Arboretum Magazine Winter 2025

MAGAZINE ARBORETUM

ON THE COVER

A

WINTER 2025, VOL. 44, NO. 4

Elise Bremer Editor

Brenda Drake Lesch

Art Director

Andrew Gapinski Executive Director

Matthew Clark, Ph.D. Director of Research

Rachelle Crosby Director of Facilities & Project Management

Timothy S. Kenny Director of Education

Jared Rubinstein Director of Horticulture & Collections

David Senior Director of Business & Finance

Susan Taylor, Ph.D. Director of Advancement

Tom Lany Senior Marketing & Communications Manager

Kathy Persian President, Arboretum Foundation

Arboretum Magazine is published by the University of Minnesota Landscape Arboretum. The Arboretum is part of the College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences (CFANS) at the University of Minnesota. The magazine is a benefit of Arboretum membership. To request a copy of this publication in an alternate or digital format, please call 612-301-1257.

© 2025 Regents of the University of Minnesota. All rights reserved. The University of Minnesota is an equal opportunity educator and employer.

arb.umn.edu 612-624-2200

arbpr@umn.edu

Arboretum Magazine is printed on paper containing 100% sustainable recycled fiber.

Winter is a time of quiet beauty at the Arboretum, and my favorite season to explore the trails. The landscape reveals its true character in the winter, when the rolling topography of the land becomes more visible, and the structures of trees, hidden by leaves during the growing season, are on full display.

It’s also a perfect time to explore the Arboretum’s nationally accredited Pine Collection, when snow dusts the evergreen branches of pines from around the globe. You can read about the history and importance of this collection — which includes about 17% of the global species diversity of the genus Pinus — on the next page.

In addition to this important collection and conservation work, the Arboretum continues to build on its legacy of cold-climate plant research, which began more than a century ago with apple breeding at the Horticultural Research Center (HRC). Today, researchers continue to develop apples and other cold-hardy fruit introductions, including 13 wine and table grape varieties since the grape breeding program began in the 1980s.

On page 10, Professor Soon Li Teh, head of the Grape Breeding and Enology Program, writes about the yearly winter wine evaluations at the HRC. Each February, the team gathers to evaluate wines made from grapes in the breeding program to determine which varieties will go on to become the next Marquette or Itasca, grown in vineyards across the state and beyond.

This winter, we’re also looking to the future as we share the Arboretum’s 2025-2030 strategic plan. This roadmap will guide our work for the next five years as we move forward, together as a community, ensuring the Arboretum continues to be a place of horticultural excellence, inspirational learning and groundbreaking research for generations to come. You can find the Arboretum’s new strategic plan on our website at arb.umn.edu/strategicplan

Thank you for your support. I hope you enjoy this season of beauty at the Arboretum.

Andrew Gapinski

The Arboretum’s Pine Collection includes pines from across the globe, including this Japanese red pine (Pinus densiflora), alongside native species.

A LIVING MUSEUM

The Pine Collection conserves species from around the world while adapting to the future

When we think of museums, we often think of art, natural history and artifacts. At the heart of a museum’s identity lies a duty to collect, conserve, research, exhibit and act as a platform to engage and educate the public. How does an arboretum fit into this description?

Simply put, an arboretum is a living museum of trees. Like a traditional museum, the Arboretum’s horticulture, collections and research staff work to acquire and care for the living trees. Education staff invite visitors to explore the plants, trees and collections to learn about horticulture, botany, taxonomy, climate change and more. At the University of Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, the Pine Collection is a jewel in our living museum, conserving pines from around the world, while inviting visitors to explore the natural world among their evergreen branches.

The Pine Collection is one of two Nationally Accredited Plant Collections™ at the Arboretum recognized by the American Public Gardens Association’s Plant Collections Network. The collection, which was accredited in 2012, boasts 20 unique species that represent nativity from North America, Asia, Europe and Africa. Within this collection, visitors can find more than 250 specimens on display.

The current Pine Collection is located off of ThreeMile Drive and Walk, but before the Snyder Building was constructed in 1974, the Pine Collection used to stretch from the Herb Gardens through the Dwarf Conifer Collection. Keen-eyed visitors can even find some remnants of this collection in the Scots, Jack and Macedonian pines located due

south of the current Herb Gardens. The Arboretum’s records indicate that the first pines added to the current collection were planted in the early 1960s, with roughly 60% of the living collections planted in the 1960s and 1970s, meaning they are around 50 to 65 years old.

WHY PINES?

Minnesota is known for its long winters, typically lasting around five months. Pines, which are conifers, are known for their evergreen foliage, or needles. Along with many other conifers, pines help add year-round interest to the landscape. The various forms, heights, bark color and needle color add visual contrast to an often “barren” landscape in the height of winter. Plant breeding and selection have led to an even more diverse selection of cultivated pines, which can also be found within the collection.

Minnesota certainly isn’t a global hotspot for pine species richness. While North America contains the highest diversity of pine species, much of that diversity is concentrated in Mexico. Recent studies have found that numerous ecological variables drive global distribution and pine species diversity; however, warm and somewhat dry habitats appear to be where they thrive and evolve at higher rates. Despite their ecological preferences, to this date, the Arboretum has been successful in growing roughly 17% of the global species diversity of the genus Pinus. This conservation of diversity allows the institution to act as a repository or germplasm bank for cold-climateadapted pine species.

