McLeod County Garden Magic

The McLeod County Extension Master Gardeners are excited to offer their annual gardening education event, Garden Magic. This educational program will be held on Tuesday, April 14, at the Crow River Golf Club in Hutchinson. Gardening enthusiasts will gather to learn about “Hostas from Miniatures to Giants” and “Top Ten Peony Questions”. The first session will be presented by Jennifer Knutson. Knutson is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Madison and an active member of the Minnesota State Horticultural Society, North Star Lily Society and Minnesota Hosta Society. Her presentation, “Hostas from Miniatures to Giants”, will explore the remarkable diversity of hostas - from tiny miniatures to towering giants - covering care, colors, textures, and landscape placement to help gardeners of all experience levels design with these versatile shade perennials. The second session will be presented by Becky Swenson. Swenson and her husband operate Swenson Gardens in Howard Lake, where they grow over 15,000 peony plants in a multitude of varieties. Swenson Gardens is one of the world's largest chemical-free peony farms and ships thousands of bare-root peonies to gardeners across the United States and internationally every fall. Her presentation, “Top Ten Peony Questions”, will address the most common inquiries about growing and caring for peonies and offer a glimpse into the next generation of these beloved plants - encouraging gardeners to think beyond traditional pinks, reds, and whites. The cost of the event is $35 if you register by April 4, and at-the-door registration is $40. Registration included access to speakers, vendors, materials, door prizes, and a meal prepared by the Crow River Golf Club. Extreme weather note: We will post on our Facebook page and send out an email if the event is cancelled.