ESCANABA — The 26th-annual Bay de Noc Gardening Conference in Escanaba is planned for Saturday, April 18, at Bay College in Escanaba.

The event will feature 16 different classes on a variety of yard and garden topics.

Registration deadline is Saturday, April 4. Only preregistration will be accepted.

Participants can choose to attend four classes at this day-long conference.

“Shopping for Plants” will be presented by David Gafner, who has a PhD in horticulture. Gafner will also do a session on managing winter damage.

Rebecca Krans, MSU Extension consumer horticulture educator, will talk about strategies to control garden pests.

“Pollinators and Coneflowers” will be addressed by Laurie Johnson, Bay College biology instructor.

Jill Reuss, Concordia Perennial Gardens, and Scott Reuss, University of Wisconsin Extension educator, will have a question-and-answer session.

Other topics will include azaleas, rhododendrons, growing apples, greenhouse and containers, purposeful planting, tree care, tomatoes, growing your own seed, food preservation equipment, annuals and perennials, companion planting and coneflowers.

The program costs $45 per person, which includes morning refreshments, a box lunch and up to four classes. Only pre-paid registrations postmarked by April 4 will be accepted.

Brochures can be picked up in the Escanaba area at Mel’s Lawn and Garden, Wickert Floral, L&M Fleet Supply, and Pam’s Petals; in the Gladstone area at Trotter’s Floral, and Gladstone City Hall; and in the Marquette area at Forsberg Flowers.

To receive a printable pdf of the brochure by email, contact DeltaCountyMGA@gmail.com or print the brochure off the event’s Facebook page, Bay de Noc Gardening Conference.

For a registration brochure or more information, call, text or leave a message at 906-398-8145.

The program is open to anyone with an interest in gardening, regardless of experience.

The program also qualifies for Master Gardener educational credit.

The event is sponsored by the Delta County Master Gardener Association, MSU-E Master Gardeners, Bay College and the Bay de Noc Gardening Association.