Tall and Small Perennials

Julie Schroer & Jodie Ramsay

Jean's the Right Plant Place

Perennials come in all shapes and sizes, and in this presentation, we'll describe some plants that are polar opposites in height. The 'smalls' we will focus on are 12" or shorter, while the 'talls' are 3' or taller.  

Julie Schroer and Jodie Ramsay own Jean's - The Right Plant Place in Perham, MN. Jean's specializes in perennials for northern gardens, carrying over 1200 varieties each year. In the non-gardening season, Jodie teaches Biology and manages the greenhouses at Northern State University in Aberdeen, SD.  After teaching college Biology for 23 years, Julie quit in 2021 to focus on Jean's and other projects full-time. 

Hydroponics for Year-Round Growing, the very easy way

Larry Cipolla

Hennepin County Master Gardener

Oh goodie, the joys of winter: snow, cold, wind, ice, frozen ground and no gardening. Cannot wait for spring planting? Why wait? Grow your own pesticide-free veggies and herbs now and all year-round with hydroponics. Take control of what you eat. Grow it in water. No soil. No bugs. No soil diseases. No weeding. No Jumping Earthworms. No Japanese Beetles. No gardening experience needed. You can do this.

What you will learn: The focus of this interactive session will be on the passive deep-water culture (DWC) hydroponic system. It is the oldest and most proven system. It is the easiest to set up, maintain, expand and the least expensive system. Use it indoors and outdoors to grow any veggie or herb.

Through a step-by-step process you will learn about the passive DWC system; how to grow what you want in standard, low-cost food-safe containers (buckets, totes, and PVC tubes); the basic materials and supplies you need; how to start seeds or use store-bought plants; what fertilizers to use and what types of quick-easy plants to grow and how to extend your harvest. You will also learn how schools (K-12) grow and provide their harvest internally to their cafeterias and externally to their local community food shelves as part of their in-service program.

Larry Cipolla, published author, and master gardener in Hennepin County (19 years). Larry is a life-long gardener and life-long learner. He specializes in all things related to growing vegetables. His focus is to help people integrate soil-based gardening with hydroponics for year-round gardening, the very easy way.

Larry's vegetable and Japanese gardens have been on more than twenty garden tours. They have been featured on state and national magazines and on 'Rebecca's Garden' a syndicated television program. Larry served on the State Advisory Board as chair for two of his three year tenure.  He served on the county executive board, started the first for profit plant sale and learning garden tour. He has won several awards and currently mentors three master gardener interns. 

Herbs - How to Grow and Use Them

Marty Bergland

Master Gardener Emeritus

Learn how to grow, harvest, store and use common herbs to create herbal blends, frostings, vinegars, oils and butters.

Marty is a lifelong gardener and has developed numerous gardening and related classes as a former Master Gardener (18 years).

She helped the Minnesota State Horticulture Society (MSHS) develop their Garden In A Box program and frequently presents gardening and pollinator classes for State Fairs, MSHS, Master Gardening events, and school/ community programs. She currently works with a greenhouse in the spring and year-round with a local honey farm where she makes beeswax candles and other honey-related products.

Lilium-an Oasis of Color! 

Denise Haldorson

Owner of K&D Gardens, LLC

Ever wonder what makes the lily one of the most popular garden flowers? How to grow and care for them? Where to grow them?

Denise Haldorson, with K&D Gardens will provide a background on lilies, their divisions, growing needs and planting tips. Have fun while learning how to add lilies to your garden that will provide stunning color and texture. 

Denise grew up in a family of lily lovers in “zone 3”.  In 2016 she and her husband Karl moved to Farmington, MN.  They became active members in the North Star Lily Society and the Daylily Society of Minnesota. Denise serves on both Boards and is currently the President at North Star Lily Society. With their increased passion for lilies, in 2017 they began “learning the ropes” of owning a lily business. In 2019 they launched K&D Gardens with the vision of providing quality lily bulbs at affordable prices. Denise enjoys sharing her knowledge and enthusiasm for lilies. Make sure to stop by their vendor table and say hi even if you don’t take their class!

Get Ready to Grow Up! 

Robin Trott

Horticulture Educator, Douglas County

Join the fun with Robin Trott, the plant wizard from the University of Minnesota Extension, as she spills the secrets of going vertical in your garden. Say goodbye to the same old ground-level routine and embrace the thrill of growing up, not out! Robin will guide you through the awesome world of vertical gardens, lifting your plants off the ground, giving them space to spread their leafy wings, and supercharging your gardening game. Get the lowdown on which fruits, veggies, and flowers are the cool kids in the vertical garden club, and let's kickstart your high-rise garden adventure together. Don't miss out on the green fun – let's make your garden grow up and show off!

Robin Trott is a well-known speaker, columnist, radio host, and horticulturist, currently serving as the University of Minnesota Extension Horticulture Educator in Douglas County. Drawing on extensive experience growing a variety of plants, from Ageratum to Zucchini, Trott offers a special insight into tackling and solving gardening issues. Her passionate commitment to sharing gardening knowledge shines through in her lively sessions, guaranteeing that every learning opportunity is not just informative but also captivating.

Beneficial Insects in Minnesota 

Marissa Schuh

Extension Educator

Minnesota is home to thousands of insects, only some of which are pests. This session will give a holistic introduction to the roles insects play in Minnesota, and cover common beneficial insects seen in the garden.

