MN Arboretum Magazine Apr May 2015

A PR I L/ MAY 2015

Spring Floral Displays Sandhill Cranes Nature Connects: Art with LEGO Bricks ÂŽ

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Exhibits, Classes & Outdoor Fun april/may 2015

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Arboretum Crabapples Photo by Mark MacLennan

Arboretum Lilacs Photo by Don Olson

A Message From the Director...

Ed Schneider

The Most Beautiful Springtime

SPRING IN BLOOM SELF-GUIDED WALK Inhale "Spring in Bloom" at your own pace! Start with the fragrant lilacs at the Hueg Lilac collection. Enjoy the pastel-to-blaze pinks, whites, and reds of the crabapple blossoms on ThreeMile Drive. Explore the native flowers and orchids along the Bog Walk. Plus, the beautiful 38,000 tulips display in shades of pink, soft orange, cherry red, deep purple and chartreuse are a wonder.

APRIL/MAY 2015 • VOL 34, NO. 2 Minnesota Landscape Arboretum Magazine is published seven times a year by the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum Foundation, 3675 Arboretum Drive, Chaska, MN 55318-9613, 952-443-1400. The magazine is a benefit of Arboretum membership. No portion may be reprinted without permission from the Arboretum. The information published in this magazine is not necessarily endorsed by the University of Minnesota.

Patrick B. Petersen, Editor Judy Hohmann, Marketing & Communications Manager Tanya Kingery, True Reflection Design, Art Director Edward L. Schneider, Arboretum Director Thomas Martin, President, Board of Trustees Timothy S. Kenny, Director, Education Peter C. Moe, Director, Operations and Research Frank J. Molek, Director, Development and Communications The Arboretum welcomes feedback from readers at arbinfo@umn.edu.

The Arboretum is part of The College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences at the University of Minnesota. To request a copy of this publication in alternate format, please call 612-301-1257.

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The coming of spring beckons to us all. It is a ‘siren call’ from Mother Nature to shake off those vestiges of winter. It is a quickened pace as the earth transforms into a panorama of color. It is a charge to experience the best of spring in bloom…at where else but the Arboretum?

Witness the most spring blooms ever—38,000 spring tulips, with hundreds of daffodils and hyacinths. Kudos to gardener Duane Otto for his imaginative color design and garden displays of ‘never-ending’ blooms. Our gratitude to Cornelia Beck for her tulip display endowment that makes this popular rite of spring possible, every year, to be enjoyed by all. Thanks to the K.A.H.R. Foundation for their generous support of the new entry plaza gardens—a green gateway with wonderful bursts of color.

In addition to tulips, discover the fragrant lilac collection, the amazing crabapple blossoms, the wonderful wildflowers. In this most beautiful spring, enjoy new visitor amenities made possible through generous supporters contributing to the Arboretum Campaign (a $60 million initiative by the dedicated Arboretum Foundation)—the completed Circulator rest stops, refurbished azalea gardens and waterfall, new art in the Harrison sculpture garden, expanded Haggerty pine walk, paved Eastern Drive. Underway is the gift store renovation and ground-breaking for the new Tashjian Bee and Pollinator Discovery Center… and more. See you at the Arboretum!

Table of Contents...

Spring Blooms. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Spring Happenings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-9

Color in the Gardens . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

"Nature Connects". . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Sandhill Cranes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Azalea Garden/All-America Selections/Travel. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Classes/Camps/Restaurant. . . . . . . . 6 Membership/Master Gardeners . . . 7

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Calendar at a Glance. . . . . . . . . . 12-15 Art/Save the Date. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 On the Cover: Tulip Blooms Photo by Ken Evans

Photo by Don Olson

Photo by Mark MacLennan

Totally Tulips: The Most Beautiful Spring’s showy burst of flowering plants is a cue for color…at its most beautiful. This year’s display of 38,000 spring tulips features the most blooms ever, accompanied by hundreds of daffodils and hyacinths. The new entry plaza gardens at the gatehouse add another 2,000 tulips and spring flowers.

Not only is this year’s tulip collection the largest, it boasts a wider array of tulip types, forms and bloom times to last throughout spring and improved disease resistance.

Arboretum gardener Duane Otto, chief color maestro and tulip garden designer, was inspired by images of English gardens. For the Arboretum tulip display, he features shades and tints of pink intensified with waves of soft orange, cherry red, deep purple and chartreuse. See his top picks below.

BEST PINK TULIPS • I nnuendo: Triumph-type, color-blending variety, barely pink to deep rose.

• F ancy Frills: fringed-type with single bloom, deep pinks to white with delicate lacy edge.

•M istress: Triumph-type, egg-shaped with blush to white color at petal tip.

• Mystic Van Eyk: Darwin hybrid type, 16-18," soft pink.

BEST PHOTO OPPORTUNITY • Fallon Fountain at Griggs tulip/annuals display garden.

•C lose-ups best on grey days so that color is enhanced, shadows are minimized.

