Our most highly anticipated event of the year... you won't want to miss this!
Date: Thursday, July 31, 2025 / 4 PM—8 PM
Location: WCROC Horticulture Display Garden/ 46352 State Hwy. 329, Morris, MN 56267
Cost: Free to Attend! Free will donations accepted
Activities: Food booths, vendor and educational booths, keynote presentation, live music, WCROC Horticulture Display Garden tours, WCROC Farm tours, Renewable Energy demonstration
Presentations made possible by the Edna Johnson Garden Education Fund.
Keynote presentation by Andrew Gapinski (5:30pm)
Executive Director of the University of Minnesota Landscape Arboretum
"The Work and Importance of University-based Public Gardens"
Andrew leads the University of Minnesota Landscape Arboretum ("the Arb") located in Chaska, MN including more than 200 full-time, part-time, and seasonal employees in the care and programming across the Arb's 1,200-acre landscape. Andrew was selected as the Arb's Executive Director in 2023. He works collaboratively to create and implement a long-term vision and strategic plan for the Arb, including for the Horticultural Research Center (HRC), home of the UN's cold-hardy plant breeding research for more than 100 years. The HRC has led to innovations including the Honeycrisp apple and 160 other plant cultivars for northern climates. Having spent his full career in public gardens, Andrew's past positions have included work at the Arnold Arboretum at Harvard University, the Arboretum at Penn State, and the Morton Arboretum. He earned his horticulture degrees from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and University of Delaware.
Presentation by Dr. Matthew Clark (4pm)
University of Minnesota Associate Professor in the Department of Horticultural Science and Director of Research at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum
"Apple Breeding, for Minnesota and Beyond"
Matt Clark is a professor in the Department of Horticultural Science where his research group focuses on two main areas--developing new cultivars of hardy fruit and understanding the genetics of important traits to increase breeding efficiencies. For example, his lab has studied genetic resistance to insect and fungal pests as well as the genetics of flavor in apples and grapes. Dr. Clark also teaches different classes which can include Plant Propagation and Fruit Production.
Presentation by Dr. Kristine Lang (4pm and 6pm)
South Dakota State University Assistant Professor in the Department of Agronomy, Horticulture, and Plant Science and Extension Consumer Horticulture Specialist
"How to Build a Tomato: The Basics of Grafting Vegetables"
Join Kristine to learn about her experiences with grafting tomatoes for Midwest gardens and farms. You'll understand the "why" and the "how" of vegetable grafting including techniques for the highest success rate. A hands-on demonstration of tomato grafting will give you a better idea of how to build your own tomatoes in the future!
Dr. Kristine Lang is a South Dakota State University Assistant Professor and Extension Consumer Horticulture Specialist based in Brookings, SD. She holds a Ph.D in Horticulture and Sustainable Agriculture from Iowa State University, where her research focused on sustainable vegetable production. Her horticulture career has included working in private-sector, university, and nonprofit organizations across four Midwestern States. Dr. Lang currently collaborates with South Dakota farmers, gardeners, and organizations to conduct research and outreach on Northern Plains high tunnel management, suitable cut flowers and bedding plants for South Dakota, and integration of cover crops and tillage reduction practices for vegetable production. She enjoys exploring new gardens and wild places across the state, working with Master Gardener volunteers, and talking about plants with whoever will listen!
Presentation by Dr. Miriam Gieske (5pm and 7pm)
University of Minnesota Morris Assistant Professor in the Department of Biology
"The Ground Beneath Our Feet: Life in the Soil"
Miriam Gieske grew up digging in the dirt in Central Minnesota. Her love of the outdoors led her to get a master's degree in agronomy and a Ph.D in ecology, evolution, and behavior from the University of Minnesota. She currently teaches biology at the University of Minnesota Morris, where she enjoys gardening and doing research on beneficial soil microbes with students.
Presentation by Dr. Margaret Kuchenreuther (5pm and 7pm)
University of Minnesota Morris Associate Professor Emerita of Biology from the Division of Science and Mathematics
"Restoring Native Prairie Plants for Pollinator Habitat"
Come explore the Garden's recent prairie restoration! Gathering initially at the Pomme de Terre Overlook, we will take a short hike through the restoration, discussing how to choose and establish native plants in order to create a diverse and resilient landscape for pollinators. We'll identify plant species currently in bloom and look to see who is visiting them while discussing the progress of the restoration and some of the management challenges involved. Bring your questions about native plants and pollinators!
Margaret Kuchenreuther is a retired member of the Biology faculty of the University of Minnesota Morris. She spent her careet studying prairie restoration and management, and teaching students about the ecology of the region.
Presentation by Jean's the Right Plant Place (4pm and 6pm)
"Our Favorite Perennials"
Got sun? Got shade? Got more space for perennials? Join us for a lively discussion of some of our favorites!
With more than 1,300 different varieties, Jean’s strives to be the regional destination for perennials. We carry more than 300 varieties of hostas, 150 varieties of day lilies and a huge selection of all types of perennials – some that you’ve only seen in catalogues! Our staff has many years of education and experience in all things gardening – with expert advice on planting, growing and designing your perfect yard and garden. We have lots of gardening events throughout the year, and we look forward to your gardening questions.
Schedule of Events:
Registration (4pm-8pm)
Register for Horticulture Night* to enter to win a Yeti® cooler! Please register with your name and email. Your email information will be used for future communication related to the Horticulture Display Garden and future Horticulture Nights. We do not share your information with third parties. *Registration after 7pm will not be entered to win.
Walking History Tour of the Horticulture Display Garden (4pm and 7pm)
Join Emily Moore, the Director of Horticultural Research, on a walking tour of the WCROC Horticulture Display Garden. Beginning at the shaded Picnic area, the tour will travel through the All-American Selection Display Garden. Learn about the history of the garden! Tour approximately 45 minutes.
WCROC Farm Tour (5pm and 7pm)
Join WCROC workers on a guided tour of the WCROC farm. Beginning South of the Registration booth, see the dairy and swine barns and learn about ongoing research! The tour will be seated on a trailer pulled by the Monarch, the WCROC electric trailer. Tour approximately 45 minutes.
Drawing for a Yeti® Cooler (7pm, during live music)
Join us at the keynote presentation location for a drawing to win a Yeti® cooler! Must be present to win. Enter to win at the Registration booth before 6pm.
Live Music by the Tri State Band (6:30pm)
Enjoy live music performed by the Tri State Band! A local group of musicians, the Tri State Band has been performing at Horticulture Night for over 10 years. Located near the Picnic area.
Food Trucks (4-8pm)
Purchase food from a variety of local food vendors including Old No. 1 Bar & Grill (located by the vendors) and Curb Side Treats and Mini Waska Donuts (located near the Children's Garden).
Educational Booths and Vendors (4pm-8pm)
Visit vendor and educational booths to learn about local horticulture! Located near the Children's Garden. Vendors include the WCROC Horticulture pop-up shop (all proceeds to support the Horticulture Display Garden), Prairie Renaissance Cultural Alliance (PRCA), Melton Greenhouses, Stevens Soil & Water Conservation District (Stevens SWCD), Jean's the Right Plant Place, and Morning Sky Greenery.
Vote for Your Favorite Annual (4pm-8pm)
Wander the nearly four acres of the Horticulture Display Garden and choose your favorite annual! Voting will take place at the Registration booth. The winner will be announced in our Fall/Winter newsletter. This information will also be included in the end of season report sent to the breeding companies. Each eligible annual plant is labeled.