March 2, 2026 3:05 a.m.

The Spring into Gardening Conference is returning this Saturday to Umpqua Community College.

Hosted by the Oregon State University Extension Douglas County Small Farms Program and Douglas County Master Gardener Association, this one-day horticulture event offers a full schedule of educational sessions designed to help participants cultivate healthier, more resilient gardens while building community through a shared passion for plants.

An Extension release said the conference brings gardeners together to learn, share ideas, and prepare for the growing season. The conference is designed for people with years of experience along with those who are brand new to gardening.

Sixteen topics will be delivered across four sessions, allowing attendees to tailor the day to their interests and knowledge level. Topics include drought-resilient landscaping, mason bees and pollinators, floral design, vegetable gardening, botany basics, and houseplant troubleshooting, along with other practices that support thriving landscapes and ecosystems.

The day will begin with a keynote presentation by Douglas County Small Farms Extension Agent Logan Bennett titled, “Upping Your Compost Game”. Bennett will discuss the science behind effective composting and share practical strategies for reducing household and garden waste, while building nutrient-rich soil.

Doors open at 8:00 a.m. and the final session concludes at 4:15 pm. Conference registration is $40 and scholarships are available. An optional boxed lunch is available for $15.

Registration concludes Monday. To view the full class catalog and register online, go to: https://extension.oregonstate.edu/douglas/events/spring-gardening-conference.