Mellody Farm, Vernon Hills’ urban-inspired shopping and dining destination, is inviting the community to dig in, grow together and cultivate new gardening skills through From Seed to Supper at Mellody Farm, a complimentary educational series featuring hands-on gardening workshops, interactive MicroHabitat experiences and seasonal programming designed to inspire gardeners of all experience levels.
Located on the green lawn between Nordstrom Rack and the children's play area, the urban farm features 60 planters filled with vegetables, herbs and edible flowers. From July through October, the garden is expected to produce more than 300 pounds of fresh produce, harvested weekly and donated to the Vernon Township Food Pantry, part of the Northern Illinois Food Bank network, to help address food insecurity throughout Lake County.
All workshops are complimentary, and advance registration through Eventbrite is required as space is limited.
Participants will receive complimentary seed kits and tote bags while supplies last, and guests may even have the opportunity to meet Keenam Jax, Mellody Farm's beloved furry farm ambassador, who will make special appearances throughout the series.
2026 Workshop Schedule\
Saturday, July 25 | 10-11:30 a.m.
MicroHabitat Kiosk + Herbs & Basil Workshop
- Learn the basics of growing herbs and basil and explore the MicroHabitat Urban Farm.
- Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1992886011708?aff=oddtdtcreator
Saturday, Aug. 15 | 10 a.m.
Maintaining & Harvesting an Ecological Garden
- Learn watering, pruning, harvesting and seasonal garden care best practices.
- Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1992888243383?aff=oddtdtcreator
Saturday, Sept. 12 | 10 a.m.
Harvesting Your Ecological Garden
- Discover seasonal harvesting techniques and tips for maximizing your garden's productivity.
- Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1992888306572?aff=oddtdtcreator
Saturday, Oct. 17 | 10 a.m.
MicroHabitat Kiosk Activation
- Interactive educational activities focused on biodiversity, pollinators and ecological gardening.
- Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1992891183176?aff=oddtdtcreator
Saturday, Oct. 24 | 10 a.m.
Winterizing Your Garden: Putting the Garden to Bed
- Learn how to prepare your garden for winter during Mellody Farm's Fall Harvest Fest.
- Guest speakers from regional agriculture organizations are anticipated.
- Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1992891263416?aff=oddtdtcreator
For more information, to register for workshops or to learn more about upcoming events at Mellody Farm, visit the Mellody Farm website, follow Mellody Farm on social media or register through Eventbrite.
About Mellody Farm
Located in the heart of Vernon Hills, Illinois, Mellody Farm is an open-air shopping, dining and lifestyle destination owned and operated by Regency Centers. Conveniently located at the corner of Milwaukee Avenue and Townline Road, just two miles west of Interstate 94, the center features approximately 270,000 square feet of retail, restaurants and entertainment alongside 260 executive apartments. Designed as a vibrant community gathering place, Mellody Farm offers a thoughtfully curated mix of national retailers, local dining experiences and year-round events that bring people together through shopping, dining, wellness and community engagement.