The University of Minnesota Extension is excited to bring back their Winter Garden College workshop series in six counties across the state in early 2026. Winter Garden College is a two-hour deep dive into backyard garden and small-scale farming topics. This course is split into two 30-minute presentations along with a 45-minute hands-on session, and costs $20 to attend.
The first presentation will show you how to create a restorative habitat that supports biodiversity in your own yard. Discover why native plants are vital for pollinators, birds, and other wildlife, and how to
combine them with cultivated plants for beauty and resilience. We’ll cover keystone species, ecosystem services, and the important role private landscapes play in reversing habitat loss. By the end, you’ll have practical strategies to design a thriving space where all living things can coexist and contribute to a healthier environment at home.
As native plant species have become more popular, cultivated native species, or nativars have started to present in local nurseries. Learn the difference between natives, cultivars, and nativars in this section of the night. Can nativars still support local ecosystems? Learn more about using native and cultivated plants together to create a space where all living things can thrive.
Many native perennials require physical disturbance or a natural dormancy period with cold temperatures to germinate. This activity portion will illustrate seed scarification and stratification while also giving participants a hands-on learning experience through winter sowing. Each person will prepare and plant a milk jug greenhouse with a choice of native perennials, annual flowers, and vegetables to take home, giving them a practical start to winter sowing.
The workshops will be held at these locations:
Thursday, January 8 – Fergus Falls, 5-7 pm
M State Fergus Falls, 1414 College Way, Fergus Falls, MN 56537
Thursday, January 15 – Moorhead, 5-7 pm
Clay County Family Service Center, 715 11th St N, Moorhead, MN 56560
Thursday, January 22 – Park Rapids, 5-7 pm
Hubbard County Government Center, 301 Court Avenue, Park Rapids, MN 56470, Board Room #324
Tuesday, February 10 – Buffalo, 6-8 pm
Wright County Government Center, 3650 Braddock Ave NE, Buffalo, MN 55313, Room 1103
Thursday, February 12 – Waite Park, 6-8 pm
Stearns County Service Center, 3301 Co Rd 138, Waite Park, MN 56387
Thursday, March 5 – Alexandria, 6-8 pm
Douglas County Public Works, 526 Willow Dr, Alexandria, MN 56308, Room 526
This event is $20 to attend, and advance registration is requested. More information and registration can be found at z.umn.edu/WGC2026.
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