BEST DIY GARDEN TIPS •S ee color, height and types from Arboretum gardens as a living catalog.

• Shop for tulip bulbs at Arboretum gift store.

•E xpect 2-3 year longevity for most bulbs (replace with new varieties and new color scheme).

• Plant in clusters (odd number, layer and not in a row).

Read more: ”The Bulb Expert” – learn how to get the very best from your bulbs, including the popular varieties and even some unusual ones. Dr. D. G. Hessayon, $14.95 – available in the Gift Store (612-301-7619).

This fall, the Gift Store will again be selling bulbs that will showcase those from this spring’s tulip display.

Tulip display sponsored by Cornelia Beck Endowment.

ARBORETUM INSTAGRAM Follow @mn_arb on the Arboretum’s Instagram account! This is the online place for pictures of life at the Arboretum. Post photos of your Arboretum experience using #MNarblife. Whether it’s a picture of the gardens or of you and your family outdoors – we want to see it!

Emerging Purple Pasque Flower Photo by Don Olson

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Flowering Azaleas Photo by Mark MacLennan

Yellow Lady's Slipper Photo by Mark MacLennan

Hepatica in the Wildflower Garden Photo by Don Olson

A Colorful Spring Walk

The sixth in a series on Arboretum Gardens/Natural Areas Greg Lecker Minnesota Master Naturalist Volunteer Shades of pink, with accents of soft orange, cherry red, deep purple and chartreuse. These colors pop along the entry drive and through the gardens around the Oswald Visitor Center! Thousands of tulips make up the garden gift that the Arboretum offers to visitors this year.

After months of brown woodlands and leafless trees, spring brings light and color. Depending on visit timing, lilacs will join tulips to greet your entry. After parking your vehicle, take time to walk towards the gatehouse to enjoy the flowers while you appreciate the gatehouse rain gardens. Throughout the display gardens, hybrid and species tulips join daffodils in brightening the rolling grounds in a warm array of colors. Sunny saturated hues almost overwhelm eyes grown accustomed to winter neutrals. Azaleas light up the Packard Woodland Azalea Garden next to Three-Mile Drive between the Home Demonstration Garden and the Berens Cabin. The larger collection lies along the far side of Three-Mile Drive near the Maze Garden.

Grace Dayton Wildflower Garden showcases true Minnesota natives. White Bloodroot and pale pink-purple Hepatica bloom in early spring. Collecting sunlight within their tiny teacups of petals, Marsh Marigolds light up the waterway that flows through the woodland openings. Trillium come in several sizes and colors: from diminutive snow trillium to the

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aptly named large flowered trillium, and from white to deep crimson. In early to mid-May, the showy yellow lady’s slipper features maroon tresses – an appropriate tribute to University of Minnesota students and alumni!

Just uphill from the woodland garden, the Capen Prairie Garden features pasque flowers that are stunning in bloom and as seedheads.

In the Green Heron bog, look carefully among the brown grasses for the emerging bright green leaves of skunk cabbage. Inside its burgundy flame-shaped blooms, look for the knobby white “potato” nestled inside.

On Three-Mile Drive near the Harrison Sculpture Garden, the crabapple collection blooms in a profusion of colors from white to pink, red to magenta. The Arboretum offers spring blooms on the ground and in the air.

Read more: "Rhododendrons & Azaleas" – profiles over 4,000 varieties of this highly popular plant. Beautifully illustrated with over 1,200 photographs. Kenneth Cox, $65; "Lilacs” – covers all aspects of selecting, growing and propagating lilacs – over 500 photos. John L. Fiala, $49.95; "Northland Wildflowers’ – revised version of a popular book presents more than 300 species of commonly found wildflowers stunningly photographed by John Gregor. John B. Moyle, $19.95 – all available in the Gift Store (612-301-7619).

Sandhill Crane Dancing Photo by ©Birdiegal717/Dreamstime.com

Dancing with Sandhill Cranes Matt Schuth Naturalist The jubilant trumpet call of the sandhill crane is a harbinger of spring migration. Their exuberant, frenzied mating dance, where they jump 6 to 8 feet in the air, throw grasses and other debris and literally dance themselves to exhaustion, is an ancient ritual and a must-see for all nature lovers.

Incredibly, cranes were almost extinct in the U.S. by 1900, due to habitat destruction and uncontrolled hunting. Fortunately, the sandhill crane population has rebounded and one of the largest migrations in North America can now be seen every year in the Platte River valley of Nebraska when 500,000 cranes make their annual flight north.

Sandhill cranes typically have gray plumage with fluffed rump feathers that make them appear to be wearing serapes.

Because they forage in the mud and then preen their feathers,

they develop a rusty-brown appearance. Cranes nest in marshy wetland areas where the female lays two eggs.

Cranes mate for life with both parents staying with the young.

