advertisement
Thank you for an Incredible 2026 Spring Garden Gala
On behalf of everyone at MHS, thank you for helping make the 2026 Spring Garden Gala our biggest and most impactful Gala yet.
Together, more than 430 gardeners, plant lovers, sponsors, volunteers, and supporters gathered to celebrate 160 years of growing community through horticulture.
Thanks to your generosity, the event raised more than $113,000 in support of MHS programs, including Garden-in-a-Box, youth and community gardening initiatives, educational programming, and horticultural outreach across Minnesota.
This year’s Gala was filled with beautiful plants, meaningful stories, inspiring presentations, and an incredible sense of community. We are deeply grateful to everyone who attended, volunteered, donated, bid in the auctions, sponsored the event, and helped bring the day to life.
EVENT HIGHLIGHTS
- Over $113,000 raised to support MHS programs and initiatives
- More than 430 attendees
- $33,000+ raised during the Petal Raise
- Strong participation in the silent and live auctions
- Inspiring Garden-in-a-Box stories from youth and community participants
- Presentations featuring exciting new plant introductions and gardening trends
SPONSOR RECOGNITION
Thank you to our generous sponsors, donors, plant partners, and community supporters who helped make this event possible.
BLOSSOMED SPONSORS
BLooming Sponsors
BUDDING Sponsors
SPECIAL THANKS TO:
- Our volunteers and Gala committee
- Community partners and plant and auction donors
- Our emcees, Leah McLean and Larry Pfarr
- Minnesota State Fair
- Lake Elmo Inn Catering
- Big Events AV
- Everyone who helped create such a welcoming and beautiful experience
PHOTO GALLERY
All photos courtesy of Riedel Photography
STAY INVOLVED!
Thank you for helping us continue a 160-year legacy of growing gardeners, healthy communities, and a greener Minnesota.
We can’t wait to celebrate with you again next year.
This year’s Gala is dedicated to Judy MacManus
Judy MacManus
Executive Committee
Friends of MSHS
Growing up on a farm in southern MN, Judy experienced the joys of gardening at a young age and grew to understand the importance of stewardship of the land. This background carried forward into her adult life and manifested in her love of gardening and concern for the environment.
An MSHS member for 25+ years, Judy was also a member of the Garden Club of Ramsey County and the St. Paul Garden Club. She earned a degree in art at the College of St. Benedict and pursued a career in advertising, marketing and design. Judy was the chair of the Spring Garden Gala committee for many years and led many of its positive changes. Her last days were spent working on this year’s location change and presentation.
She is missed dearly.
Support our mission
Help us provide access to expert resources and support community programs for all cold-climate gardeners.
Get inspired to garden
Join 25,000+ northern gardeners receiving our bimonthly Garden Journal e-newsletter packed with cold-climate tips.