Every year the Master Gardeners in Dakota County share their knowledge of research-based horticultural and environmental information by hosting classes and events. Most events occur in spring, summer and fall. There’s something for everyone. Visit our Event Calendar often for the latest dates, times and fees. For more information, call 651-480-7700 or join our mailing list. Here are some of our annual community events:
Let’s Get Growing is an event for home gardeners of all skill levels looking to learn more and have a good time. This event includes classes, keynote speaker, lunch, silent auction and a chance to win door prizes too. Classes are taught by U of M Master Gardeners as well as horticulture professionals.
Spring Plant Sale Get beautiful, hardy Minnesota grown plants at a great price and benefit the Master Gardener program of Dakota County too.
Tuesday Evenings in the Garden is a series of classes on popular gardening topics presented on selected Tuesday evenings and held on the Dakota County Fairgrounds. These educational and entertaining classes feature topical gardening classes in a beautiful outdoor environment.
Plant Diagnostic Clinics – Master Gardeners host diagnostic clinics and information booths at public sites during the growing season to help provide citizens with research-based solutions to their lawn and garden problems. Bring us your weed, a vegetable ornament plant, or a sample, for identification and control recommendations. Insect samples in containers are welcome too!
Classes and Workshops – If there is a gardening topic chances are there is a Dakota County Master Gardening speaking about it somewhere. Classes are offered throughout the year at a variety of locations throughout the county.
Farmers Markets – Friendly Master Gardeners ready to answer your toughest gardening questions can be found at Farmers Markets in Lakeville, Farmington, Eagan, Burnsville, and Apple Valley. Look for our table at area market starting in June through September. A complete listing of dates, location and times can be found on our Event Calendar.
Dakota County Fair – Master Gardeners host an Ask a Master Gardener booth at the Fair every year. They also provide presentations on a variety of interesting topics. The Children’s Garden is a kid friendly gardening experience. We’ll be at the Fair again in 2017, see you August 7 – 14th.
Trinity Healing Garden and Labyrinth – Join Master Gardeners with presentations at the Trinity Healing Garden and Labyrinth at 340 213 St. West, Farmington. Each presentation begins at 6:30 p.m. and will be held outdoors in the healing garden or indoors if the weather does not cooperate.
The Trinity Healing Garden is a public garden with emphasis on health and wellness with good gardening practices. A meditative labyrinth was added to a 20 year-old garden which has undergone a major redesign and restoration, thanks to the involvement of the Dakota County Master Gardeners. For more information about the Healing Garden, see the Trinity Garden website.
Vegetable Trials/Community Gardens – Master Gardeners participate in comparison vegetable trials and then share their results with you on this website. This year we cooperated in a state-wide trial to look at attractiveness of annual; flowers to various pollinators. Data was collected each week for eight weeks and will be compiled into a report. We are hoping that the information will help gardeners choose flowers that will improve habitat for pollinators.
Valley Natural Foods – Dakota County Master Gardeners partner with Valley Natural Foods in Burnsville (3750 County Road 11, 952-891-1212) to offer a wide range of interactive classes. We leave plenty of time to answer your questions! Look for a new schedule at Valley Natural Foods.
Habitat for Humanity – Our creative Master Gardeners provide valuable advice to new homeowners about the plants that will not only make their new yards beautiful but which plants will thrive in our Minnesota climate.
Junior Master Gardeners – Master Gardeners conduct a variety of fun and educational programs for all ages. Through the JMG program, kids experience the joys of gardening and a healthier lifestyle. In 2013, we collaborated with the Eagan YMCA on this important project. The goals of the program align with the mission of the Y in promoting healthy living and fighting obesity. It’s a great opportunity for youth ages 8-13 to learn about gardening from the experts and experience the excitement of harvesting and eating the vegetables they grow throughout the summer. If you would like to collaborate with the Master Gardeners on a JMG program, please contact us.
School Programs – The Master Gardener program has a long history of working with various schools on providing horticultural-related information, often in hands-on classes, to kids. These classes are wonderful opportunities to instill a lifelong appreciation of the environment and the value of gardening to all of us. Contact us if you would like to have a Master Gardener work with your group.
Therapeutic Programs – Gardening can be a therapeutic activity for many people. The Master Gardeners in Dakota County are involved in programs that serve the elderly and developmentally challenged through gardening. Contact us if you would like to have a Master Gardener work with your group.