MSU Extension Master Gardener Program

As part of the 2024 Master Gardener Conference, several hands-on workshops will be held on Friday, August 23 and Saturday, August 24. Due to the cost of needed supplies and materials, several of the workshops have an additional charge beyond the Master Gardener Conference registration fee. 

Pre-registration is required and will be done through conference registration. Space is limited on the art and mocktail workshops.  

Friday, August 23: 12:45-2:45 p.m. 

Workshop 1: Garden Cyanotypes - Botanical Prints

Do you love plants? Are you curious about early photographic technology? In this easy introductory course, we’ll learn a brief history of cyanotypes (sun prints) with art historian and educator Kaleigh James, and then create our own works of art using plants and nature items from the garden! We’ll also have the chance to mount one of your prints into a card stock frame to make your own mailable artwork. No experience needed!

Workshop 2: Nature walk 

For those adventurers looking for a small hike to break up their day, join Interlochen staff for a woodland hide at our beautiful, private Bridge Lake. This small inland lake resides on undeveloped property, providing outstanding habitat for a wildlife sanctuary.  We have recently installed a beautiful boardwalk, making this hike and lakeside observation deck a truly beautiful experience in nature. For those who love birds, bring your binoculars and enjoy this quiet, meditative, yet educational experience along Interlochen's Bridge Lake shores. Participants should expect a bit of hiking to get to Bridge Lake, it is about an hour hike, with easy, low-impact terrain. Transportation support can be provided for those needing assistance. 

Workshop 3: Garden Tour 

Join Interlochen staff for a tour of the RB Annis Botanical Lab and Community Garden space. This teaching garden was deemed the Teaching Garden of the Year in 2020 by the American Heart Association. It is the recipient of numerous certifications, including Certified Naturally Grown, Bee Friendly Farming, Monarch Waystation, USDA People's Garden, National Wildlife Federation Schoolyard Habitat, and a Michigan Green School garden. Participants will see a variety of seasonal native perennial plants, an orchard, aquaponics, mushroom garden, hugelkulture, conservation habitat gardens for Monarch and Karner Blue butterflies, raised beds, hoop houses, beehive apiary, and so much more. You will NOT want to miss this special opportunity for an insider's peek into this exciting, one-of-a-kind teaching garden. 

Friday, August 23: 3:15-5:15 p.m. 

Workshop 1: Capturing the Garden with Watercolor

Monet painted in his garden to capture the joy his flowers brought him. Learn how to paint Michigan native pollinators with watercolor. You will observe Black-Eyed Susan, Cosmos, Purple coneflower and more.  Workshop includes making a watercolor paper journal and  learning watercolor techniques to paint the parts of flowers. Create a watercolor map to use after the class when you are in your own garden.

Workshop 2: Making Marvelous Mocktails

Would you believe your garden could be the greatest asset to your non-alcoholic bar? Could you imagine if drinks grew from the earth? Now they can! By taking this hands-on, interactive class, you will learn to identify herbs, edible flowers, and other fruits and vegetables to make delicious concoctions. You will also learn the art of flavored syrup making, bitters and aromatics for drinks, garnishes, and natural dyes. You will walk away with an understanding of the benefits of herbs and minerals in making marvelous mocktails that are good for your health and your spirit. These drinks will be a hit at your next social gathering!

Workshop 3: Compost Tour  

Compost - nature's "black gold". Have you ever wondered how compost was made? Have you tried to make it, but found it a bit complicated? There is a lot of science involved! But it doesn't need to be too complicated that it can hold you back from understanding how compost works! Join Interlochen staff for a tour of our industrial compost facility located on campus. We are the only high school in the nation to produce industrial compost, from start to finish, on-site, completely produced in-house. Our compost materials come from cafeteria food waste, wood chips, and dried leaves; all are materials sourced completely on campus. Participants should expect a bit of hiking to get to the facility, it is about a 10-minute, easy walk. Transportation support can be provided for those needing assistance. 

Workshop 4: Garden Tour 

Join Interlochen staff for a tour of the RB Annis Botanical Lab and Community Garden space. This teaching garden was deemed the Teaching Garden of the Year in 2020 by the American Heart Association. It is the recipient of numerous certifications, including Certified Naturally Grown, Bee Friendly Farming, Monarch Waystation, USDA People's Garden, National Wildlife Federation Schoolyard Habitat, and a Michigan Green School garden. Participants will see a variety of seasonal native perennial plants, an orchard, aquaponics, mushroom garden, hugelkulture, conservation habitat gardens for Monarch and Karner Blue butterflies, raised beds, hoop houses, beehive apiary, and so much more. You will NOT want to miss this special opportunity for an insider's peek into this exciting, one-of-a-kind teaching garden. 

Saturday, August 24: 10:45 a.m. - 12:45 p.m. 

Workshop 1: Bio-based materials: Making Art with your Garden

This lab workshop is an introduction to sustainable materials. “Bio-based materials” are a collection of materials that are made with regenerative, organic, and/or sustainable ingredients. The workshop will start with a presentation on the basic principles of this field, the different categories of biomaterial, and examples from artists and designers. Participants will be introduced to a simple recipe to make their biomaterial and will explore the possibilities of this topic.

Workshop 2: Nature walk 

For those adventurers looking for a small hike to break up their day, join Interlochen staff for a woodland hide at our beautiful, private Bridge Lake. This small inland lake resides on undeveloped property, providing outstanding habitat for a wildlife sanctuary.  We have recently installed a beautiful boardwalk, making this hike and lakeside observation deck a truly beautiful experience in nature. For those who love birds, bring your binoculars and enjoy this quiet, meditative, yet educational experience along Interlochen's Bridge Lake shores. Participants should expect a bit of hiking to get to Bridge Lake, it is about an hour hike, with easy, low-impact terrain. Transportation support can be provided for those needing assistance.

Workshop 3: Garden Tour 

Join Interlochen staff for a tour of the RB Annis Botanical Lab and Community Garden space. This teaching garden was deemed the Teaching Garden of the Year in 2020 by the American Heart Association. It is the recipient of numerous certifications, including Certified Naturally Grown, Bee Friendly Farming, Monarch Waystation, USDA People's Garden, National Wildlife Federation Schoolyard Habitat, and a Michigan Green School garden. Participants will see a variety of seasonal native perennial plants, an orchard, aquaponics, mushroom garden, hugelkulture, conservation habitat gardens for Monarch and Karner Blue butterflies, raised beds, hoop houses, beehive apiary, and so much more. You will NOT want to miss this special opportunity for an insider's peek into this exciting, one-of-a-kind teaching garden.