Community Education - Rochester, Minnesota

Get Growing! A Horticulture Convention hosted by the Olmsted County Extension Master Gardeners

When you've had enough of winter, come join the Olmsted County Extension Master Gardeners for an educational and inspirational day about gardening and all things horticulture. Knowledgeable in the latest research-based horticulture information, our speakers will present topics on best practices for your garden and adapting your landscape to a changing environment. Master Gardeners will be at your disposal to answer questions, vendors and exhibitors to explore, and more! Lunch is provided. Registration deadline: April 5

Speakers:

Changing Climate, Changing Trees with Jay Maier

Climate change is rewriting the rules—come learn about 14 tough, adaptable trees that are thriving where they "shouldn't", and learn how you can grow beyond yesterday's hardiness zones.

Jay Maier is the General Manager of Sargent's Landscape Nursery. He has studied or worked with trees for over 35 years. He earned a B.S. in Forestry from the University of Missouri and is an ISA Board Certified Master Arborist. He has a passion for all things trees and loves to communicate to the everyday tree observer to help them enjoy and appreciate trees more.

Plan with Purpose: The Sustainable Landscape with Kelly Rae Kirkpatrick

Learn how smart design and multipurpose plantings can simplify your garden, enhance its beauty, and support long-term success.

A recipient of the Mayor's Medal of Honor for Sustainability and an Environmental Achievement Award for Sustainable Food Production, Kelly strives to live sustainably every day, both in and out of the garden.

Sustainable Practices for the Home Garden with Heidi Kern

Improving the sustainability of your garden can result in higher productivity, increased biodiversity, and less expense in the long-run.

Heidi Kern is a life-long gardener and environmentalist who strives to grow beautiful food and flower gardens as sustainably as possible on her city lot that she refers to as her urban homestead. Heidi is the administrator of the Backyard Bounty Urban Homesteading Facebook Group, co-founded the Rochester Seed Library, and teaches Community Education classes on urban homesteading, seed saving, and composting.

Let's Talk Tomatoes with Hutton Kearney

Discover how to grow incredible, flavor-packed tomatoes at home and learn which varieties you'll want in your garden this summer!

Meet Hutton Kearney, a clinical molecular and cytogeneticist at Mayo Clinic and passionate Master Gardener who loves growing and sharing hundreds of varieties of vegetables, herbs, flowers, and especially heirloom tomatoes.

Cost:

The cost to attend is $50, which includes lunch. The event will be held at the Olmsted County Fairgrounds, Aune Hall (1508 Aune Dr. SE, Rochester, MN 55904). The registration deadline is April 5, 2026.

Information:

Information Link: https://extension.umn.edu/event/get-growing-horticulture-day

For event questions, contact Melissa Solem, Administrative Specialist, Olmsted County Extension, at 507-328-6214 or mnext-olmsted@umn.edu.