Applications Open for 2026 Garden Grants

October 1, 2025 - ROCHESTER, MINNESOTA - The City of Rochester is now accepting applications for 2026 Rochester Garden Grants. The Rochester Garden Grant program provides funding to support the creation of pollinator habitats and rain gardens, which bring beauty to neighborhoods while providing important environmental benefits such as supporting pollinators, reducing runoff to protect local waterways and lessening flooding during heavy rains.

The application period will run through December 31, with funding available for gardens to be established during the 2026 growing season. Eligible expenses include garden design, plants, mulch, soil amendments and related materials. The grant is open to Rochester residents, community organizations and schools. Planning resources, including design templates, plant lists and how-to guides, are available through ⁠Blue Thumb and the ⁠University of Minnesota Extension, and applicants may also request guidance from ⁠Extension Master Gardener volunteers.

Launched in 2020, the Rochester Garden Grants program updates the City's previous "Realize Rain Gardens Rochester" program (2009-2019). The refreshed program continues to promote rain gardens that manage stormwater, beautify neighborhoods and provide habitat for songbirds and butterflies, while also encouraging pollinator plantings and reducing barriers associated with cost-share programs.

For more information and to review the full grant criteria, visit the Garden Grant webpage.