FUTURE OF THE PINE COLLECTION

Considering how important tree preservation is for an arboretum and the strong impact that climatic conditions have on tree health, the current and future climate outlook are at the forefront of decision making when it comes to selecting and caring for the specimens in the Pine Collection. In the relatively short period of time since the Arboretum was established in 1958, the climate has already shifted. Today, the Arboretum experiences overall warmer temperatures, in addition to more erratic and severe weather events, such as prolonged droughts, strong wind storms and hail events, as well as more intense periods of precipitation. This trend is predicted to continue to intensify into the future, and these challenges inform decisions about what types of trees we grow as well as the care they require.

A collection of non-living specimens

An herbarium is a collection of pressed and dried plants used for long-term preservation of specimens. Collections can be used for hundreds of years with proper storage and pressing methods. The University of Minnesota Landscape Arboretum Herbarium houses about 5,000 specimens, including 700 from the genus Pinus. Typically, all parts of the pressed and dried plants are mounted on paper. Pines are different, however, as cones are generally too large for this storage method. Large cones are not pressed, but still dried, and stored separately from other plant material.

Matching the right plant to the right place is a key theme among best practices in landscape horticulture. As a leading authority in landscape horticulture with a historic goal of showcasing the best plants for landscape use in the Upper Midwest, the Arboretum’s curators and horticulturists incorporate plants suited to our region’s conditions into the living collections. In some cases, the Curatorial Team is testing the limits of plant performance, while in others, we are simply choosing plants that represent the best of the best for our region. When it comes to conservation or the added challenges associated with a changing climate, the Pine Collection sometimes needs a little help. Many of the collection’s pines grow on the grounds without the need for additional care. Others may be susceptible to biotic stresses, such as Diplodia tip blight or pine sawflies, requiring occasional support. But all plants can be challenged by extreme weather events. In addition to the care provided by the Arboretum’s plant health specialists, our arborists will often work on our pines, either in response to storm damage or to help prevent major failures in the future by carefully pruning to encourage and maintain healthy growth.

The various forms, heights, bark color and needle color of pines add year-round visual interest to the landscape and are especially valuable in the winter months when other trees have shed their leaves.

As climatic conditions continue to shift, and the Arboretum works to maintain the pines we have, the Curatorial Team will continue to expand the Pine Collection with new specimens of old standbys and with new trial trees that widen the diversity of the collection. Come sun or snow, the Pine Collection will continue to shine as the jewel of the Arboretum’s collections for many years to come, providing not only a respite for visitors but a living exhibit to educate and inspire.

Visit the Pine Collection this winter to explore pines from around the globe among the pristine beauty of the Arboretum’s winter landscape. The Pine Collection can be reached from Three-Mile Drive and Walk and can be accessed from parking lots near the Dahlia Trial Garden and Ornamental Grass Collection.

Common pests and pathogens of pines in Minnesota

Pines are susceptible to many threats including pests and pathogens. Climate change can exacerbate these threats through warmer winters which allow for stronger rates of survival and reproduction. Changes in weather patterns, such as prolonged droughts or heat stress, can weaken pines’ natural defenses which allow them to fight off certain pests and pathogens.

The University of Minnesota Extension offers resources on how to manage these pests and pathogens through cultural, mechanical and chemical controls. Learn more at extension.umn.edu/yard-and-garden.

Pathogens (diseases)

• Diplodia Tip Blight

• Pine Needle Rust

• White Pine Blister Rust Pests

(insects)

• Pine Bark Needles

• White Pine Weevil

• Pine Sawflies

by Natalia Ungashick

TIP: Choose a theme for your container and select materials and accents that complement that theme. For a more modern look, try birch poles as a bold accent to evergreens. For a more rustic feel, use earth tones, incorporate lots of texture and add natural elements from your garden.

Behind the Design

Creating the Arboretum’s winter containers with Horticulturist Duane Otto

Go behind the scenes with Horticulturist

Duane Otto to discover how he, along with horticulture staff and volunteers, brings the Arboretum’s winter containers to life each season. Follow these tips for creating your own nature-inspired design at home.

1. Start With the Right Foundation Otto recommends reusing the soil remaining in containers from the summer as a base for winter planters. Stems of evergreens and branches can be inserted into the existing soil; just be sure to assemble your winter containers before the soil inside freezes.

2. Think About Form

Horticulturist

Follow the “thriller, filler, spiller” formula commonly used when designing summer planters to help choose materials for your container. “Thrillers” add height or a bold accent, “fillers” make up the bulk of the design and “spillers” drape over the edge of the container, softening the design. For scale, Otto notes that the

tallest piece should be approximately one and a half times the height of the container, creating a balanced and visually pleasing arrangement.

3. Source Your Materials

One of the best ways to create a unique and personal winter container is to use plant material from your garden. If you’re lucky enough to have evergreen trees or shrubs in your yard, trim branches from them to form the base of your design. You can also buy spruce tops and other evergreens such as pine, Douglas fir and cedar at your local garden center.

Accents can also be found in your landscape, including branches, pinecones or dried flower heads. Shrubs such as dogwood — known for their striking winter color — make a perfect accent in winter containers.

Otto recommends making fresh cuts on all evergreens and accents before inserting them into the soil and watering the container well until the soil freezes.

