Spring Garden Symposium
A Premier gardening event Brought to you by UNH Extension Master Gardeners
The annual Spring Garden Symposium, sponsored by the UNH Extension Master Gardeners offers workshops, speakers, a book sale, silent auction and networking with other gardeners.
Cost includes access to workshops, 3 main speakers, vendors, refreshments, networking and auction. Speakers will be available for remote viewing via a live stream. Workshops are only available in-person.
Lunch will be available at the SNHU cafeteria with a wide variety of food options, for $16/person (not included in the symposium fee). Bringing a lunch is also an option.
The annual silent and in-line auction will also be available. Bidding begins at 6:00 pm on March 7 and will close at the end of the symposium. Bidders do not need to be present to “win” an item. Items include garden tools, themed baskets, experiences such as knitting lessons, bird watching, fly fishing and more. Gift cards to popular garden centers and tickets to botanical gardens have also been donated. All proceeds from the auction support educational and community garden projects conducted by UNH Extension Master Gardener volunteers.
The event also includes a Live Stream for the 3 Presenters, Master Gardener merchandise, information, and networking opportunities.
The Spring Garden Symposium is perfect for anyone who enjoys gardening and learning ways to do it better. It has a live stream option for the three featured presentations by gardening experts. A silent auction fundraiser for UNH Extension Master Gardeners includes gardening tools, supplies, artwork, experiences and more. MainStreet Bookends of Warner will also be on hand selling garden-related books, including those written by some of the speakers. Book signings will also be available.
The Spring Garden Symposium is an important fundraiser for the NH Master Gardener Alumni Association, with proceeds supporting Extension Master Gardener projects across New Hampshire such as educational, community, food pantry and therapy gardens at schools, youth centers, historic museums, nature centers and libraries.
All silent auction proceeds support Master Gardener programs.
Bidding goes LIVE on Saturday March 7 at 6:00 p.m. and will continue through March 21 at 3:15 p.m. (If you enter the site early it will say “No Items Found” so come back when it’s live.)
Symposium attendance or registration will not be required to bid or win.
Schedule of Events
Saturday, March 21, 2026
8:00 AM – Check-in
Breakout Sessions (participants limited to one topic per session)
8:45 - 9:45 AM – Workshop Session 1
A: Forest Health: Pathogens and Solutions - by UNH Extension Forest Specialist Dode Gladders. Learn about some of the common insects and diseases that are impacting trees in our yards and forests and what landowners can do to protect them.
B: Therapeutic Horticulture: What is It, and What are the benefits? - by Master Gardeners Lynn Zeltman and Pattie Fried and Advanced Master Gardener Doris Buco (all are certified in Therapeutic Horticulture or Horticulture Therapy). Discover how to incorporate garden-based activities that promote health and wellness for people with various needs.
C: Photography in the Garden - by Advanced Master Gardener Cris Blackstone. Using a smart phone, explore how to create photos that tell stories about your garden. You’ll be surprised at some of the amazing tips that Cris will share.
9:45 AM –Break with refreshments
10:00 - 11:00 AM – Workshop Session 2
D: Interpreting Soil Tests - by UNH Extension Landscape Specialist Amy Papineau. Amy will help to demystify the results of soil tests and help interpret the recommendations. If you have a recent soil test from UNH, bring it along. If you plan to get your soil tested, this will help you understand what to do when you get your results back.
E: Growing Food for Those in Need - by Master Gardener Ann LaCroix. Many people end up with more produce that they can use or have more garden space than they need for their own use. Ann will share the process for how to share fresh produce with local food pantries and how your surplus can help those who experience food insecurity.
F: Nature Journaling in the Garden - by UNH Extension Administrative Assistant Rebecca Dube. Sharpen your observation skills and record all seasons of your garden and beyond with nature journaling. Garden record keeping can help you plan for the future based on past experiences. Learn some of the key prompts and principles of nature journal inquiry and create a few fun sketches of what nature has to offer in early spring!
Main Presentations (also available on Live Stream)
11:15 - 12:15 PM – Jill Nooney – The Making of a Public Garden
12:15 - 1:30 PM - Lunch - available in the SNHU Cafeteria (buffet $16), pay on site
1:45 - 2:45 PM – Julie Moir Messervy – Home Outside: Creating the Landscape You Love
3:15 - 4:15 PM – Dr. Aaron Anderson – How to Control Pests and Protect Pollinators at the Same Time
4:30 – Silent auction check-out
2026 Presenters
Jill, along with her husband Bob Munger designed and created Bedrock Gardens in Lee, now a public botanical garden which showcases many garden designs, native and unusual plants and garden art created by Jill and others. In 2024 Jill wrote Bedrock, about the process of creating Bedrock Gardens and will discuss the process and how it applies to home gardens.
About the Presenter
Jill Nooney, creator of Bedrock Gardens. Learn more about Jill Nooney.
Julie is an author and award-winning and innovative leader in landscape and garden design theory and practice. Her books and techniques help democratize landscape design using cutting edge technology and a joyful process to create exquisite and resilient places of beauty and meaning.
About the Presenter
Julie Moir Messervy, author and innovative leader in landscape and garden design. Learn more about Julie Moir Messervy.
Aaron works with the Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation and focuses on ways to reduce pesticide use in residential landscapes, including promoting alternative pest control measures and pollinator-friendly gardening practices. He will share tips on how to protect plants and beneficial insects, including pollinators.
About the Presenter
Aaron Anderson, Pesticide Program Specialist, Xerces Society. Learn more about Aaron Anderson.
$70 per Person. NH Master Gardener Alumni Association members receive a discount.
In-person location on Saturday is University of Southern New Hampshire in Manchester/Hooksett
If you need an accommodation to participate in our programming, please contact [Ruth Smith, ruth.smith@unh.edu, 603-351-3831] prior to the event. Given ample time, we will make any reasonable effort to meet your needs, including language access services if requested, which will be provided free of charge.
