​Master Gardener Association Genesee County Michigan

Everyone is welcome!

Friday, October 2, 2026
9:00 A.M. - 3:15 P.M.

Food Bank of Eastern Michigan​
1939 Howard Ave, Flint, MI 48503

$70 Conference fee

3 1/2 Master Gardener Educational Hours

Fall into Spring Speakers

PLEASE BRING NON-PERISHABLE FOOD DONATION to be donated to Food Bank

* Cereal
* Boxed goods
* Peanut butter
* Personal items
* Canned goods
​Please be mindful of expiration dates

Bring your tools to be sharpened. 
​ Prices are listed below.

​​ Gretchen Giles  
​
Topic:  Gardening with Wildlife  in Mind 
What plants bring pollinators into your garden? Enjoy a variety of birds, butterflies, and bees fluttering around your garden by planting plant that they love. 

 Owner J.J. Cardinals Wild Bird and Nature Store
​

​Gregory Bonito, Ph.D

Topic: 
“Mycorrhizal Fungal Diversity”
Symbiotic Relationships between fungi, bacteria, and plants
 
Dr. Greg Bonito is a MSU professor for the Department of Plant, Soil and Microbial Sciences. Dr. Bonito’s research focuses on the ecology and evolution of plant-fungal-bacterial associations.  Enjoy learning about what’s happening below ground that supports plant health and the flow of energy through terrestrial ecosystems. 
​

"​George Papadelis
​Topic:   “What’s New in 2027 - an Educational Twist from a Horticulturist’s Point of View”
 Add wow to your gardens by adding something that is new and improved.

Biography: George Papadelis, horticulturist,  is a requested Fall into Spring repeat   performer.  His sense of humor shines as he light heartedly describes the newly arriving blooms.  His presentation will entice the audience to add something new and different to their gardens.  After all, what gardener isn’t always looking for some new wow for the garden?  George is the owner of Telly’s Greenhouse, Author, and Educator

His journey began when George Papadelis, a young entrepreneur, set up a small flower stand along John R. Road, selling plants he grew himself. While studying medicine at the University of Michigan, George returned each summer to nurture the business, which grew into a full-fledged seasonal greenhouse. In 1988, he made the pivotal decision to dedicate himself fully to Telly’s, choosing to cultivate plants and serve his community over a career in medicine.
​

Agenda

Conference Fee Includes

9:00 AM - 9:45 AM            REGISTRATION
                                                Continental Breakfast /
                                                Vendors                                                 
9:45 AM – 10:00 AM         Welcome 

10:00 AM – 11:15 AM    ​​ Gretchen Giles
Topic: Gardening with Wildlife  in Mind 

 11:15 AM – 11:30 AM       BREAK 
 
11:30 AM – 12:45 PM     Gregory Bonito, Ph.D.
Topic: Symbiotic Relationships between fungi, bacteria, and plants

 12:45 PM – 1:30 PM         LUNCH / Shopping 
 
1:30 PM – 1:45 PM            Door Prizes
                                                Announcements  
 
1:45 PM – 2:45 PM            George Papa​delis
        Topic: What's New in 2027? 

2:45                                    Closing Remarks

Download registration
​to pay by check

Registration download

To pay online, please complete step 1 and step 2. 

Step 1-Register on-line​. 

Registration

     - No Registration beyond 9-23-26
     - No registrations at the door

Continental breakfast  
     Assorted baked goods, bagel, muffins, pastry, fruit, and beverages       

Taco Bar Lunch
Ground beef, chicken fajita, refried beans, lettuce, tomato, cheese, salsa, sour cream, tortilla chips     ​    

Door Prizes

        Garden Market Vendors

Talyored Iron Works, Inc. 
       Specialized ornamental iron Work    
Stone Cottage Garden 
        Rakes and more
 CDB Water colors - Original  art work by Master Gardener Cheryl Borkowski
​Hostas - provided by Baha's Pond & Garden
MGAGCM garden stones & plant stakes 
MGAGCM garden items - Vases, pavers & other misc. garden items
Strap & Stone Tool Sharpening

* Note: Some Garden Market vendors take only cash or checks.

Step 2 - Pay online

$70 + $2 online payment fee

​
​No refunds will be issued; however, you may find your own substitution. 
​
No confirmation letters will be sent.

Driving Directions

MSU is an affirmative-action, equal-opportunity employer. Michigan State University Extension programs and materials are open to all without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, religion, age, height, weight, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital status, family status or veteran status.