Marissa Schuh is a horticulture Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Extension Educator with the University of Minnesota Extension. In this role, she works with produce growers, horticulture professionals, and gardeners to troubleshoot issues, as well as develop relevant, timely educational content and programming. She has experience working with specialty crop growers on insect, disease, nutritional, weed, food safety, and regulatory issues. Marissa grew up in Minnesota, holds a master's degree in entomology from Michigan State University (MSU), and previously served as a vegetable extension educator with MSU Extension.

Preserving Your Family Garden History

Marty Bergland

Master Gardener Emeritus

Save those wonderful gardening memories, stories, and experiences that come from growing the foods we eat to survive.  How did they become a part of your life, family and culture?  How were they chosen, grown, prepared, and saved?  To answer these questions we can use many resources such as photos, family, friends, books and related history organizations.  Also, we can preserve this information for others now and for future generations.  Other sources for obtaining needed information will be provided.  Please bring your own stories, ideas, and artifacts to share.

Marty is a lifelong gardener and has developed numerous gardening and related classes as a former Master Gardener (18 years).

She helped the Minnesota State Horticulture Society (MSHS) develop their Garden In A Box program and frequently presents gardening and pollinator classes for State Fairs, MSHS, Master Gardening events, and school/community programs. She currently works with a greenhouse in the spring and year-round with a local honey farm where she makes beeswax candles and other honey-related products.

Organic Lawn Care and Climate Change 

Bob Dahm

Owner of Organic Bob LLC

Do you wonder if your lawn has a negative effect on climate change? Have you always wanted to have an organic lawn, without those nasty chemicals and poisons, but didn’t know what to do? Learn from an expert, what lawns contribute to greenhouse gases and what your lawn needs. You will understand how to assess your lawn’s footprint, come up with a plan for renovation, maintenance, weed control and creating a low maintenance turf. You will leave with the resources, knowledge, and confidence to care for your lawn in a healthy and ecologically restorative way.

Bob Dahm, aka “Organic Bob”, is the son of a farmer and schoolteacher/soil conservation activist. Bob has a deep passion for regenerative agricultural and land care systems.

With 35 years of research and pioneering experience, Bob has a track record of proven success and is eager to share that experience and knowledge with other gardeners. His presentations are packed with information, resources, and fun! People leave his presentations with resources and the confidence to do their own projects.

Flowers for Beauty and Cutting

Robin Trott

Extension Educator, Douglas County

Join the floral fiesta with Robin as we dive into 'Flowers for Beauty and Cutting'! Get ready to turn your garden into a magical supply of irresistible beauty for your home. Robin's bringing the party to your vase with flowers boasting long stems that know how to keep the good times rolling! Discover the insider tips on which flowers are the real MVPs in tolerating those fabulous snips for your bouquets. Let’s not just talk petals; we're talking floral fragrance and hues that will make your home pop with color. Grab a seat and let's spill the secrets on making your home the ultimate hangout for these floral rockstars. Your garden's about to be the life of the party!"

Basics of Vegetable Disease Management 

Marissa Schuh

Extension Educator

Molds, blights, rots, and mildews -- the world of vegetable diseases is large and cryptic. This session will give you an intro to the things all vegetable disease, giving you a set of practices that can help prevent diseases in many crops.

Marissa Schuh is a horticulture Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Extension Educator with the University of Minnesota Extension. In this role, she works with produce growers, horticulture professionals, and gardeners to troubleshoot issues, as well as develop relevant, timely educational content and programming. She has experience working with specialty crop growers on insect, disease, nutritional, weed, food safety, and regulatory issues. Marissa grew up in Minnesota, holds a master's degree in entomology from Michigan State University (MSU), and previously served as a vegetable extension educator with MSU Extension.

Incorporating the Four Elements and Energy Flow into your Garden

Sarah Lindblom 

Solar Fresh Produce

Are you interested in flowing garden design that mimics the rules of the universe? Learn about how to create your own microcosm in your backyard by harnessing the power of the universe and its four elements. See how folklore and science intersect to create a tranquil and productive garden space. Discover tools and principles that you can use to gradually incorporate more thoughtfulness and harmony with nature into your garden.

Sarah Lindblom has gardened her whole life and has grown produce for almost a decade. After finding the benefits of planting herbs and flowers alongside her produce, a whole new world of gardening in an ecological way was opened up. Sarah takes inspiration from cooking and food, nature, and music. Currently Sarah is an Organic Certification Specialist with the Minnesota Crop Improvement Association and continues to grow produce for her roadside stand.  She is also a hobby bee and chicken keeper, and plays viola in the Buffalo Community Orchestra.

Understanding Soil Health and Climate Change

Bob Dahm

Owner of Organic Bob LLC

Every gardener knows that healthy soil is vital to a healthy lawn and garden, but did you know soil biology has a significant impact on climate change?

We will discuss soil health and many interesting concepts like: What role do weeds play? Are all composts equal? How do fertilizers and herbicides affect soil? What role does conventional agriculture play in climate change? 

Bob Dahm, aka “Organic Bob”, is the son of a farmer and schoolteacher/soil conservation activist. Bob has a deep passion for regenerative agricultural and land care systems.

With 35 years of research and pioneering experience, Bob has a track record of proven success and is eager to share that experience and knowledge with other gardeners. His presentations are packed with information, resources, and fun! People leave his presentations with resources and the confidence to do their own projects.