Dick McFarland in the Pillsbury Shade Tree Exhibit, where a tribute bench, tree and chair honor the memories of his late grandson and wife.

A Place They Trust

Jeff Iseminger l Contributing Writer

One day, you might be walking through the Arboretum’s Pillsbury Shade Tree Exhibit, and see a gentleman sitting pensively on a bench. That man is Dick McFarland, and he’s sitting there for a very good reason: It’s a tribute bench he created in memory of his grandson Alex, who died suddenly from an asthma attack at age 20 in 2019.

McFarland, even at age 95, goes there often “to talk with Alex,” he said. He was very close to Alex, so the tribute bench, as well as a nearby tribute tree, are ways he can honor his memory.

Not only that, he and his family can now sit in a new tribute chair, also in the Shade Tree Exhibit, in honor of his late wife, Joyce McFarland, who died in 2022 after 66 years of marriage. (Joyce’s mother, Marjorie Howard, was a University of Minnesota regent for 18 years.)

These tributes are but recent examples of decades-long Arboretum support from the McFarlands. Dick’s latest gift was to the Arboretum’s land-acquisition program, in honor of Joyce. “The Arboretum does wonderful things with our donations,” he said. “They’re great stewards.”

His family concurs: “It’s a place we trust,” said Cathy

McLane, one of Dick’s daughters. His children also include Stacey Stahl and Jim and David McFarland. Dick began his career in 1953 with Kalman & Co., a Minneapolis-based brokerage and investment firm. By 1976, he was president and chief executive officer. “I loved talking to people and helping them be smart investors,” said McFarland with a smile.

In retirement, he’s been supporting people of a different age in a completely different way — helping kids read. For the past five years, he has been a “grandfriend” reading tutor at Deephaven Elementary School. “How they learn affects what they do with their lives,” said McFarland, who received a Minnetonka School District volunteer award in 2025.

“Dad really connects with kids,” said McLane. “He’s a master affirmer.” That was crystal-clear when the kids helped him celebrate his 95th birthday with a birthday cake in class.

All of which makes what the Arboretum did after McFarland’s land-acquisition gift so supremely sweet: Naming the Pea Pods Garden behind the Marion Andrus Learning Center in memory of his wife, Joyce.

Apple Experience Building a Better

Before 1868, apples didn’t grow in Minnesota.

Many early homesteaders in the region tried in vain to develop cold-hardy apples that could withstand the region’s bitterly cold winters and sweltering summers. In 1853, amateur horticulturist Peter Gideon arrived in Minnesota to establish a farmstead on the shores of Lake Minnetonka and immediately set about developing an apple that would thrive in the region.

It wasn’t until 1868 that Gideon finally found success in a tasty, cold-hardy apple he called Wealthy, after his wife. The apple and its popularity spread across the Midwest, kicking off a new era of horticultural research and fruit breeding in the region — and at the University of Minnesota.

From those early beginnings, state-wide support for apple breeding increased, and in 1908, research began at the University of Minnesota Fruit Breeding Farm, the site of today’s Horticultural Research Center (HRC) and AppleHouse.

For decades, the Arboretum’s AppleHouse has been a public space where Minnesotans can buy locally grown apples, celebrate the harvest season and connect with the University’s apple breeding and research.

(Left) The new Betty’s Apple House will include dedicated space for retail, a cafe and creamery, interpretive exhibits and classrooms.

(Opposite) A gently sloping lawn in front of Betty’s Apple House will host seasonal events and displays including the Arboretumgrown pumpkins, squash and gourds sold at the Apple House in the fall.

Renderings by MVVA

Now, as a part of the expansive Building a Better Arboretum project, the Arboretum is reimagining the AppleHouse experience with a new apple house slated to open in 2027 that will bring the University’s legacy of fruit breeding research to the forefront with new educational exhibits and learning spaces.

Named in honor of longtime Arboretum supporter Betty MacMillan, the new Betty’s Apple House will be more than just a market — it will be a place to learn, taste and connect with Minnesota’s rich agricultural heritage.

A “NEW” HOME OF THE HONEYCRISP

Betty’s Apple House will be located within the Arboretum’s main footprint near the Farm at the Arb — just down the road from its existing location at the HRC — making it easier than ever before for visitors to pick up bags of their favorite locally grown University of Minnesota apple varieties. The new location strengthens the connection to both agricultural education at the Farm and key research orchards in the surrounding area utilized by the HRC for apple breeding.

Visitors will access Betty’s Apple House — which will remain

free and open to the public — via a new entry at the Farm at the Arb on 82nd Street. A scenic drive will bring visitors through the undulating landscape past woodlands and meadows to the entrance of Betty’s Apple House and on to the parking area.

A PLACE TO LEARN, CONNECT AND SHOP

The new Betty’s Apple House will have nearly triple the square footage of the current space, providing dedicated zones for retail, a cafe and creamery, apple sorting and processing, an immersive learning lobby, and indoor and outdoor classrooms.

In the new, expanded retail space, shoppers will find locally grown apples, gourmet gifts and seasonal staples such as apple pies and strudels alongside meat and dairy products from the University’s College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences (CFANS). Nestled within the retail area, an outpost of the Arboretum’s restaurant — Rootstock — will serve up cafe favorites in addition to CFANS ice cream, highlighting the college’s agricultural research.