Old genealogical records were referred to as pied de grue, French for “foot of the crane,” and from whence the word “pedigree” originated. Fossil records for cranes date back six million years, showing cranes to be the oldest living bird species. The haunting calls of the sandhill cranes can be heard in the wetland below the Red Barn in the spring. Enjoy!

"National Geographic Complete Birds Of North America” – this essential reference on North American birds is the most up-to-date and comprehensive one-stop birding resource available today. Jonathan Alderfer, $40 – available in the Gift Store (612-301-7619).

UPGRADES TO VISITOR CIRCULATOR REST STOPS

Circulator Rest Stop Photo by Mark Paulson

Watch for enhancements at the new Safar Visitor Circulator Rest Stops (Home Demo Garden, Sculpture Garden and Maze Garden), including map stands sharing info on nearby gardens and trails, related brochures and ArboretumApp download details. Video monitors will feature what's happening each month at the Arboretum. Each rest stop will include restrooms and drinking water. For your convenience, the Andrus Learning Center is now an added stop for the Circulator. Ride the Circulator for free into the heart of the Arboretum.

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Gehrig, Nancy Euphorbia horrida

Trickey, Julia Polystichum sp. (Fern crozier x5)

Adam Randall

FRESH, LOCAL AND TASTY CLASSICS Stop by the Arboretum Restaurant to taste what's cooking this spring and summer. Food Service Director Adam Randall and Chef de Cuisine Rich Hajt are transforming their menus for the warmer months, offering a variety of new recipes with local and sustainable ingredients. On top of new food items, the Arboretum Restaurant team is stepping out of the kitchen to bring you a season of exciting events including an outdoor pop-up food stop, monthly teas and much more. Randall, a Certified Executive Chef from the American Culinary Federation, is a veteran of hotel and restaurant food service for more than 25 years.

Fine Arts Classes Feature Instruction From Botanical Artists Be inspired by the traveling botanic arts exhibit, "Weird, Wild & Wonderful" (through May 17) and explore your inner artist with an exclusive set of fine arts classes taught by two of the exhibiting artists. Limited class sizes offer personal attention.

Watercolor Painting on Vellum: Featured Artist-Instructor from the Weird, Wild & Wonderful Exhibit (100-04-11-15), Saturday, April 11, $99/$115, includes Arboretum admission and vellum. Featured artist/instructor: Denise Walser-Kolar.

Colored Pencil Technique: Featured Artist-Instructor from the Weird, Wild & Wonderful Exhibit (100-04-25-15), Saturday, April 25, $99/$115, includes Arboretum admission. Featured artist/instructor: Nancy Gehrig.

Bundle and Save! Weird, Wild & Wonderful Featured Artist 2-class bundle $158/$184.

Learn more and register at www.arboretum.umn.edu/artsclasses.aspx.

ARBORETUM SUMMER DAY CAMPS & PROGRAMS • Free Plant-maker Studio (weekends noon-4 p.m., all ages, free with gate admission) • PeaPods for Preschoolers • Day Camps • Weekly Children’s Garden • Field Trips for Groups Learn more at www.arboretum.umn.edu/learn.aspx or 612-301-1210.

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Photo by Todd Mulvihill

SPRING ARBORETUM MEMBERSHIP OFFER! The perfect gift everyone loves!

The top reasons are...

•A full year of admission and joy through all 5 seasons

•S pring flowers – 40,000 spring bulb display

•S ummer fun – Gardens in full bloom and ever-changing weekend activities

Extension Master Gardener Volunteers

• F all colors – Apples, pumpkins & largest maple collection in MN

Early on the morning of Jan. 9, nearly 100 seats in the MacMillan Auditorium were filled with new Extension Master Gardener Volunteer Interns. The interns, as excited as though it were the first day of school, geared up for an eight-hour class focusing on being a volunteer within the University of Minnesota Extension and working with community members representing various cultures.

•H oliday splendor – Festive Great Hall & live music

•W inter escape – Snowshoeing, skiing, soup & hot chocolate

There are a total of 223 new interns joining the Extension Master Gardener Volunteer program this January. Interns have the option of taking their foundation volunteer training, “the Core Course,” in person at the Arboretum, on-line, or a combination of both.

•1 year free subscription to Better Homes & Gardens

The course provided training which encourages the interns to discover research-based horticulture and gardening information regarding best gardening practices for healthy environments and well-being. The face-to-face Core Course at the Arboretum continued into February.

All Extension Master Gardener Interns must complete 48 hours of instruction in the Core Course, and fulfill a commitment of 50 volunteer hours to become certified Master Gardeners. It is exciting to see the Master Gardener Program growing with the Arboretum as both entities align their educational efforts.

The Master Gardeners are available to answer gardening questions – visit them at the Let’s Talk Plants desk in the Oswald Visitor Center.

•A utomatic entry into a drawing to win a free Mother’s Day Brunch for 4!

•2 free VIP Arboretum admission passes – a $24 value •S upport the Arboretum (Gift memberships are fully tax-deductible) •K eeps YOU on their mind every time they visit!

