Keynote Presentation by Diane Blazek, Executive Director of All-America Selections and the National Garden Bureau

"Trials to Triumph: Discovering the "Best of the Best" for 2026 and Beyond"

Why settle for "maybe" when you can plant a plant with proven garden performance? In this engaging presentation, Diane Blazek, Executive Director, explores the world of All-America Selections—the non-profit organization dedicated to identifying the highest-performing plants for North American gardens. Discover how new flowers and vegetables are trialed in diverse climates by independent experts. Diane will showcase the newest AAS Winners, explaining the unique traits—from disease resistance to flavor—that earned them their titles and how these "worry-free" plants can transform any garden.

Volunteers (especially "junior gardeners") are needed to assist with Diane's presentation!

From the rich soil of her Missouri family farm upbringing to the colorful green spaces of her suburban lot, Diane Blazek's passion for horticulture and agriculture has been a lifelong journey. As the Executive Director of the National Garden Bureau, she channels this deep-seated enthusiasm into leading all their programs, including the esteemed All-America Selections (AAS) trialing program. Following 15 years as President and Publisher of Ball Publishing, Diane found her true calling in her current role (since 2010), where she enjoys fostering a love for gardening among consumers. Her leadership is driving an exciting era of growth for both NGB and AAS, marked by the development of creative and forward-thinking programs designed to engage consumers, empower garden communicators, enrich public gardens, and support industry professionals.

Presentation by Dr. Mary Rogers, UMN Department of Horticultural Science

"Organic Vegetable Gardening That Works: Practical Strategies for Healthier Plants, Fewer Pests, and Better Harvests"

Mary Rogers is an Associate Professor of Sustainable & Organic Horticultural Food Production Systems in the Department of Horticultural Science at the University of Minnesota. A horticultural entomologist, Mary's research focuses on integrated pest management, plant‐insect interactions and biological and environmental strategies to manage invasive insect species and improve the production of vegetables and fruit for organic and local markets in the upper Midwest. 

Presentation by Jean's the Right Plant Place

"Perennials"

Jean's is back by popular demand! 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.

Presentation by Stevens County Master Gardeners

"Ask Us About Gardening"

The University of Minnesota Extension Master Gardener volunteer program started in 1977 with its first class of 25 people. Since then it has grown to include more than 3,100 active master gardeners who share U of M horticultural expertise in almost every county of the State of Minnesota.

The mission of the University of Minnesota Extension Master Gardener volunteer program is to share research-based horticultural knowledge and practices, cultivate diverse collaborations, support project-based volunteer activities and inspire change to promote healthy people, healthy communities and a healthy planet.

Presentation by Dr. Stuart Wagenius

Conservation Ecologist

Stuart Wagenius is a conservation scientist with over 25 years of experience. Stuart founded and leads the Echinacea Project, a research group using cutting-edge science to preserve biodiversity in prairie landscapes. Recent findings show how important prescribed prairie fires are for plants and pollinators and how seed sources affect habitat restorations. Stuart develops evidence-based solutions to help people and nature thrive in our rapidly changing environment. He has mentored scores of future land managers, scientists, and educators.

Garden Tour by Alisha Asleson

Top Performing Annuals and Plants to Look Out For

Alisha is the Plant Connection Sales Manager for BFG and works with growers and greenhouses in a five-state region. She earned a Master of Education from the UMN Duluth in 2015 and a Bachelor of Science degree in horticulture from UMN Crookston in 2012. She is a Minnesota Landscape and Nursery Association (MNLA) certified professional and a University of Minnesota Extension Master Gardener. She is member of Greenhouse Product News Forty under 40 Class of 2025. She resides in Wendell, Minn. with her husband and son.

Fruit Grafting Demonstration by Frank Forcella and Dave Vaske

Frank Forcella is a scientist whose research interests bridge a variety of topics. Recent works include pollinator visitation on oilseed pennycress, crop rotations, and use of camelina as animal feed. Frank's personal interests lie in growing unique plants including grafting!

Dave Vaske is a co-owner of Miltona Greenhouse in Parkers Prairie, MN. Miltona Greenhouse offers an extensive selection of plants and trees. Check out our spring and fall classes and workshops. Come out and walk through our five greenhouses and nursery. We can help you with your landscape, garden and houseplant needs. 

Flower Arranging Demonstration

Randee Hokanson, Stevens County Master Gardener

More information coming soon!

Seed Paper Demonstration by Frederick Burke

Owner of Rederick Art

Founded by a STEM educator and conservationist, we blend artisan craftsmanship with ecology. We create 100% handmade, plantable paper products from recycled materials, infused with nutrient-rich compost tea and region-specific native seeds. We design, manufacture, and package all of our products in North Dakota, USA. Toss the plastic, plant the art, and watch your landscape bloom.

Children's Garden Activity by Krista Duncan, Stevens County 4-H Summer Intern

"Gardening in a Glove"

Hello! My name is Krista Duncan, and I am the 2026 Stevens County Summer Intern. I grew up in Hodges 4-H club and was actively involved in Stevens County 4-H, where I participated in horse bowl, hippology, horse judging, and showing horses, sheep, and dairy. Since graduating from Hancock High School, I have been a student at the University of Minnesota Crookston, where I am majoring in animal science and minoring in agriculture business.

Gardening in a Glove is a hands on gardening activity where we'll put together a way to easily start seeds from home! Choose from a variety of easy-to-grow plants, place them in a glove with a cotton ball, and bring them home to watch your flowers grow! 

All supplies provided by 4-H and the WCROC Horticulture program. 

Schedule at a Glance*

Come back soon for a complete schedule of times!

*Schedule subject to change