SCIENCE YOU CAN TASTE

Education has always been an integral part of the experience at the AppleHouse. Each fall, more than 2,500 elementary-age field trip students visit to learn how scientists are working to develop better apple trees for Minnesota.

At Betty’s Apple House, education and research will inform every aspect of the visitor experience, with new exhibits and

learning spaces planned to give students and visitors a front row seat to the fascinating science behind apple breeding — and a glimpse into the history of the University’s research.

Outside Betty’s Apple House, apple orchards will invite visitors to explore and learn how trees are grown in research and commercial orchards. Greeting visitors as they enter the new building, a learning lobby featuring educational interpretive displays and exhibits will connect shoppers to the science of fruit breeding and give them a behind-the-scenes look into how apples are processed. Viewing windows into the apple sorting room will allow visitors to see how Betty’s Apple House staff grade and hand-sort apples, filling bags of locally grown apples for retail.

While education will permeate every aspect of the visitor experience at Betty’s Apple House, the new facility will transform the popular, annual apple field trip program enjoyed by thousands of young learners each season. With the dedicated indoor and outdoor classroom space, up to three school groups at a time will be able to visit and participate in hands-on, science-focused exploration of apple breeding, ensuring that future generations of gardeners, scientists and nature lovers have a place to grow.

To learn more about the Arboretum’s plans for Betty’s Apple House and the Building a Better Arboretum project, visit arb.umn.edu/betterarboretum

VINETOWINE

Evaluating the next generation of cold-hardy wine grapes

Soon Li Teh l Assistant Professor, Grape Breeding & Enology

While “wine” and “grape” may not be the first words you associate with Minnesota, the state is no stranger to grape breeding. The University of Minnesota has been developing cold-hardy wine grapes since the Grape Breeding and Enology Project was established in the mid-1980s. In 1996, the program introduced Frontenac, a productive red wine grape that quickly became the backbone of the state’s emerging wine industry. Since then, the University has released a portfolio of cold-hardy, high-quality wine grape cultivars, including:

• La Crescent: a white released in 2002

• Frontenac gris: a white released in 2003

• Marquette: a red released in 2006

• Itasca: a white released in 2017

• Clarion: a white released in 2022

These cultivars offer cold-climate growers new options for producing distinctive, locally adapted wines, and are now

grown in commercial vineyards across the region. At the Horticultural Research Center, researchers are continually growing and evaluating grapes that might become the next cold-hardy cultivar from the University of Minnesota to arrive in Minnesota vineyards. A crucial step in the evaluation process comes in the dead of winter.

WHEN THE VINES REST AND THE CREW LABORS

While grapevines lie dormant in the snow, it’s quite the opposite for the grape breeding crew. In midwinter, the team gathers in the winery room to evaluate experimental wines that no one, not even the winemaker, knows the identity of. Drew Horton, Enology Specialist and Winemaker for the breeding project, transforms grapes harvested in the fall into experimental wines, each made from carefully labeled batches of breeding program selections. By February, the wines are ready for what is arguably the most important step in the breeding process: wine evaluation.

For about 10 weeks, the team meets weekly to taste and rate roughly 75 wines. Commercial cultivars are included as benchmarks to assess how new selections compare and to monitor the impact of seasonal variation. The first hour of each session is conducted in silence as each team member records their impressions of aroma, flavor, acidity, finish and overall quality. In the second half, scores are revealed and compared, sparking conversation about each wine’s qualities and characteristics. The discussion also weaves in viticultural aspects of the vines, including growth habit, disease resistance and cold hardiness.

The results of these winter tastings shape the year ahead, determining which vines advance in the breeding pipeline and which are cut. This is where years of vineyard work converge in the glass, and decisions are made that will shape the next generation of cold-hardy grapes.

THE BREEDING JOURNEY

The road to these winter tastings often begins years earlier. Each June, controlled crosses are made between parent vines that combine desirable traits such as cold hardiness, disease resistance and outstanding fruit quality. By fall, seeds from these crosses are harvested, and in winter, they are germinated in the greenhouse.

As seedlings grow, the team collects young leaves for DNA testing to identify and remove those susceptible to key diseases or pests, saving time and vineyard space that would otherwise be spent on unpromising plants. The selected candidates are planted in research vineyards, where they’ll spend several years undergoing initial field evaluation.

Early in the fruit-bearing years, the breeding crew tastes

grapes right in the vineyard. If the vines show promise, the fruit is harvested and made into small batches of wine, a process known as microvinification. These wines enter the same evaluation process that, years later, could see them advance to the elite stage.

FROM ADVANCED TO ELITE, AND BEYOND

Selections that consistently score well and exhibit strong vineyard performance move from advanced to elite status. At this point, collaboration with growers becomes crucial. Local industry partners volunteer to trial elite selections under commercial conditions, typically planting at least 20 vines of each variety. The University’s breeding program also participates in NE2220, a multi-state project which tests grape cultivars, selections and clones in diverse climates. Only after years of multi-location, multi-season performance will a grape cultivar be released by the University of Minnesota, joining predecessors such as Frontenac, La Crescent, Marquette, Itasca and Clarion. Breeding a new wine grape takes time, attention to detail, determination and a hint of luck. The work plays out across 12 acres of research vineyards, 12,000 vines and takes more than 15 years from first cross to release. Yet each winter wine evaluation brings the future into focus — one sip at a time.

