North Dakota State University (NDSU) is set to celebrate a significant milestone with the 20th anniversary of its Horticulture Research and Demonstration Gardens. An expansive event will take place on July 29, 2024, inviting the public to a vibrant day filled with flowers, educational workshops, and family-friendly activities, culminating in an evening of live music.
Located at the corner of 12th Avenue North and 18th Street in Fargo, the gardens have become a local landmark, known for their beauty and educational offerings. According to Esther McGinnis, an NDSU Extension Horticulturist, “We’ve been working hard to prepare the gardens, and they’ll be a feast for the eyes.” The gardens serve as a living classroom, promoting regionally adapted plants and sustainable gardening practices.
Among the notable attractions are the annual flower trials, the ornamental grass collection, and the Tanya Lita Chalimonczyk Memorial Perennial Garden. The highlight, however, is the Historic Daylily Display Garden, which boasts the largest public collection of daylily cultivars in the United States.
Event Highlights and Schedule
The anniversary celebration will feature two main segments: indoor workshops and outdoor festivities. The indoor portion will kick off at the NDSU Peltier Complex from 13:30 to 16:00. Attendees can participate in free gardening workshops, with topics such as “50 Tips to Make Us All Better Gardeners” presented by Don Kinzler, NDSU Cass County Extension horticulturist. Other sessions include “Evolution of the NDSU Gardens: Past, Present and Future” by Barbara Laschkewitsch and “What’s Special About Daylilies?” by McGinnis.
While registration is required for the indoor workshops due to limited space, the outdoor activities, which begin at 16:00, are open to all. A special announcement will be made at 16:15, followed by walking tours of the gardens scheduled for 16:30 and 18:45.
A light meal will be available under a tent at 17:00, while supplies last. At 17:30, McGinnis will lead an interactive demonstration titled “Grow Your Best Annual Flowers Ever.” New this year, educational booths for both adults and children will be set up throughout the garden, covering topics like emerald ash borer, pollinator conservation, and weed identification.
Children will also enjoy a sheep petting zoo, organized by the NDSU Sheep Unit from 16:00 to 18:00. This collaboration allows the gardens to benefit from composted manure, enhancing soil quality for flower beds.
Extension Master Gardeners will accept donations of fresh produce and canned goods to support the Fargo Emergency Food Pantry. The evening will conclude with live performances by the Ryne Ortez Trio at 18:15 and 19:15, showcasing a local jazz ensemble.
Join the Celebration
This anniversary celebration promises something for everyone, whether you are an experienced gardener, a curious novice, or simply seeking an enjoyable evening outdoors. The NDSU gardens exemplify community engagement, environmental stewardship, and the joy of gardening.
For a detailed schedule of events and to register for the indoor workshops, visit the NDSU website at https://www.ndsu.edu/agriculture/plant-sciences/research/horticulture-research-demonstration/20years. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to celebrate two decades of horticultural excellence!
