Master Gardener event offers opportunity to learn and explore

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In years past the University of Minnesota has held an open house in August at its Master Gardener Research and Display Gardens at UMore Park. The university decided not to hold the event this year and so the Dakota County Master Gardeners, who usually participated in the open house, decided to plan an educational event as a way to reach out to the public.

Super Tuesday in the Garden will take place from 5 to 8 p.m. July 31. Master gardener Julie Harris, the chair of the group, said the event is not meant to replace the open house but to offer an educational opportunity to the public.

The evening event will be held at the Dakota County Master Gardener Research and Display Gardens. The property holds more than 30 gardens developed and cared for by the volunteer master gardeners in partnership with extension faculty and educators. The gardens include vegetables, fruits, flowers, roses and more.

To engage as many people as possible Harris said they will offer presentations on a variety of topics for everyone in the family. Topics will include how to grow healthy fruits and vegetables; plants that attract birds, bees and butterflies; and hands-on activities for kids to learn about gardening and more. Additionally, retired University of Minnesota Extension horticulturist Bob Mugaas will give a special presentation on weed control and prevention.

“We hope people will come out, learn and see the beautiful gardens,” said Harris.

Fellow master gardener Celia Scheel said they are sad to lose the opportunities the open house offered but hope to put on a good event that will educate the public.

“We are going to focus on garden education,” said Scheel.

The research gardens are located on UMore Park, at 1605 West 160th Street in Rosemount. The gardens are located one mile east of the intersection of County Road 46 and Highway 3. The event is free and open to everyone. Hot dogs and lemonade will be available for purchase.

For more information about this event and other Dakota County Master Gardeners project visit blog.lib.umn.edu/mgweb/dakota.

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