Stop by the Membership Desk in the Oswald Visitor Center, call 612-301-1257 or visit online at www.arboretum.umn.edu/join.aspx for this offer.

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{ac Plant-maker Studio

Easter Brunch

Saturdays and Sundays, year-round, noon-4 p.m.

Learning Center. Enjoy "make a plant" experiences for all ages. Dig into nature! Learn how to start cuttings, print leaves, weave fibers and more; activities change by season. Free for members; free for non-members with paid Arboretum admission.

Sunday, April 5, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m., (reservations every half hour) Oswald Visitor Center Enjoy a traditional springtime buffet. $26 member (and children 8 years and up)/$29 non-member; ages 4-7, $9.50; ages 3 and under, free. www.arboretum.umn.edu/ springtimebrunches.aspx or call 612-626-3951.

Let's Talk Plants Q & A

Earth Day 2015: Building Sustainable Lawns for a Better Planet

Saturdays and Sundays, noon-4 p.m.

Oswald Visitor Center, Great Hall. Chat with Master Gardener volunteers who can answer your prickliest gardening questions and provide sustainability tips. They'll also share the best places to see plants at peak bloom and beauty during your Arboretum visit. Free for members; free for non-members with paid gate admission.

APRIL HAPPENINGS...

Springtime Teas Wednesdays, April 8 and May 13, 2:30-4 p.m., Tea Room, Snyder Building Enjoy a delightful springtime tea with friends and family in the picturesque Tea Room. Menu includes freshly baked scones, sweets and savories and a delicious trifle. Tea with lemon and cream served throughout. $26 member/ $29 non-member. Reserve at 612-626-3951 or visit www.arboretum.umn.edu/teatime.aspx.

Photo by Gayle Fleming

Wednesday, April 22, 1-5 p.m., MacMillan Auditorium Minnesota experts teach you to honor the planet with a new lawn aesthetic that includes do-able actions for sustainable, eco-friendly, cost-saving practices. $15 member/$20 Master Gardener/$25 non-member, includes gate admission.

Learn more and register at: www.arboretum.umn.edu/ earthandarbordays2015.aspx.

Arbor Day Friday, April 24 Self-guided walking tour of Arboretum tree collections. For information: www.arboretum.umn.edu/earthandarbordays2015.aspx.

All About Dogs Day Saturday, April 25, 9 a.m.-1 p.m., Margot Picnic Shelter Area and Three-Mile Drive Celebrate our four-legged friends with a "Pack Walk" on Three-Mile Drive, explore the Pet Expo, complete activities on the “SMART Dog Stroll,” and learn more about supporting the total well-being of your dog. Preregistration: $20 members/ $25 non-members; walk-in registration: $30 members/ $35 non-members (price includes two human companions). $8 of every registration will go towards Animal Assisted Interactions programming at the Arboretum! arboretum.umn. edu/dogday.aspx. Sponsored by: Photo by Mary Ann Land

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ctivities } Walks with Matt

National Public Gardens Day

Saturdays, April 25, May 9 & 23 Learn about birds and blooms of the Wildflower Garden on April 25 from 10 a.m. to noon; and catch the sights and sounds of warblers, thrushes, kinglets, phoebes, waterfowl and sparrows during a May 9 or May 23 birding walk from 9 to 11 a.m. Your guide is popular Arboretum naturalist Matt Schuth. $12 members; $24 non-member (includes gate admission). Ordway Parking lot. Preregister at: www.arboretum.umn.edu/classesonthemove.aspx.

Friday, May 8, all day, Arboretum grounds Celebrate the Arboretum and all it means to you! Special family activities, giveaways and other events are planned.

Free gate admission all day.

MAY HAPPENINGS...

Hosta & Grasses Sale Saturday & Sunday, May 2 and 3, Gift Store hours.

Purchase hard-to-find and new hosta varieties and ornamental grasses at this annual Gift Store sale. Includes native and ornamental grasses and a diverse variety of hostas from reputable growers. The emphasis is on plants that thrive well in our zone.

Bud Break 5K Run/Walk and Daffodil Dash for Kids Sunday, May 3, 9 a.m., race start. Oswald Visitor Center Enjoy a springtime run on a certified asphalt course through the beautiful landscapes of the Arboretum. Fee: $20-$30.

Medals and prizes to top finishers. All participants receive a race shirt. arboretum.umn.edu/budbreak.aspx.

Photo by Todd Mulvihill

Auxiliary Spring Plant Sale Saturday-Sunday, May 9-10, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

Margot Picnic Shelter area near Learning Center. One of the most popular plant sales in the Twin Cities featuring hardto-find varieties and University of Minnesota introductions.

Unique plants and informative garden helpers give you new ideas for your garden. All proceeds go to support the work of the Arboretum.