To learn more about grape releases from the University of Minnesota, visit mnhardy.umn.edu/ grapes/varieties.

Growing Knowledge, Cultivating Community

ProHort offers flexible online horticulture education

Jamie Spanks l Master Gardener Volunteer Program Specialist

The University of Minnesota Landscape Arboretum has long been a place of connection between people and plants. The stunning gardens, outstanding horticultural collections and natural areas may be the first things that come to mind. The Arboretum is also a living classroom, a hub for discovery and a place where people and plants connect in meaningful ways.

The Arboretum’s mission is shared with the University of Minnesota Extension, and together they bring horticultural knowledge to communities across the state. One of Extension’s flagship efforts is the Master Gardener Volunteer Program, headquartered at the Arboretum. With more than 3,800 volunteers statewide, this program empowers individuals to share sciencebased gardening practices and a love of plants in their local communities. In 2024, volunteers contributed nearly 200,000 hours in support of plants and horticulture in Minnesota.

But what if you’re eager to learn, yet unable to commit to the volunteer hours? That’s where ProHort comes in.

HORTICULTURE EDUCATION WITHOUT THE VOLUNTEER REQUIREMENT

ProHort, presented by the Arboretum in collaboration with Extension, offers the same rigorous training as the Master Gardener curriculum, but with added flexibility and no volunteer commitment.

It’s ideal for:

• Landscape professionals seeking credentials

• Educators bringing gardening into the classroom

• Homeowners transforming their yards into ecosystems

• Curious minds wanting to understand the soil beneath their feet

Equivalent to the time commitment of a threecredit college course, the Horticulture Core Course curriculum is used by Master Gardener volunteers and ProHort students. This deep dive into the science of plants is tailored for passionate learners. The Horticulture Core Course curriculum was designed by University of Minnesota and Extension faculty and staff, who regularly review the curriculum and materials for relevance and ongoing accuracy.

CONVERSATIONS IN A HORTICULTURAL COMMUNITY

Starting in January, ProHort participants and Master Gardener interns from across Minnesota gather virtually for “Plant Talk Tuesdays,” a series of expertled sessions that run through May. These evenings are filled with insights, inspiration and community. One popular guest is Extension Educator Jon Trappe, who specializes in horticulture, turf

Topics range from growing fruits and vegetables in Minnesota to caring for indoor plants and sustainably managing pests. Both Master Gardener volunteers and ProHort students follow a shared structure, which includes 14 self-paced online modules, live Q&A sessions and hands-on activities.

(Above) ProHort registrants receive a printed copy of the Horticulture Core Course companion guide.

(Opposite) ProHort offers flexible online horticulture education with 14 self-paced learning modules and weekly live Q&A sessions with University experts.

“I loved the Tuesday night Q&A recordings, the topics are so detailed and it was helpful to hear how to answer common horticulture questions and which resources are most handy. These are the best part of the program, for sure!”

—2025

Prohort Student

and urban greenspace. In his work, Trappe fields questions from curious homeowners about how to choose the “right” lawn for each yard, and offers insight about the evolving role of lawns and turfgrass in communities. Plant Talk Tuesdays provide Trappe and other experts a forum to have nuanced conversations about complicated topics, address common misconceptions and share how evolving scientific research is used to inform best practices. In addition, the audience of interested, curious learners are supported as they build confidence in their horticultural knowledge. Other previous guest speakers include leading horticulturists and researchers from the University of Minnesota, such as:

• Julie Weisenhorn, Associate Extension Professor and Extension Educator in Horticulture

• Brandon Miller, Assistant Professor of Horticulture and Curator of Plant Collections at the Arboretum

• David Remucal, Curator of Endangered Plants at the Arboretum

• Michael Schmitt, Professor of Soil, Water, and Climate and Associate Dean of CFANS and Extension

• Megan McCaghey, Assistant Professor of Plant Pathology

• Marissa Schuh, Extension Educator in Horticulture Integrated Pest Management

• Laura Irish-Hanson, Extension Educator in Managed Horticultural Landscape Systems

• Natalie Hoidal, Extension Educator in Local Foods and Vegetable Production

A PATH FORWARD, ROOTED IN KNOWLEDGE

For many, ProHort is just the beginning. Some go on to become Master Gardeners, while others use their knowledge and skills to lead change in their communities. For horticultural professionals, ProHort ensures their skills and knowledge remain current and informed by best practices. All participants become part of a growing network of knowledgeable, inspired horticulture enthusiasts.

In a world facing climate change, food insecurity and a growing disconnect from nature, programs like the Master Gardener Volunteer Program and ProHort offer a way forward — rooted in science, grown with care and shared with community.

Learn more about ProHort and register online at arb.umn.edu/prohort. The deadline for registration is Jan. 9.

Giving Back to the Max

For Nicole and Josh Knutson, the Arboretum has always been their special place. Now celebrating 10 years of marriage since their wedding at the Arboretum in 2015, they’ve watched their family and their love for the Arboretum grow and are proud to support the Arboretum year after year. Give to the Max Day, on Nov. 20, provides a special opportunity for Nicole and Josh to celebrate the Arboretum and other organizations that are meaningful to their family.

What was your first experience of the Arboretum?

Nicole: After graduating from the University of Minnesota, I got a membership because I lived nearby and loved being able to bring others to share this beautiful space. When Josh and I first started dating, I’d drive us around Three-Mile Drive in my convertible, which was always a blast!

