Nurtured from the ground up, the West Central Research and Outreach Center’s (WCROC) Horticulture Display Garden’s sprawling three acres of flowers and plants provide a multipurpose approach to engaging with nature on the Morris campus, with people at the center.

Refining plant varieties nationwide

Ella VanKempen, a horticulture researcher and graduate of the University of Minnesota Morris, is responsible for conducting research on the garden’s annuals, perennials, shrubs, and vegetables. 

“There’s never a shortage of work when you’re managing live plants and multiple garden plots,” she says.

As an All-America Selections Display Garden and sole Trial Ground site in Minnesota, a major focus of VanKempen’s work is flower and vegetable trials. Breeders from around the world send plant material to be tested for metrics like bloom time or weather tolerance throughout the growing season. Then, a list of the top ten best-performing varieties is published and sent to nurseries nationwide, helping companies refine their plant varieties to better suit local growing conditions. 

Growing community collaboration 

In addition to research, the garden is an opportunity for the community to engage with horticulture. While aspects of the garden are directed by the College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences and the Research and Outreach Center network, garden designs usually begin when someone from the community approaches garden staff with an idea. 

Recent projects have included a wiffle ball field made of natural features, a beautifully landscaped American flagpole area, decorative arbors, and a statue honoring local farmers who once attended the West Central School of Agriculture, according to VanKempen.

As a small team with limited resources, Mike Reese, WCROC’s director of operations, and VanKempen credit the continued success of the garden to its patrons, whose generosity and belief push the Morris landmark to keep innovating.  

“We’re fortunate to have a dedicated and passionate group of volunteers who play a vital role in maintaining the garden and ensuring it continues to thrive as a welcoming space for all,” says VanKempen.

Reconnecting with nature

As an outreach center, education is at the heart of the garden’s master plan. 

Thousands of elementary and secondary school students experience hands-on learning about how different layouts and conditions—such as full sun or in water—affect the performance and life cycle of plants.

Reese recalls the development of the “Pizza Garden,” a section of the garden organized like a pizza with ingredients growing in each slice. From tomatoes to herbs to dairy cow feeds, educational days in the garden help youth make connections from farm to table. 

“At the end of the day, it's about care. You care about what you do, you care about the community, you care about the results of your work, and I think that's the bottom line,” says Reese.

The Horticulture Display Garden is open year-round and free to the public. It is also connected to the regional trail system for those who enjoy an extended nature journey. 

Philanthropy sustains the public display garden, funding irrigation systems, signage, and educational programs, and inspirational experiences for the community.

The team is currently preparing for Horticulture Night in late July, where guests from across the region will share gardening tips and experience the garden in full bloom.