Hennepin County Master Gardeners

Nuts and Bolts of Food Preservation
2021-03-10 18:00 - 19:30 (America/Menominee)
Nuts and Bolts of Food Preservation
The Nuts and Bolts of Food Preservation is an introductory class designed to provide participants with research-based knowledge and scientific resources on the basics of food preservation. This class is presented as an overview of the various food preservation methods and is guided by specific learning objectives, with a focus on safety.
Participants will learn about the proper equipment, procedures and storage methods for boiling water canning, pressure canning, jelly/jam making, pickling, fermenting and drying techniques. This class is brought to you by Hennepin County Master Gardener Volunteer Food Preservation Consultants from the University of MN Extension. Please join us!

Growing Connections - Tropical Plants
2021-03-11 10:00 - 11:30
Growing Connections – Tropical Plants
Join us for a virtual vacation — and forget the sunscreen! We’ll bring exotic beauty right into your living room with visions of vibrant orchids and other amazing tropical plants that flourish indoors, right here in Minnesota.
Growing Connections is a free gardening program created exclusively for people living with early dementia, and for their care partners, offered by Hennepin County Master Gardeners in partnership with the Alzheimer’s Association. This class will be held via Zoom.
To learn more about Growing Connections and how to register, please contact the Alzheimer’s Association Help Line at 1-800-272-3900.

Nature Heals
2021-03-11 19:00 - 20:00
Nature Heals
The biophilia hypothesis describes how humans are innately linked to nature and other forms of life. Gardeners know this feeling from how they approach the garden and why they are drawn towards working with plants. We will explore where this intrinsic draw came from through the science behind humans and nature. And we finish with how to use nature, and gardening to improve health and well-being.

Growing Connections - Walking Outdoors in Nature
2021-03-16 10:00 - 11:30, 2021-03-18 10:00 - 11:30
Growing Connections – Walking Outdoors in Nature
Outdoor walks in the fresh air can be uplifting, healing, or simply fun. Make them even more enjoyable by learning how to see the many surprises and gifts of nature along the way.
Growing Connections is a free gardening program created exclusively for people living with early dementia, and for their care partners, offered by Hennepin County Master Gardeners in partnership with the Alzheimer’s Association. This class will be held via Zoom.
To learn more about Growing Connections and how to register, please contact the Alzheimer’s Association Help Line at 1-800-272-3900.

Growing Connections - The Language of Flowers
2021-03-23 10:00 - 11:30, 2021-03-25 10:00 - 11:30
Growing Connections – The Language of Flowers
Over the centuries, and especially during Victorian times, people have used flowers to symbolically communicate certain emotions, attributes, and sentiments. For example, sweet basil signaled good wishes; a pink carnation said “I’ll never forget you”; a blue hyacinth stood for constancy. Come learn how to “speak flower” with the Master Gardeners.
Growing Connections is a free gardening program created exclusively for people living with early dementia, and for their care partners, offered by Hennepin County Master Gardeners in partnership with the Alzheimer’s Association. This class will be held via Zoom.
To learn more about Growing Connections and how to register, please contact the Alzheimer’s Association Help Line at 1-800-272-3900.

Planting for Pollinators
2021-03-23 18:30 - 19:30
Planting for Pollinators
Want to create beautiful and healthy pollinator habitats in your community and your own backyard? Dive into the science of pollination—learn the types of plants and flowers that attract pollinators, how to identify the pollinators you’re likely to see in your neighborhood and why pollinators are so critical to our planet’s health. You’ll leave this presentation empowered and inspired to create pollinator-friendly habitats in your community.
See event website for registration details and costs.

Perennial Gardening Basics
2021-03-23 18:30 - 20:00
Perennial Gardening Basics
Perennial plants – those that come back every year – are the backbone of most flower gardens. Learn the lifespan and bloom time of these plants, how to group them according to their needs, and how to choose plants for a long season of color and interest. A review of common perennials will be provided, along with on desired growing conditions and best practices.