Photo by Mark MacLennan

Mother's Day Brunch Sunday, May 10, 3 Seatings: 8-10 a.m., 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., 1-3 p.m., MacMillan Auditorium Enjoy a traditional springtime buffet. $24/$26, $9.50 for ages 4-8 and free for 3 and under. www.arboretum.umn. edu/springtimebrunches.aspx or call 612-626-3951.

Summer Exhibition: “Nature Connects” May 15-Aug. 30, Arboretum grounds "Nature Connects: Art with LEGO ® Bricks" features 26 large-scale nature-inspired sculptures arranged in 13 displays and all created masterfully from LEGO bricks by renowned artist Sean Kenney of Brooklyn, N.Y. (See page 10). Special thanks to official sponsors: C.H. Robinson, Park Dental, Minnehaha Creek Watershed District, Wagners, Emerson Process Management and Great River Energy. www.arboretum.umn.edu/natureconnects.aspx

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Photo Courtesy of Sean Kenney www.seankenney.com

Arboretum ‘Connects’ with LEGO ® Bricks this Summer Barbara DeGroot Public Relations Specialist Who doesn't love those colorful LEGO® bricks found in every kid's playroom? In little hands, these odd-shaped toy pieces "morph" into pirate ships, space rockets, castles – whatever the imagination conjures!

The Arboretum's upcoming summer exhibition will definitely "click" with LEGO lovers of all ages!

"Nature Connects: Art with LEGO® Bricks," 13 displays of large, nature-inspired sculptures made from LEGO bricks, will open on May 15 and continue through Aug. 30.

These exquisite sculptures – some soaring to 6 feet and more – are the creation of renowned artist Sean Kenney of Brooklyn, N.Y. This popular touring exhibit – now in its fourth staging – will comprise such wonders as a huge hummingbird and trumpet flower, a giant snapping turtle, a deer family, a monarch butterfly on milkweed and more, all arrayed in the gardens and collections of the Arboretum.

"Just as LEGO bricks connect to each other, we connect to nature," said Ed Schneider, Arboretum director. "We know this exhibit will inspire and delight our visitors of all ages –

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from those who have spent childhood hours building with LEGO bricks to those that will create new memories of creating with LEGO bricks."

Previous iterations of “Nature Connects" have toured botanical gardens, zoos and arboreta across North America. The exhibit will also include several Saturday LEGO Builds where LEGO enthusiasts young and old can engage in programming with the little plastic bricks. $5 per bag of bricks.

Sponsors:

www.arboretum.umn.edu/natureconnects.aspx The Gift Store will have an extensive display of LEGO kits, books and related items. And stop by the LEGO Play Station right outside the store. Gift Store (612-301-7619).

Penstemon “Arabesque Red” F1 Photo Courtesy of All-America Selections

Rhododendron “Mandarin Lights”

in Woodland Azalea Garden

Photo by Ken Evans

Arboretum Campaign Woodland Azalea Garden

Discover the newly refurbished Woodland Azalea Garden and waterfall. An amazing collection of Northern Lights azaleas, a dazzling waterfall and pond offers a unique experience. Thanks to the generous support of Betsy Packard as part of the Arboretum Campaign.

You make a difference! To support the Arboretum Campaign with your gift, donate at the Oswald Visitor Center; go online at www.arbcampaign.org; call the Development office at 612-301-1263; or mail a gift to: Arboretum Campaign, 3675 Arboretum Dr., Chaska, MN 55318.

2014 ALL AMERICA SELECTION WINNERS GROWING HIGHLIGHTS The Arboretum All America Selections display garden offers a green setting for award-winning plants…and ideas for your home garden. For 2014, gardener Ted Pew analyzed 15 AAS named varieties. How did they fare?

TOP FLOWERS Penstemon Arabesque Red F1: Lustrous red and white bell-shaped blooms attract hummingbirds, butterflies Petunia African Sunset F1: Stunning bloom power Angelonia Serenita Pink F1: Elegant blooms, disease-resistant, heat-tolerant TOP VEGETABLES Tomato Chef’s Choice Orange F1: “Neon” color hybrid offers wonderful heirloom flavor, disease resistance Radish Ravioli: Tasty, productive, good texture

ARBORETUM TRAVEL

with Peter Olin, Arboretum Director Emeritus The Gardens of Northern Ohio – Sept. 10 – 15. Visit the famous Holden Arboretum; the Cleveland Botanical Gardens and Cleveland Art Museum; the Cleveland Cultural Gardens (a sampling of gardens from many countries) and the worldfamous Rock and Roll Hall of Fame! Take the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railway (in the Cuyahoga Valley National Park) to Akron to see Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens; Kingswood Center, Quailcrest Farms and more. Contact: Peter Olin, 612-301-1275 or olinx002@umn.edu; Jim Glad, 612-724-1915 or gladtotravel@earthlink.net; or the Arboretum website: www.arboretum.umn.edu – click on Events & Programs then Garden Travel Tours.

