Horticulture Night
Thursday, July 30, 2026 | Morris, Minnesota
Spend a Summer Evening in Full Bloom at Horticulture Night
Colorful gardens, expert tips, food trucks, live music and family-friendly fun come together for one beautiful night at the WCROC Horticulture Display Gardens.
If your idea of a perfect summer evening includes fresh air, bright blooms and discovering something new, clear your calendar for Thursday, July 30.
For one evening each summer, the University of Minnesota West Central Research and Outreach Center opens its beautiful Horticulture Display Gardens for Horticulture Night, a free community event filled with garden tours, expert presentations, live demonstrations, vendors, food trucks, live music and activities for kids.
Whether you’re an experienced gardener, a backyard beginner, a family looking for something different to do, or simply someone who loves a good summer road trip, this event is worth the drive to Morris.
Event Details
Event: Horticulture Night 2026
Date: Thursday, July 30, 2026
Time: 4-8 p.m.
Location: WCROC Horticulture Display Gardens, 46352 State Hwy. 329, Morris, MN
Admission: Free. Free-will donations are appreciated.
Registration: No registration required.
A Garden Party With Plenty to Explore
Horticulture Night is more than a chance to admire flowers, though there will be plenty of those. Visitors can stroll through vibrant display gardens, explore new plant varieties, ask questions, listen to live music and pick up practical ideas to bring home.
Come for the garden inspiration. Stay for the food trucks, demonstrations, music and relaxed summer atmosphere.
Bringing the Kids?
Families are welcome at Horticulture Night, and there will be activities designed with kids in mind. It’s a great way to get children outside, let them explore the gardens and introduce them to plants, pollinators and nature in a hands-on setting.
Kids can enjoy the garden atmosphere, family-friendly activities and the chance to see, smell and experience the gardens up close. Parents can also grab dinner from a food truck and make the evening feel easy, casual and fun.
Event Schedule
Plan your evening around the presentations, demonstrations and garden experiences that interest you most. From organic vegetables to perennials, pollinators and cut flowers, there’s something blooming all night long.
4 p.m. | Jean’s the Right Plant Place
Topic: Perennials
Learn more about perennials and gather ideas for adding lasting color, texture and beauty to your landscape.
4 p.m. | Fruit Grafting Demonstration
See fruit grafting in action and learn more about how this technique is used to grow and care for fruit trees.
4:15 p.m. | Dr. Mary Rogers
Topic: Organic Vegetable Gardening That Works
Dr. Rogers will share practical, research-backed strategies for organic vegetable gardening, from healthier soil to stronger harvests.
5 p.m. | Stevens County Master Gardeners
Topic: Ask Your Gardening Questions
Bring your plant questions and connect with local Master Gardeners for practical advice throughout the evening.
5:15 p.m. | Diane Blazek
Topic: Trials to Triumph: Discovering the Best of the Best for 2026 and Beyond
As Executive Director of All-America Selections and the National Garden Bureau, Diane will highlight exciting flower and vegetable varieties tested for outstanding garden performance.
6 p.m. | Jean’s the Right Plant Place
Topic: Perennials
Catch another opportunity to learn about perennials and how they can bring long-lasting beauty to your garden and landscape.
6 p.m. | Fruit Grafting Demonstration
Missed the first demo? Stop by at 6 p.m. for another look at fruit grafting and how it works.
7 p.m. | Stevens County Master Gardeners
Topic: Ask Your Gardening Questions
Wrap up the evening with another chance to ask questions, get tips and talk through your gardening challenges.
7 p.m. | Cut Flower Arrangement Demonstration
Watch a cut flower arrangement demonstration and pick up inspiration for bringing garden beauty indoors.
Presentation times are subject to change.
More to Explore Throughout the Evening
The presentations are just part of the experience. Throughout Horticulture Night, you'll also have opportunities to meet experts, discover new ideas and enjoy hands-on demonstrations happening around the gardens. Times for the following activities will be announced at the event.
Conservation Ecology with Dr. Stuart Wagenius
Time: TBD
Discover how native prairie plants and pollinators work together to support healthy ecosystems. Dr. Stuart Wagenius, founder of the Echinacea Project, will share fascinating research on biodiversity, habitat restoration and the important role native plants play in our changing environment. Whether you're passionate about conservation or simply curious about the natural world, this is a presentation you won't want to miss.
Guided Garden Tour with Alisha Asleson
Time: Throughout the evening
Join Alisha Asleson for a guided walk through the display gardens highlighting standout annuals, exciting new plant varieties and top-performing flowers to watch for in Minnesota landscapes. It's a great opportunity to see what's thriving and gather inspiration for your own garden.
Seed Paper Demonstration with Frederick Burke
Time: TBD
See creativity and sustainability come together during this unique demonstration from Frederick Burke of Rederick Art. Learn how handcrafted, plantable seed paper is created using recycled materials and native seeds, then discover how artwork can bloom into flowers long after you take it home.
Stay & Explore Morris
Horticulture Night runs from 4-8 p.m. on a Thursday, which makes it easy to turn your visit into a relaxed little getaway. Come early, stay overnight or make Morris your home base for a few days of small-town exploring.
Find a Place to Stay
Make the evening easier by booking a local stay and enjoying Morris without rushing home after the event.
Where to StayGrab a Bite
Before you head to the gardens, enjoy lunch, coffee or dinner at one of Morris’ local restaurants, cafés or bars.
Eat & DrinkExplore Before the Event
Arrive early and take in more of Morris, from parks and shopping to local attractions and outdoor stops.
Things to DoSee What Else Is Happening
Planning a longer visit? Check the local events calendar and see what else is happening while you’re in town.
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