Let’s Get Growing is an event for home gardeners of all skill levels looking to learn more and have a great time. This event includes classes, a 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.
Please join us on Saturday, March 2, 2019 from 8AM – 2:30PM for Let’s Get Growing at the Rosemount Community Center. Admission is just $40 and includes interesting and informative classes on a wide variety of gardening topics, morning refreshments, silent auction, lunch and a chance to win door prizes too. Come to enjoy friendly people, a garden marketplace where you can peruse and purchase books, garden decor and more (cash and checks only please) and a spring-time atmosphere!
Event Agenda
8:00 Check-In & Refreshments
9:00 Welcome
9:30 Session I (Attend one of four classes)
Exciting New Shrubs and Perennials for Northern Gardens
Presented by: Debbie Lonnee, Bailey Nurseries
Bailey Nurseries Product Development Manager, Debbie Lonnee, states that 20 years ago there weren’t any plant “brands”. New brands have hit the market and many new hybrids are appearing every year. Which ones work best in our cold northern climate? Debbie will present the best of the newest woody shrubs and perennials that work in Zone 4 gardens.
Invasive Plants in our Landscapes
Presented by: Sally McNamara, Dakota County Master Gardener
Master Gardener Sally McNamara will share information and photos of 15 of our most invasive landscape plants including amur maple, garlic mustard, burdock and crown vetch. For each of these invasive plants, she will share information on why they are a problem for both homeowners and wildlife. She will make suggestions on eradication, and suggest possible alternative plants as replacements. Sally has worked both in her home landscape and on several Mendota Heights landscape projects involving invasive plants. She considers herself a “plant geek” and you may not find too much lawn in her yard.
Veggies for Small Spaces
Presented by: Theresa Mieseler, Consultant
Theresa Mieseler, herb grower and consultant from Shady Acres Herb Farm, will share a presentation on how to grow your own vegetables on your porch, patio or balcony. Learn where to order seeds suitable for small spaces, learn about containers to use, and how to plant, care for and harvest your favorite vegetables.
The Lazy Guide to Home Composting
Presented by: Jenny Kedward, Dakota County Environmental Specialist
New to composting or want to learn more? Dakota County Environmental Specialist Jenny Kedward will share the basics of home composting as well as what items you should not put into your backyard pile. She will explore different types of home composting set-ups with her audience and help them decide what is right for their yards. Composting is an easy way to reduce waste while improving the home yards and garden soils. It is easy to get started.
10:30 Break
Visit with other gardeners, shop the Garden Marketplace and get your questions answered at the Ask a MG table.
10:45 Session II (Attend one of four classes)
Fruits of the City
Presented by: Rebecca Koetter, Consultant
Do you need some ideas on species that can produce fruit in sun limited areas of your yard? Are you interested in growing your own fruit on plants that do not need a ladder? In this presentation, Rebecca Koetter will focus on fruit-producing plants that thrive in Minnesota, including cultivars of favorites such as blueberry and currant. In addition, learn about a few native woodland species that are delicious, edible, and possibly growing in a wooded area near you.
Do It Yourself Garden Design
Presented by: Elizabeth Spedaliere, Dakota County Master Gardener
Have you ever looked at a garden area and wondered where you should begin? Master Gardener Elizabeth Spedaliere will cover tips on how to create a beautiful and effective garden design. She will delve into the steps involved in measuring and creating the working design plan. This class will include the most important aspects of landscape design, including plant massing, layering, texture, season interest and color.
Beyond Basil, Rosemary, and Thyme: Unique and Unexpected Herbs
Presented by: Theresa Mieseler, Consultant
Are you ready to try new herbs in your garden? There are many less common herbs that bring exciting and unexpected flavors to dishes and drinks, and beauty to your garden. Theresa Mieseler will introduce you to herbs such as Cilantro mimics, Mrihani basil, Cat’s Whiskers, Mexican oregano, and also share growing tips. You will leave with a handout on growing tips, a recipe or two and a list of herb resources.
Is Your Landscape Connected?
Presented by: Sue Light and Cindy Johnson, Dakota County Master Gardeners
“Is Your Landscape Connected?” is a class about making the plant pollinator connections in your home landscape and the community. Your spaces can be made beautiful, educational, and entertaining by using the information Master Gardeners Cindy Johnson and Sue Light will share. Learn how local communities have put out the welcome mat for nature and how you can do the same thing in your own yard with ten eco-friendly tips. The session also includes a video excerpt from Dr. Douglas Tallamy, author of Bringing Nature Home.
11:45 Break
Visit with other gardeners, shop the Garden Marketplace and get your questions answered at the Ask a MG table.
Noon Lunch
Catered by Morning Glory Bakery Cafe in Rosemount, MN. Vegetarian and GF options are available.
1:00 Keynote Speaker
Native Plants of the Midwest
Presented by: Alan Branhagen, Director of Operations MN Landscape Arboretum
Alan’s presentation is based on his 2016 book by the same title, Native Plants of the Midwest. Alan states that he wrote the book as a practical resource that helps gardeners be successful in selecting, growing and maintaining Midwestern native plants. Alan states that there are widespread misunderstandings about how to define native plants and why they are so valuable to a healthy environment. These questions and more will be answered in the presentation. Books will be available for sale and signing.
Alan Branhagen is Director of Operations at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, where he supervises capital improvements, horticulture and natural resources, plant curation, facilities, and information technology. In addition to his book on native plants, Alan has written The Gardener’s Butterfly Book, plus articles for Fine Gardening, Landscape Maintenance and Restoration, and other gardening articles.
2:00 Silent Auction Winners
Don’t miss out! Silent auction winners will be announced. Must be present to win so stick around.
Registration
Event registration is now available online using eventbrite. Sign-up to get Master Gardener email updates and follow us on facebook. A complete list of sessions and speakers is available for download.
Many thanks to all of the area businesses and supporters of Let’s Get Growing for donating items for our door prizes and silent auction.