Ornamental Pepper NuMex Easter: pastel colors of Easter, nice and compact The most gardening square-footage takes root in the Home Demo Gardens this summer. Follow gardener Ted Pew at www.gardensofeatin.aspx as “Square Foot Gardening” gets growing, with “cropping” for continuing harvest.

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CALENDAR-AT-A SPRING PROGRAMS & EVENTS...

Wednesday, April 8

Thursday, April 2

BOOKS IN THE GARDEN WITH TONI MCNARON: NATURE AS CHARACTER (100-04-08-15) Noon-1:30 p.m., $98/$130, Snyder Building Fireplace Room Includes Wednesdays, May 13, June 10, July 8, August 12 and September 9. See a book list at www.arboretum.umn.edu/ artsclasses.aspx.

STORYTIME AT THE LIBRARY 10:30-11 a.m., free with gate admission, Andersen Horticultural Library Stories for the young and young-at-heart. Geared toward toddlers and preschoolers.

Saturday, April 4 PLANT-MAKER STUDIO Noon-4 p.m., free with gate admission, Learning Center The Plant-Maker Studio will offer “make a plant” experiences for all ages and take-homes for participants. Activities change seasonally.

LET’S TALK PLANTS Q&A Noon-4 p.m., free with gate admission, OVC Great Hall Master Gardener volunteers staff the desk, answer gardening questions and provide sustainable gardening information. Stop by to find out the best places to see plants at their peak of bloom and beauty during your Arboretum visit.

WATERCOLOR 101: BOTANICAL ART ESSENTIALS (100-04-04-15) 9:30 a.m.-6 p.m., $99 member/$115 non-members, Visitor Center Discover the science and aesthetics found in some of the most beautiful plant renderings ever created, with professional artist Carlyn Iverson as your guide.

UNTRUCKED: GASTROTRUCK FOOD TRUCK (800-04-04-15) 10 a.m.-noon, $39/$49, 2-Class bundle $66/$83, Learning Center Learn how Chef Stephen Trojahn maintains zero-waste procedures, and how he built his reputation on using ingredients from producers committed to socially and environmentally responsible practices.

DRAMATIC DUTCH TULIPS FLORAL ARRANGEMENT MAKE-AND-TAKE (100-04-04-15) 9:30 a.m.-noon, $69/$81, Learning Center MINNESOTA NORTH SHORE NATURAL HISTORY (200-04-04-15) 10 a.m.-noon, $77/$97, Learning Center This 3-part class also includes Saturdays, April 11 & 18.

Explore aspects of natural North Shore phenomena.

SATURDAY BREAKFAST 9 a.m.-noon, $8.99 with gate admission, Arboretum Restaurant Start out your day at the Arb with a delicious hot breakfast.

Sunday, April 5 EASTER BRUNCH (See page 8) PLANT-MAKER STUDIO (See April 4) LET’S TALK PLANTS Q&A (See April 4)

SPRINGTIME TEA 2:30-4 p.m., $26/$29, Snyder Building Tea Room Enjoy a delightful tea with friends and family, featuring freshly baked scones, sweets and savories. Call (612) 626-3951 to reserve.

Thursday, April 9 LUCIA’S LE DÎNER DE LA MER (800-04-09-15) 6:30-8:30 p.m., $65/$77, Learning Center Experience Chef Ryan’s modern versions of traditional favorites using locally and sustainably sourced fresh fare. Wine tastings.

YOGA IN THE GARDENS 6 p.m., free with Arboretum membership, Lifetime Fitness, Eden Prairie Get your zen on with this hot Vinyassa flow class. Visit www.arboretum.umn.edu/yoga.aspx for more information.

STORYTIME AT THE LIBRARY (See April 2)

Saturday, April 11 LEARNING LIGHTROOM TO IMPROVE YOUR PHOTOGRAPHY (750-04-11-15) 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., $65/$80, Visitor Center Photographer Carlyn Iverson will introduce you to Adobe Lightroom, its features and tools, using your DSLR camera and laptop.

WATERCOLOR PAINTING ON VELLUM: FEATURED ARTIST-INSTRUCTOR FROM THE WEIRD, WILD & WONDERFUL EXHIBIT (100-04-11-15) 10 a.m.-4 p.m., $99/$115, 2-class bundle $158/$184, Visitor Center Discover this traditional surface with acclaimed art instructor Denise Walser-Kolar. You’ll learn her techniques for painting on vellum, and have hands-on skill development.

INTERMEDIATE LIGHTROOM (750-04-11-15-02) 1:30-4:30 p.m., $65/$80, Visitor Center UNTRUCKED: HOME STREET HOME FOOD TRUCK (800-04-11-15) 10 a.m.-noon, $39/$49, 2-Class bundle $66/$83 Chefs Destiny Buron and Daniel Kidd have earned a stellar reputation for globally inspired comfort food, and their recipes all focus on using fresh, local ingredients.

