation for diverse lawns, and educates the public on alternative methods of lawn management as a way to protect child health, water quality, pets, pollinators, and biodiversity.

The Pace of Life is the Pace of Plants:

Embracing Change One Garden at a Time

Aaron Harpold, Director of Horticulture, Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden

The ancient philosophy that “the only constant in life is change” can be applied to gardening. Climate extremes, garden seasonality, and individual life events help shape the ebb and flow of your backyard landscape. Discover ways to stay adaptable and embrace change.