Tell us about the memories you’ve made here as a family.

Nicole: We started dating on June 20, and we thought it would be special to have our wedding here on the same date in the Nelson Shrub Rose Garden. Now, we love coming to the Arboretum in June for our anniversary and making memories with our daughters.

Why is the Arboretum important to you as parents?

Josh: Visiting is a chance to be refreshed. We play taxi driver all week for the kids, so it’s great to have that balance to be able to get away and be still, in nature.

(Right)

Josh and Nicole love exploring the Arboretum with their two daughters, Abigail and Lillian.

(Far Right) Josh and Nicole were married at the Arboretum in 2015.

Nicole: During both of my maternity leaves, I’d bring a different friend with me every other week, and we’d do Three-Mile Walk. I have so many pictures of the babies lying out on blankets along that walk.

What does giving mean to your family, and why do you think it’s important to show support on Give to the Max Day?

Josh: Philanthropy is part of our life, and it’s a life goal for us to be givers. We want the Arboretum to be here for years to come so we can continue sharing it with our family and friends. It’s one of those special places we want to see thrive and be there for others to share, too.

Give to the Max Day is Minnesota’s annual day of giving, when communities across the state come together to provide vital support for organizations like the Arboretum. Support all that our public garden has to offer by visiting z.umn.edu/ArbGive on or before Nov. 20 to make a gift.

HIGHBUSH CRANBERRY sets winter ablaze

Matt Schuth l Naturalist

Matt Schuth is a naturalist and author of “Nature at Our Doorstep.” He has contributed a nature column to Arboretum Magazine for more than 30 years and hosts seasonal guided “Walks With Matt” exploring the natural world at the Arboretum.

In the heart of winter, when snow falls like whirling flakes of ivory blanketing the landscape, the flaming red fruit clusters of the highbush cranberry hang doggedly to their branches, defying the harshest furies of the north wind.

Despite its name, the highbush cranberry is not related to the familiar bog cranberry, but is actually a member of the honeysuckle family and belongs to the genus Viburnum. The plant features three-lobed leaves, similar to those of a maple tree. In autumn, these leaves turn a glowing scarlet.

Because of the low fat content of its berries, the highbush cranberry is passed over by birds and mammals in the fall when there are more nutritious sources of food available. But their low fat content keeps them from rotting, and

The threelobed leaves of the highbush cranberry turn a brilliant scarlet in the fall, complementing its bright red berries.

in the last stages of winter, when food becomes extremely scarce, the highbush cranberry becomes a life-saving force for desperately hungry animals. In the spring, the bloom of the flower looks like a lady’s parasol, with larger sterile petals surrounding the fringes and a cluster of fertile, smaller petals in the center. The larger, radiant, white petals act as a lure to attract the numerous bees, flies and beetles that pollinate the flower.

The highbush cranberry has many uses in the landscape and was traditionally valued for its medicinal benefits as well. Plants can grow 8 to 12 feet tall, and are used for erosion control, windbreaks and borders in landscaping. The berries are an excellent source of vitamin C and were used to treat scurvy. The bark was used to treat cramps, especially menstrual cramps, lending the highbush cranberry its other common name, “cramp bark.”

The highbush cranberry was seen as a symbol of protection because it could survive under the harshest of conditions. In Ukrainian folklore, it was a sign of friendship and loyalty and was used in art and music. On Midsummer’s Eve, young Ukrainian women would wear a wreath of highbush cranberry as a symbol of beauty and as a hope for first love.

Look for the brilliant red fruit of the highbush cranberry along the Arboretum’s Green Heron Trail this winter.

FAMILY TRADITION A GLOWING

Each November, Winter Lights illuminates the nights at the University of Minnesota Landscape Arboretum. The annual event transforms the Arboretum landscape into a glowing winter wonderland, with botanical light displays that draw visitors year after year to create memories that outlast the season. For long-time Arboretum members such as Michele

Elise Bremer l Editor

Pulvermacher and Gail Miller, Winter Lights isn’t just an event — it’s a beloved family tradition.

For the last four years, Pulvermacher has made the trip with her family, an ever-growing group that now includes her husband, daughters, their young grandchildren and her mother. “The whole thing is so magical,” she said. “It’s something we

like to do in early December to get excited for Christmas.”

The children, in particular, are captivated by the light displays, especially the illuminated tunnel and the whimsical butterfly wing photo-op. Last year, the family was thankful for the addition of the Warming House in the Ordway Picnic Shelter. The cozy spot offers visitors a break from the winter

(Left) Winter Lights transforms the night at the Arboretum throughout November and December. Photo by Todd Mulvihill

(Below Left)

Member Gail Miller’s daughter Gretchen and granddaughter Amelia pose for a photo in front of the Weeping Willow in 2022.

(Right) Four generations of member Michele Pulvermacher’s family stop for a photo in front of the poinsettia tree while warming up in the Oswald Visitor Center in 2024.

(Far Right) Pulvermacher’s granddaughters explore the light displays in the Winter Village on Scarecrow Hill in 2023.

cold, allowing them to sip hot cocoa steps away from the fire pits in S’Mores Village.