SATURDAY BREAKFAST (See April 4) PLANT-MAKER STUDIO (See April 4) LET’S TALK PLANTS Q&A (See April 4)

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To Register for Classes: call 612-301-1210 or visit arboretum.umn.edu/learn.aspx

Sunday, April 12

Thursday, April 23

SUNDAY BREAKFAST 10 a.m.-2 p.m., $8.99 with gate admission/kids under 5 free, Arboretum Restaurant Start out your day at the Arb with a delicious hot breakfast.

OCEANAIRE SEAFOOD ROOM (800-04-23-15) 6:30-8:30 p.m., $65/$77, Learning Center Robert Wohlfeil, executive chef, Oceanaire Seafood Room, returns to share his techniques and knowledge of preparing fish and other delightful, imaginative dishes. Wine tastings.

PLANT-MAKER STUDIO (See April 4) LET’S TALK PLANTS Q&A (See April 4)

Thursday, April 16 STORYTIME AT THE LIBRARY (See April 2)

Saturday, April 18 FOOD PHOTOGRAPHY: TECHNIQUES FROM THE GARDEN TO THE TABLE (750-04-18-15) 10 a.m.-1 p.m., $79/$99, Visitor Center Explore how to best approach the many hues and textures of vegetables and fruits and how to create breathtaking photographs with Tamron technical specialist Jillian Bell.

SMART GARDENING—TROUBLESHOOTING COMMON PROBLEMS IN YOUR YARD AND GARDEN (150-04-18-15) 9 a.m.-noon, $41/$55, 3-class bundle $99/$132, Visitor Center Bring your tales of woe to share with University of Minnesota Extension educators Julie Weisenhorn and Sam Bauer. Leave knowing the way to a healthy and sustainable landscape.

HERBS FOR WELL BEING—NEW RECIPES! (800-04-18-15) 9-11 a.m., $39/$49, Learning Center Kris James, certified culinary herbalist, will be discussing herbs and spices for well-being and managing common minor health issues.

GREATER TWIN CITIES YOUTH SYMPHONIES CONCERT 2 p.m., MacMillan Auditorium Free with gate admission SATURDAY BREAKFAST (See April 4) PLANT-MAKER STUDIO (See April 4) LET’S TALK PLANTS Q&A (See April 4)

Sunday, April 19 SUNDAY BREAKFAST (See April 12) YOGA IN THE GARDENS Noon (See April 9) SUNDAY SUPPER 4-6 p.m. Arboretum Restaurant Family-style menu and service. $17.99 each (includes gate admission.) Kids under 8 years of age, free. Call 612-301-7602 for reservations.

PLANT-MAKER STUDIO (See April 4) LET’S TALK PLANTS Q&A (See April 4)

Wednesday, April 22

CULTIVATING MEDITERRANEAN HERBS IN THE GARDEN AND IN CONTAINERS (200-04-23-15) 6:30-8:30 p.m., $60/$72, Non-container option $50/$62, Learning Center Create your own beautiful container garden and learn how easy it is to grow herbs and be rewarded throughout the growing season with Theresa Mieseler of Shady Acres Herb Farm.

STORYTIME AT THE LIBRARY (See April 2)

Friday, April 24 ARBOR DAY (See Page 8)

Saturday, April 25 ALL ABOUT DOGS DAY (See page 8) 2015 SHALLOW LAKES FORUM – THE ROLE OF PLANTS IN SHALLOW LAKE MANAGEMENT 8:30 a.m.-12.30 p.m., $15 member/endorsing organizations/ $20 non-member, MacMillan Auditorium.

COLORED PENCIL TECHNIQUE: FEATURED ARTIST-INSTRUCTOR FROM THE WEIRD, WILD & WONDERFUL EXHIBIT (100-04-25-15-02) 10 a.m.-4 p.m., $99/$115, 2-class bundle $158/$184, Visitor Center This class will delve deep into the use of color and methods specific to colored pencils with botanical artist and instructor Nancy Gehrig.

THE NATURE ESSAY: READING ABOUT NATURE FOR ENJOYMENT AND WRITING INSPIRATION (100-04-25-15) 10 a.m.-1 p.m., $38/$50, Snyder Building Read five selected nature essays in class, then discuss your reactions with the class and writing coach Jeannie Hanson.

BASIC DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY FOR THE OUTDOOR AND NATURE PHOTOGRAPHER (750-04-25-15) 10 a.m.-4 p.m., $129/$142, Visitor Center Explore the answers to your photography questions during this immersion into digital photography with acclaimed Arboretum instructor John Pennoyer.

SMART GARDENING—PLANT SELECTION (150-04-25-15) 9 a.m.-noon., $41/$55, 3-class bundle $99/$132, Visitor Center Understand the essentials behind plant selection. Taught by educators Julie Weisenhorn and Sam Bauer.

WALKS WITH MATT: BIRDS AND BLOOMS OF THE WILDFLOWER GARDEN (960-04-25-15) 10 a.m.-noon, $12/$24, Ordway Parking Lot With Arboretum naturalist Matt Schuth, catch sight of migrating birds and discover the ephemeral flowers of spring.

