2016 is a big year for MSHS! This year marks the 150th anniversary of the founding of the Minnesota Horticultural Society, and we will be celebrating all year long.

Minnesota had been a state less than 10 years in 1866 when fruit growers from around the state met at the Minnesota State Fair, held in Rochester, to form an association to share information and encouragement for those trying to grow apples and other fruits. Two years later, the group expand- ed its mission to all forms of horticulture and changed its name to the Minnesota Horticultural Society. In 1873,  the association began to publish the minutes of its meetings—the beginning of what would become Northern Gardener magazine, now the longest, continuously published magazine in Minnesota, and the only homegrown garden magazine for our area.

To celebrate such remarkable longevity and adaptability, MSHS has several events planned. Our Spring Garden Gala, scheduled for April 1, will be a great kickoff to the year’s events. We will have new features in Northern Gardener, including a great column on Minnesota heritage plants and a profile of the people who helped MSHS grow. We’re calling that one Legends of MSHS. Another event for all our readers and supporters is being planned for the fall. We’ll be sharing details on that in the magazine and on our website and blog as the time approaches.

We hope readers enjoy these historical features and will have a chance to attend some of our anniversary events. MSHS could not have persevered150 years without the dedication and commitment of northern gardeners.