Enjoy A Garden Tour, Speakers, and Marketplace Open to all during the International Master Gardener Conference

Gardening enthusiasts are invited to attend events open to the public at the International Master Gardener Conference on June 18 to 22, 2023, in Overland Park, Kansas. They include a tour of private gardens, three renowned speakers, and a gardening marketplace.

“We designed these public events for anyone who wants to expand their gardening knowledge but cannot attend the entire conference,” said Dennis Patton, Kansas State University Research and Extension horticulture agent. “They offer once-in-a-lifetime opportunities in our area since they’re also part of the international conference, which will be attended by more than 1,100 people.”

The tour of private gardens takes place from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on June 17 and 18. It features six of the most exquisite private gardens in the Kansas City metro area. Most will never be open to the public again. The self-guided tour ticket includes all information required to visit the gardens.

Sessions by the three internationally renowned speakers start with snacks at 6:30 p.m., with presentations beginning at 7 p.m. at the Overland Park Convention Center. They include:

• June 18 — Leigh Hunt, from the Royal Horticultural Society in England;

• June 20 — Sara Dykman, winner of the 2021 Outdoor Book Award; and

• June 21 — Daniel J. Hinkley, best-selling author, and plantsman.

Tickets are available, and more information can be found at www.johnson.ksu.edu.

The Garden Thyme Marketplace will feature over 75 booths with garden and nature-inspired creations. Admission is free. It is open from noon to 7 p.m. on June 19 and from 10 to 7 p.m. on June 20 and 21 at the Overland Park Convention Center. A list of vendors can be found at www.johnson.ksu.edu.

About 1,100 people from 43 states, Washington DC, England, and Canada, have registered to attend the International Master Gardener Conference. Hosts are the K-State Extension Master Gardeners of Johnson County, Kansas.