It was a green thumb gathering at the Duluth Depot for St. Louis County’s 2025 Spring Gardening Extravaganza.

Speakers covered a wide range of topics, centered around the theme of “Better Gardens for a Better Life.” Attendees could choose from different breakouts to learn about what they were most interested in.

One of the presenters zeroed in on the human microbiome, and how gardening techniques can influence and impact it.

“There has been so much discussion about microbiotics, microcosms, probiotics, prebiotics, postbiotics. And fruits and vegetables have a special role in this because they provide the fiber that feeds the probiotic bacteria that are really responsible for good health,” said Bob Olen, a horticulturalist with St. Louis County.

The event saw great turnout and was at capacity, which Olen said was great to see.

“We felt good about the day and good about the interest in gardening and the prospective benefits that that can have for individuals as well as our community,” said Olen.

The next spring gardening event hosted by the county will be from 9am to 4pm on Thursday, April 3 at the Mountain Iron Community Center.