Garden-to-Table Experience
Photos by Arboretum Staff
Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026, 5-7 p.m.
$110 member/$130 non-member, includes garden-to-table grazing experience, local bubbles and Arboretum admission.
Registration coming soon.
Adult 21+
Immerse yourself in an evening garden-to-plate experience that connects you with a horticulture educator and professional culinary expert. Led by Chef Beth Fisher, Arboretum Culinary Manager and Laura Irish-Hanson, Assistant Professor of Horticulture, explore the art of growing and harvesting a diverse array of ingredients from the bountiful Foodscape surrounding the Myers Education Center. Enjoy a glass of local bubbles while you celebrate the season’s harvest at the grazing table and learn how to craft innovative dishes that showcase the freshness and flavor of garden-grown ingredients.
In this culinary experience you will:
Grow.
Explore the Foodscape, a half-acre sustainably designed landscape featuring more than 250 edible and ornamental plants. Learn from Laura Irish-Hanson how to select, plant, and care for food-producing plants while incorporating edible elements into your own landscape.
Harvest.
Discover best practices for harvesting herbs, vegetables, and other garden crops to maximize flavor, quality, and continued production. Learn how thoughtful harvesting can help you make the most of your garden throughout the growing season.
Graze.
Experience Chef Beth Fisher’s creative approach to seasonal ingredients at the grazing table. Taste garden-inspired dishes and learn techniques for transforming fresh harvests into flavorful creations in your own home.
On the Table:
- From Beth: Description
- From Beth: Description
- From Beth: Description
- Local Bubbles: non-alcoholic also available
Notes:
- We are unable to accommodate individualized changes to the menu.
- Per University of Minnesota Policy, sampling alcoholic beverages is for educational tasting/pairing purposes and will be limited to small pours.
Instructor Bios:
Chef Beth Fisher is thrilled to bring her experience to her role as Culinary Manager at The University of Minnesota Landscape Arboretum. Known for her years of teaching at various cooking schools and creative culinary work at several popular Twin Cities restaurants, Beth is now focused on enhancing the Arboretum's fast growing culinary offerings and kitchen classroom educational experiences. Join Beth and discover the joy of learning and cooking in the kitchen!
Laura Irish-Hanson is an Assistant Professor of Horticulture and the statewide Extension Educator for Resilient Managed Horticultural Landscapes at the University of Minnesota. She works with communities and landscape professionals to advance resilient, sustainable landscapes through climate adaptation, efficient management practices, native and resilient plants, and ecosystem support. Laura is also a regular guest on WCCO Radio's Smart Gardens show, airing Saturdays from 8–9 a.m. on AM 830 and available as a podcast.
We recommend that you enter the Arboretum via the back gate on 82nd St, not the main entrance on Hwy 5. This is the most direct route to access the Farm at the Arb, and avoids potential delays when driving through the Arboretum.
Address: Farm at the Arb Entrance Gate
If you do wish to enter through the main Arboretum gate on Hwy 5, you can take 3-Mile Drive through the Arboretum and turn right on Peter Moe Drive to get to the Myers Education Center (this route may take an additional 15-20 minutes, so please plan accordingly).
Main Entry instructions:
You will receive a bar-code ticket for entry to the Arboretum in your email purchase confirmation. Your ticket is valid for entry on the day of your class. Present your ticket to the gate attendant as you enter the Arboretum. You may stay at the Arboretum after class as long as you want during our operating hours.