Grow, Learn & Celebrate

By Angela Schrum, Tourism Director - Feb 03, 2026

The 36th Annual Midwestern Herb & Garden Show in Mt. Vernon, IL


Spring may still be budding, but gardeners, herb lovers, and outdoor enthusiasts know that early March means one thing—it’s time for the Midwestern Herb & Garden Show in beautiful Mt. Vernon, Illinois!

Now celebrating its 36th year, this long-running favorite is one of the largest garden events in the Midwest and a seasonal tradition for families, hobby gardeners, and green-thumbed visitors alike. Whether you’re planting your very first flowerpot or planning an entire backyard makeover, this show offers inspiration, education, shopping, and fun for everyone.
🌿 Event Details (2026)
Mark your calendar for the 36th Annual Midwestern Herb & Garden Show:
📅 March 6 & 7, 2026
📍 Times Square Mall – 3917 Broadway, Mt. Vernon, IL 62864
🕙 Show Hours: Friday & Saturday 10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
🎟️ Free Admission
🌱 What Is the Midwestern Herb & Garden Show?
The Midwestern Herb & Garden Show is a seasonal celebration of all things green and growing—bringing together plant lovers, makers, and experts from across the region.

You’ll find:
  • Over 30 vendors
  • Plants for sale
  • Garden art and home décor
  • Herbal medicine and natural products
  • Demonstrations and free classes
It’s the perfect way to shake off winter and step into spring with fresh ideas and a little extra excitement.
🛍️ Shop the Vendor Marketplace
One of the biggest highlights of the show is strolling the mall and exploring the vendor booths—packed with unique finds and garden-ready goodies. The program booklet encourages visitors to “take home fresh herbs, plants, garden art, fragrances, gourds, books, seeds, herbal products, and so much more!”

This year’s vendor list includes a wonderful mix of plant growers, garden décor, handmade items, and specialty products—featuring businesses like:

🎤 Featured Speakers + FREE Classes (12 Total!)
A major reason visitors return year after year is the education lineup—and in 2026, the show offers 12 FREE classes across Friday and Saturday.

⭐ Keynote & Featured Speakers include:
  • Felder Rushing – Nationally known gardener and radio personality (“The Gestalt Gardener”) who has written 33 gardening books and continues to share his passion for practical, creative gardening.
  • Mark Glenshaw – Naturalist known for closely observing and documenting the lives of great horned owls, sharing what he’s learned from Forest Park in St. Louis.
  • Teresa Steckler – University of Illinois Extension Specialist presenting a timely and informative session on ticks, tick-borne diseases, and how to reduce tick bites while enjoying the outdoors.

🗓️ 2026 Class & Seminar Schedule Highlights
Here are a few can’t-miss sessions from the official schedule:

Friday, March 6
  • 10:30 a.m. – Landscaping for Wildlife (Treasa Brookman, Master Gardener)
  • 11:30 a.m. – Passalong Plants for Midwestern Gardens (Felder Rushing)
  • 1:00 p.m. – Selective Bird Feeding (Birds-I-View & Wild Bird and Nature Store)
  • 2:00 p.m. – Ticks (Teresa Steckler, University of Illinois Extension)
  • 3:00 p.m. – Growing and Using Medicinal Herbs (Terry Hickey, Dayempur Herbals)
Saturday, March 7
  • 10:00 a.m. – How to Find an Owl in Your Neighborhood (Mark Glenshaw)
  • 11:00 a.m. – Maverick Gardening + Wintering in England (Felder Rushing)
  • 12:30 p.m. – Cooking with Herbs (Lisa Peterson, University of Illinois)
  • 1:30 p.m. – Therapeutic Benefits of Plants and Nature (Jane Chapman)
  • 2:30 p.m. – Getting Started with Native Plants (Laurie Henderson, U of I Master Gardeners)(includes a drawing for a garden sign!)
  • 3:30 p.m. – Illinois’ Most Underrated Native Plants and How to Grow Them (Sam Dublo, Sam’s Native Nursery)

🍃 Why You Should Attend
Here’s what makes the Midwestern Herb & Garden Show a must-visit event in Mt. Vernon:

✅ Free admission + free classes
✅ One of the largest garden events in the Midwest
✅ Shop from 30+ vendors
✅ Learn from expert speakers and demonstrations
✅ Find plants, herbal products, garden art, and unique gifts

Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or simply ready for a fresh and fun seasonal outing, this show brings the best of the Midwest to Mt. Vernon—and it’s a great way to kick off spring.
🌼 Plan Your Visit to Mt. Vernon
Make a day (or weekend!) out of it. After the show, explore Mt. Vernon’s local restaurants, shopping, and attractions.
Need help with travel planning? Visit enjoymtvernon.com for lodging, dining information, and directions or give us a call at 618-242-3151.

For more information about the show, visit:

🌿 Ready to grow?
The 36th Annual Midwestern Herb & Garden Show is the perfect way to welcome spring—so grab a friend, bring your garden wishlist, and we’ll see you March 6–7 in Mt. Vernon!
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Contact Us

Mt. Vernon Tourism
123 S. 10th St., Suite 503
P.O. Box 1708
Mt. Vernon, IL 62864

Phone: 618-242-3151
Email: tourism@mtvernon.com