As we close the book on 2024, the Minnesota Horticultural Society (MSHS) invites you to celebrate with us a year of transformative growth, impactful programs and deep community connection. Together with you—our donors, volunteers, and supporters—we’ve cultivated not just gardens but resilience, wellness and hope for the future. Our 2024 summary showcases this inspiring growth and key highlights from the year, celebrating progress, impact, and what’s to come!

This year, Northern Gardener magazine continued to inspire and educate gardeners across USDA Hardiness Zones 3, 4 and 5. Reaching over 28,000 readers across 39 states (plus Canada and Israel!), the magazine continued providing trusted advice, creative DIY projects and features celebrating the art and science of cold-climate gardening. Available in print and digital formats, Northern Gardener remains a beloved resource for growing knowledge and community.

Our community outreach programs also flourished in 2024

• Garden-in-a-Box (GIAB) distributed 953 garden kits to organizations statewide, empowering more than 12,000 participants to grow fresh food, cultivate wellness, and strengthen community bonds.
• Minnesota Green rescued tens of thousands of plants and seed packets from landfills, redistributing them to community gardens across Minnesota. These plants enriched green spaces, encouraged biodiversity and brought beauty and joy to neighborhoods.

MSHS made significant strides in preparing the Northern Gardener Resource Hub for an even more impactful 2025. Behind the scenes, we’ve been hard at work planning, designing and building a foundation to provide gardeners with practical tools and guidance tailored to cold-climate challenges. While expanded offerings are planned for next year, the hub already features accessible gardening guides and resources that continue to foster connections between people, soil and communities.

Looking ahead to 2025

This year, we are excited to:

• Expand GIAB to serve even more communities.
• Enhance the Resource Hub with on-demand videos, interactive tools and user-focused resources.
• Deepen partnerships with schools, community organizations and volunteers to strengthen the network of gardeners who grow for good.

You make it all possible

Our progress this year wouldn’t have been possible without the generosity of many donors. Your support has fueled our mission to cultivate a thriving horticultural community.

We invite you to view our 2024 Honor Roll of Donors, where we recognize and celebrate those who have made an impact. Your contributions have truly helped us grow together.

To the hundreds of volunteers who have given their time and talents, thank you for being the heart of MSHS. From rescuing plants to supporting our events, your work has touched countless lives. Please visit our 2024 Honor Roll of Volunteers to see the incredible individuals who have helped make this year a success.

Want to dive deeper? Check out our 2024 Impact Report to see how your support has helped create lasting change in communities across Minnesota and beyond.

Together, we have proven that gardening is about more than plants—it’s about growth, connection and hope. Thank you for being a part of our journey. Here’s to an even brighter 2025!

Warmly,
Lara Lau-Schommer
Executive Director, Minnesota Horticultural Society