Growing Connections - Birds in Our Backyard
2021-03-30 10:00 - 11:30, 2021-04-01 10:00 - 11:30
Growing Connections – Birds in Our Backyard
Spring is the time to be on the lookout for our feathered friends: birds returning, birds nesting, and birds singing up a storm! Get to know our Minnesota birds, and learn how they help our gardens grow.
Growing Connections is a free gardening program created exclusively for people living with early dementia, and for their care partners, offered by Hennepin County Master Gardeners in partnership with the Alzheimer’s Association. This class will be held via Zoom.
To learn more about Growing Connections and how to register, please contact the Alzheimer’s Association Help Line at 1-800-272-3900.

Evolving Garden
2021-04-01 18:00 - 19:30
Evolving Garden
Change in the garden is inevitable-but environmental and personal events trigger the desire or need for more change. Learn creative responses and practices to implement that require low maintenance, yet create beautiful and functional gardens.

Growing Container Vegetables
2021-04-06 19:00 - 20:00
Growing Container Vegetables
A “How To” guide to Growing Vegetables in Containers.
Whether you are challenged by lack of garden space, or want vegetables within an easy reach, most food plants can be grown in containers as easily as decorative plants. Learn about the benefits and best practices of growing vegetables and other food plants in containers instead of planting them in the ground.

Edible Gardening
2021-04-08 18:30 - 19:30
Edible Gardening
Edible gardening is a growing trend that provides a feast for the eyes and the palate. Discover the benefits of integrating edibles with ornamental plants and learn how to care for and incorporate these beautiful and tasty plants into just about anywhere in your landscape.
See event website for registration details and costs.

Gardening in Containers and Raised Beds
2021-04-10 10:00 - 12:00
Gardening in Containers and Raised Beds
The use of raised beds and containers makes planting, maintaining and harvesting easier for all ages and abilities, but we wonder how to best do this with limited space and sunlight. This container and raised bed gardening presentation will focus on creating the best soils, watering techniques, using trellises, and successive planting. Make the dream of homegrown a reality.

Perennial Gardening Basics
2021-04-19 18:00 - 19:30
Perennial Gardening Basics
Perennial plants – those that come back every year – are the backbone of most flower gardens. Learn the lifespan and bloom time of these plants, how to group them according to their needs and how to choose plants for a long season of color and interest. A review of common perennials will be provided, along with desired growing conditions and best practices.
See event website for registration details and costs.

Perennial Gardening Beyond the Basics
2021-04-26 18:00 - 19:30
Perennial Gardening Beyond the Basics
Make the most of your existing perennial garden by reviewing plant care basics, pest control and dividing techniques. Learn how to choose the right perennial to add to your garden, get tips on choosing your style, and be inspired by ideas on how to refresh, renovate and rejuvenate a mature garden.
See event website for registration details and costs.

Vegetable Gardening: The Easy and Not so Easy
2021-05-04 18:00 - 20:00
Vegetable Gardening: The Easy and Not so Easy
Eat your vegetables, organic of course, homegrown is best: these are all recurring themes from today’s nutritionists and doctors. Learn techniques to grow in cool and warm seasons, maximizing small spaces, best use of sunlight, managing disease and critters as well as harvesting and preserving. Focus will be on 6 easy and 6 maybe not so easy vegetables. Plan to expand your vegetable table this season.

Perennial Shade Gardening
2021-05-10 18:00 - 19:30
Perennial Shade Gardening
Got shade? Learn techniques and best practices for growing perennials in shady places. You’ll be surprised at the variety of shade loving options available to Minnesota gardeners. You’ll also discover there’s more to shade gardening than planting hostas— though we like them too!
See event website for registration details and costs.

Growing, Harvesting and Enjoying Herbs
2021-05-25 18:00 - 19:30
Growing, Harvesting and Enjoying Herbs
Take the mystery out of growing, harvesting and storing herbs. Learn how these easy-to-grow plants can be used in landscaping for variety, pollination, cooking, decorating, and more!

