The Fairest Garden
The “Fairest Garden” was created in 1994 at the Washington County Fairgrounds as a public space for Master Gardener volunteers to showcase the many varieties of plants that can be grown in Minnesota. This “garden of gardens” features more than a dozen mini gardens including medicinal herbs, natives, pollinator attracting plants, and a vegetable garden.
The original demonstration garden was much, much smaller than what is seen today. Prior to 1994 the Master Gardeners had a small booth in one of the Exhibit buildings among the many home improvement businesses.
In 1995 the Washington County Master Gardeners partnered with the University of Minnesota with research plots featuring roses and tomatoes, testing various ways to control plant disease. The project was one of the first partnerships statewide between a county Master Gardener program and the university. A few of the original rose bushes remain today in the picnic garden.
The Fairest Garden is open during all spring, summer and fall events hosted at the fairgrounds and serves as a popular photo spot for the many horse, dog, sheep and other shows held on the grounds. Each August more than 5,000 county fairgoers enjoy the many beautiful plants in the gardens and Master Gardeners are onsite throughout the day to answer questions about the gardens and best gardening practices.
Map of The Fairest Garden