The Arboretum has long been a “happy place” for Pulvermacher and family, but for member Gail Miller, the connection runs even deeper. She and her husband, Duane Googins, who passed away in 2019, began their relationship with early dates at the Arboretum more than 30 years ago. Today, she shares their love for the gardens with their three grandchildren, who have been “indoctrinated into the Arboretum” since they were babies. While the grandkids are now teenagers, they are still enthralled by the total transformation of the gardens for Winter Lights. “I just think it’s so magical,” said Miller, noting that the lights create “a fairyland” landscape that the family loves to explore.

Among their favorite displays are the sculptural, light-up water lilies that appear to float down the waterfall in the Dwarf Conifer Collection and the Woodland Azalea Garden’s pond, as well as the 16-foot Weeping Willow Tree. The biggest draw for the kids, however, is a timeless classic: s’mores and hot cocoa.

Beyond the spectacle, Winter Lights offers visitors a chance to connect with the Arboretum’s mission, even in the winter months. The one-mile walking tour begins with a giant, glowing red apple — a larger-than-life tribute to the Arboretum and Horticultural Research Center’s legacy of plant breeding. The botanical theme is woven into every display, reminding visitors of the wonder of science and nature, even in the winter months.

The light displays at this year’s Winter Lights will include returning favorites such as the water lilies, roses and the apple, plus new light installations, including a 10-foot-tall snowflake and a golden star. But the biggest changes to the Winter Lights experience this year are happening inside the Oswald Visitor Center.

This year, in addition to the 25-foot Cuetlaxóchitl (Poinsettia) Tree, the Visitor Center will feature a forest of evergreen trees, each adorned with artful, nature-inspired decorations. The indoor space will also include a pop-up bar serving signature drinks and hot cocoa, as well as seasonal menu offerings in the Arboretum’s restaurant, Rootstock.

“It’s an immersive experience now

with both indoor and outdoor spaces to explore,” said Wendy Composto, the Arboretum’s Signature Seasonal Events Manager. “You can stay warm and still enjoy the show.”

Special theme nights, held throughout December, provide a more curated Winter Lights experience. Adults’ Night Out features music, tastings and games while Family Nights offer cozy indoor activities and treats that kids (and adults!) will love.

For first-time visitors or members returning for the fifth year in a row, Winter Lights transforms the Arboretum into a glowing winterscape where visitors can make lasting memories with friends and loved ones during a special time of year.

“I love going outside and seeing the space that we take for granted being transformed into light and beauty in a dark time of year,” said Composto. “When people come out and are excited, that makes my heart sing.”

Winter Lights tickets are $10 for members, $25 for non-members and free for ages 15 and younger ($5 per child fee for special theme nights). Learn more and reserve tickets at arb.umn.edu/ winterlights.

THINKING SPRING

Busch l Horticulturist

As winter unfolds, the Arboretum’s Horticulture Team is hard at work preparing for the Spring Flower Show, opening this year on Jan. 31. Here’s a look behind the scenes at the steps staff take to plant, prepare and grow in the weeks leading up to the show.

CHILLING

More than 6,000 spring bulbs, including tulip, crocus and ranunculus, are ordered for the show. The bulbs are then chilled and planted in stages according to their target bloom date, ensuring fresh blooms throughout the Flower Show.

Some will need a dormant period (to mimic a season of cold outdoors in the ground), so we store them in our cooler for up to 16 weeks. We work backwards for each of the roughly six weeks of the show to determine the planting date.

PLANTING

Thirty-five varieties of plants are started from seed in trays, and we receive 600 plugs (small plants already

started) from commercial growers. These plants are transplanted into larger containers to grow in the greenhouse. During this time, greenhouse staff measure and monitor the environment and growth daily. Temperature, amount of light, watering, pinching to control growth, and disease and pest control are all critical to the health of the plants and the success of the crop.

SOURCING

The Flower Show also features hundreds of blooming and nonblooming tropical plants, water plants, orchids and trees. Some plants come in from the Arboretum grounds in the fall and are trimmed, cleaned and potted for the flower show, such as the Arboretum’s foxtail ferns (Asparagus densiflorus).

The Spring Flower Show runs from Jan. 31 to March 15 and is included with daily admission. This year’s show explores the theme of “water,” taking inspiration from Minnesota’s lakes, rivers and wetlands and the life they support. Learn more at arb.umn.edu/ flowershow

(Above) Hundreds of blooming plants are grown in the Arboretum’s greenhouse leading up to the show.

(Right) Branches of blooming trees and shrubs such as quince (shown here) are trimmed, brought inside and “forced” into bloom for the show.

(Above) Planning and planting for the Spring Flower Show begins months in advance, as staff source, plant and chill plant material to ensure fresh blooms are on hand for all six weeks of the show.

by Sara Pace

What’s in Season

EVENTS, CLASSES AND MORE

Winter Lights

Open select evenings Nov. 20-Dec. 31

Discover something new at the Arboretum this season. In addition to 1,200 acres of gardens, collections and natural areas, the Arboretum offers a wide range of events, art exhibitions and classes so visitors can learn something new on each visit and deepen their connection with nature.

Experience the wonder of nature at Winter Lights! The Arboretum’s annual Winter Lights walking tour is an immersive indoor and outdoor nighttime light experience that celebrates the beauty of winter. Find all available dates and times and reserve tickets online.

Special Theme Nights

For a curated experience, check out Winter Lights special theme nights. These events feature a smaller capacity and allow visitors to explore the light displays with plenty of photo opportunities before heading inside for themed activities.