Growing Vegetables in Containers: A How-To Guide
2021-06-01 18:30 - 19:30
Growing Vegetables in Containers: A How-To Guide
Whether you are challenged by lack of garden space, or want vegetables within an easy reach, most food plants can be grown in containers as easily as decorative plants. Learn about the benefits and best practices of growing vegetables and other food plants in containers instead of planting them in the ground.
See event website for registration details and costs.

Nuts and Bolts of Food Preservation
2021-06-17 18:00 - 19:30
Nuts and Bolts of Food Preservation
Gain an understanding of the various food preservation methods in this class designed to provide research-based knowledge and scientific resources on the basics. Learn about the proper equipment, procedures and storage methods for boiling water canning, pressure canning, jelly/jam making, pickling, fermenting and drying techniques.

Perennial Beyond the Basics
2021-06-23 18:30 - 19:30
Perennial Beyond the Basics
Make the most of your existing perennial garden by reviewing plant care basics, pest control, and dividing techniques. Learn how choose the right perennial to add to your garden, get tips on choosing your style, and be inspired by ideas on how to refresh, renovate and rejuvenate a mature garden.

Backyard Composting
2021-07-13 18:30 - 19:30
Backyard Composting
Learn the basics of backyard composting and how the practice can help your gardens while reducing household waste. Dig into the biology of compost, get tips on setting up a composting system, how to use the finished compost in your garden, and how to maintain your system though Minnesota winters.

Caring for Your Houseplants
2021-08-11 18:30 - 19:30
Caring for Your Houseplants
Learn the basics of houseplant care and how water, soil, and light affect their health and growth. Special focus will be giving on selecting and caring for plants in various conditions such as low- light, medium-light, low-humidity, etc. Handouts include a plant list and an article about insect control.

Growing Connections: Fairy Gardens (Growing Connections is for people with early-stage dementia and their care partners.)
2021-08-30 10:00 - 12:00, 2021-08-31 10:00 - 12:00 | Hopkins Activity Center, 33 14th Ave N, Hopkins, MN, 55343
Growing Connections: Fairy Gardens (Growing Connections is for people with early-stage dementia and their care partners.)
Create your own tiny land of enchantment in an indoor container. You can enjoy it year-round — no weeding required! All supplies are provided; just bring your imagination.
Growing Connections is a free gardening program created exclusively for people living with early dementia, and for their care partners, offered by Hennepin County Master Gardeners in partnership with the Alzheimer’s Association.
For more information and to register, contact the Alzheimer’s Association Help Line at 800.272.3900.
Please register early to reserve your spot.

Growing Connections Tour: Organic Gardens in Orono (Growing Connections is for people with early-stage dementia and their care partners.)
2021-09-13 10:00 - 12:00, 2021-09-14 10:00 - 12:00
Growing Connections Tour: Organic Gardens in Orono (Growing Connections is for people with early-stage dementia and their care partners.)
We’ll visit the organic gardens of a Hennepin County Master Gardener and learn how she works her magic with the soil on her homestead west of the Twin Cities. Get ready to be wowed by over 200 varieties of flowers, fruits and vegetables, all started from seed.
Growing Connections is a free gardening program created exclusively for people living with early dementia, and for their care partners, offered by Hennepin County Master Gardeners in partnership with the Alzheimer’s Association.
For more information and to register, contact the Alzheimer’s Association Help Line at 800.272.3900.
Please register early to reserve your spot.

Growing Connections: Preserving Food (Growing Connections is for people with early-stage dementia and their care partners.)
2021-09-20 10:00 - 12:00 | Hopkins Activity Center, 33 14th Ave N, Hopkins, MN, 55343
Growing Connections: Preserving Food (Growing Connections is for people with early-stage dementia and their care partners.)
Learn about the various methods of food preservation: canning, fermenting, pickling, drying and freezing. You’ll also make your own delicious refrigerator/freezer jam to take home.
Growing Connections is a free gardening program created exclusively for people living with early dementia, and for their care partners, offered by Hennepin County Master Gardeners in partnership with the Alzheimer’s Association.
For more information and to register, contact the Alzheimer’s Association Help Line at 800.272.3900.
Please register early to reserve your spot.
