The Minnesota State Horticultural Society's Minnesota Green Program began in 1988 and has been serving the greening efforts of thousands of volunteer gardeners throughout the state. Minnesota Green promotes community greening as a means to strengthening neighborhoods through activities that connect people and plants.
Minnesota Green is open to anyone interested in community gardening. We are proud to offer:
- Plant Donation Network for public spaces only
- Community Gardening Links Networking and Resource Opportunities:
- Statewide Awards Program recognizing individuals and organizations who have made outstanding contributions to greening efforts in public gardens and community projects
- Complimentary copies are available upon request of the handbook: Creating Community Gardens: A Handbook for Planning and Creating Community Gardens to Beautify and Enhance Cities and Towns.
- Technical Assistance and Referral
Registration form: .doc file | .pdf file
For more information regarding Minnesota Green contact:
Vicky Vogels
651.643.3601 or 800.676.6747, ext. 211
St. Paul Union Gospel Mission
The St. Paul Union Gospel Mission is a Christian organization that gives food, clothing and shelter to the poor and homeless. The group’s mission is to change peoples’ lives by providing their clients with education, a welcoming surroundings, and assistance in finding employment. The UGM’s goal is to create a pleasant and supportive environment for clients through the beautification of their multiple locations.
In 2003, the Union Gospel Mission’s Garden Club began the task of creating gardens at their facilities. Today, they have a garden club of over thirty members who maintain them, and gardening has become a wonderfully rehabilitating activity for these individuals. Their efforts have resulted in display gardens of spectacular lushness, and whether the UGM’s clients are working in the garden or simply experiencing its beauty, all are able to enjoy the therapeutic benefits of gardening.
Last year, the UGM received nearly $4,000 worth of donated plant material through the MN Green Program. With the donation, they were able to complete projects at their Men’s Campus, Snail Lake Camp and Recovery Center, Ober Club Campus, and Naomi Family Residence and Headquarters. Next year they plan to expand the flower gardens on their campuses and add vegetable gardens and fruit trees, as well as assist several churches in their neighborhood with both vegetable and flower gardens. John Tatge, Managing Director of UGM, says that “The assistance that we received from the MN Green Program was phenomenal, and it allowed us to expand our mission.”
For more information on the St. Paul Union Gospel Mission, visit: http://gardenclubspugm.blogspot.com.
Photo caption: The entrance garden at the Snail Lake Camp; all plant material was received through MN Green.
For more information on starting a community garden, download GardenWorks’ Community Garden Start-Up Guide: http://www.gardeningmatters.org/Resources/startupguide.pdf
You may also pick up the MN Green “Creating Community Gardens: A Handbook for Planning and Creating Community Gardens to Beautify and Enhance Cities and Towns” at the Minnesota State Horticultural Society, 2705 Lincoln Drive, Roseville, MN 55113. 651-643-3601 / 800-676-6747.