Opening Night

Celebration

Nov. 20, 6-9 p.m.

Adults’ Night Out

Dec. 3 and 4, 4:30-9 p.m.

Family Nights

Dec. 11 and 18, 4:30-9 p.m.

New Year’s Eve Celebration Dec. 31, 4:30-9 p.m.

Silver Sponsors

SCAN HERE to register or visit arb.umn.edu/winterlights

Full Moon Hikes

SCAN HERE to view all upcoming events and browse by topic at arb.umn. edu/events.

Take in the Arboretum’s unique winter landscape under the light of the full moon. During the winter months, snowshoes are available for rent (depending on snowfall) so visitors can explore winter trails and find the best spots for moon viewing before warming up around a bonfire and roasting marshmallows.

Full Wolf Moon Hike

Jan. 3, 5-8 p.m.

Full Snow Moon Snowshoe Hike

Feb. 1, 6-9 p.m.

SCAN HERE to register or visit arb.umn.edu/fullmoonhikes

Spring Flower Show

Jan. 31-March 15

The Arboretum’s annual Spring Flower Show is back! Get an early taste of spring with thousands of plants, including spring bulbs, orchids and tropicals, on display in the Oswald Visitor Center and Snyder Building. Plus, explore the Flower Show after-hours at special events, including the Preview Night on Jan. 30 and After Hours With the Flowers nights throughout February and March that include live music and entertainment. While the Spring Flower Show is included with general daily admission, registration is required for special events.

Preview Night Jan. 30, 5-8 p.m.

After Hours With the Flowers Feb. 20, 27 and March 6, 6-9 p.m.

Fairy Garden Make and Take Feb. 14 and 21, 1-3 p.m.

Winter Wellness Fair

Jan. 10, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

SCAN HERE to learn more or visit arb.umn.edu/flowershow.

by Jason Boudreau-Landis

January provides the perfect opportunity to slow down and focus on personal health and wellbeing after the busy holiday season. The Arboretum’s Winter Wellness Fair is designed to help visitors find nourishment for the body, mind and soul all in one place, and features wellness vendors, drop-in restorative yoga sessions and special workshops.

Year of Yoga

SCAN HERE to register or visit arb.umn.edu/winterwellnessfair

WARM UP WITH WINTER CLASSES!

Embrace the season of reflection and renewal at the Arboretum with so many engaging classes now open for registration. Explore topics including arts and literature, culinary, gardening, wellbeing and photography. Family programs are also available to spark curiosity and wonder in our youngest learners.

SCAN HERE to register or visit arb.umn.edu/yoga

Give the gift of wellness this holiday season. All-inclusive tickets for the Arboretum’s 2026 Yoga in the Gardens series — $175 for members and $275 for non-members — are on sale through Dec. 31. Purchase a pass for guaranteed admission to every yoga class throughout the year, plus a discount on all retreats and the Winter Wellness Fair.

SCAN HERE to browse the full list of available classes or visit arb.umn. edu/learn

Need help with registration?

The Education Team can help you choose the right class, give one as a gift or register by phone. Call 612-301-1210 (weekdays 9 a.m.-4 p.m.) or email arbedu@umn.edu for personalized support.

Yes, Chef!

We’re excited to welcome Chef Cheo Smith to the Arboretum as our new Culinary Educator! With experience in restaurants, food trucks, residential programs and a K–12 culinary program he built from the ground up, Chef Cheo is an accomplished culinary leader who is passionate about the connections between food, culture and learning. A Minnesota native, Cheo is a member of the Sisseton Wahpeton Oyate and a descendant of the White Earth Nation. Join Chef Cheo in the Myers Kitchen this winter!

A Toast to the Roast Dec. 13, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.

Wild Rice: The Indigenous Superfood Jan. 17, 10 a.m.-noon

HERE to view upcoming classes or visit arb.umn.edu/culinary.

Fine Art, Crafts and Literature Classes

Winter is the perfect time to slow down and get creative. Whether you’re refining your technique or trying something entirely new, our courses offer a welcoming space to explore fresh ideas, connect with fellow creatives and draw inspiration from the quiet beauty of the winter landscape. Explore one of these upcoming classes or view our full selection online.

Build Your Own Snowshoes

Dec. 6 & 7, 1-3:30 p.m.

Drawing in Colored Pencil: Red-Winged Blackbird Jan. 21, 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Gardening and Horticulture Classes

Winter is the perfect time to get ready for your spring landscape! Jim Calkins, Landscape and Production Horticulturist and Research Information Director at the Minnesota Nursery & Landscape Association, will share best practices and proven techniques for keeping your yard and garden healthy, beautiful and sustainable in Minnesota. Check out a few upcoming gardening classes below and view the full selection online.

Science of Plant Propagation

Jan. 17, 24 or 31, 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Pruning Essentials Feb. 7, 1:30-4:30 p.m. Feb. 14, 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

HERE to view upcoming programs or visit arb.umn.edu/gardening-classes.

SCAN HERE to view upcoming programs or visit arb.umn.edu/art-classes.

3675 Arboretum Drive

Chaska, Minnesota 55318-9613

Give today! Your gift supports the Arboretum's gardens, educational programs and horticultural research. Scan the QR code or visit arb.umn.edu/give to donate today.