EARTH DAY (See Page 8)

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CALENDAR-AT-A SATURDAY BREAKFAST (See April 4) PLANT-MAKER STUDIO (See April 4) LET’S TALK PLANTS Q&A (See April 4)

Sunday, April 26 SUNDAY BREAKFAST (See April 12) PLANT-MAKER STUDIO (See April 4) LET’S TALK PLANTS Q&A (See April 4)

Thursday, April 30 STORYTIME AT THE LIBRARY (See April 2)

MIGHTY MITES FOR ENTERING KINDERGARTEN-1ST GRADE GRADS (971-05-09-15) 2-3:30 p.m., $150/$165, Learning Center 10-session series includes Saturday, May 30, and Wednesdays, June 17 & 24, July 8, 15, 22 & 29 and August 5 & 12. Grow a garden full of favorites and create yummy snacks.

WALKS WITH MATT: THE EARLY BIRD CATCHES THE WORM (960-05-09-15) 9-11 a.m., $12/$24, Ordway Parking Lot Join Arboretum naturalist Matt Schuth to catch the sights and sounds of early warblers, thrushes, kinglets, phoebes, waterfowl and a variety of sparrows.

AUXILIARY SPRING PLANT SALE (See page 9)

Saturday, May 2

PLANT-MAKER STUDIO (See April 4)

SMART GARDENING—MAINTENANCE, MAINTENANCE, MAINTENANCE! (150-05-02-15) 9 a.m.-noon, $41/$55, 3-class bundle $99/$132, Visitor Center Make your lawn and landscape thrive. Taught by educators Julie Weisenhorn and Sam Bauer.

LET’S TALK PLANTS Q&A (See April 4)

GRILLING IN THE GARDEN: DESSERTS FROM THE GRILL WITH A LATIN FLAIR (800-05-02-15) 10 a.m.-noon, $55/$67, Learning Center Chef Amalia Moreno-Damgaard fuses old and new world with fresh cooking you’ll savor and remember.

Sunday, May 10 MOTHER’S DAY BRUNCH (See page 9) AUXILIARY SPRING PLANT SALE (See page 9) PLANT-MAKER STUDIO (See April 4) LET’S TALK PLANTS Q&A (See April 4)

Wednesday, May 13

PLANT-MAKER STUDIO (See April 4)

SPRINGTIME TEA (See April 8)

LET’S TALK PLANTS Q&A (See April 4)

Thursday, May 14

HOSTA & GRASSES SALE (See page 9)

Sunday, May 3 BUD BREAK 5K (See page 9) PLANT-MAKER STUDIO (See April 4) LET’S TALK PLANTS Q&A (See April 4) HOSTA & GRASSES SALE (See page 9)

Thursday, May 7 FLOWERS FOR MOM: MADE WITH LOVE (100-05-07-15) 6:30-8:30 p.m., $69/$81, Learning Center Create a stunning arrangement that exudes the ideals of motherhood: energy, patience, grace and humor. All materials included.

GOPRO PHOTOGRAPHY FROM START TO FINISH: NATURE IN ACTION! (750-05-14-15) 6-9 p.m., $99/$119, Visitor Center 2-class series also includes May 21. Explore how to use this camera and its accessories indoors and out, and export files from the camera to your computer with instructor Carlyn Iverson.

YOGA IN THE GARDENS 6 p.m., free with Arboretum membership, Sensory Garden Get your zen on with this Vinyassa flow class.

STORYTIME AT THE LIBRARY (See April 2)

Friday, May 15 “NATURE CONNECTS” OPENS! (See page 10)

STORYTIME AT THE LIBRARY (See April 2)

Saturday, May 16

Friday, May 8

SATURDAY LEGO BUILDS 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

Engineering in Nature – Learning about biomimicry. $5/bag of LEGO bricks.

NATIONAL PUBLIC GARDENS DAY (See page 9)

Saturday, May 9 GARDEN CHEFS FOR 3RD-8TH GRADE GRADS (973-05-09-15) 9-11:30 a.m., $180/$200, Learning Center 10-session series includes Saturday, May 30, and Wednesdays, June 17 & 24, July 8, 15, 22 & 29 and August 5 & 12. Tend garden plots and create yummy snacks.

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SEED SOWERS FOR 1ST-4TH GRADE GRADS (972-05-16-15) 1-3:30 p.m., $180/$200, Learning Center 10-class series includes Saturday, June 6, and Mondays, June 15 & 22, July 6, 13, 20 & 27 and August 3 & 10. Tend your garden and create yummy snacks.

SUMMER MUSIC IN THE GARDENS 2 p.m., Trex Deck The Teddy Bear Band

To Register for Classes: call 612.301.1210 or visit arboretum.umn.edu/learn.aspx BASIC DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY FOR THE OUTDOOR AND NATURE PHOTOGRAPHER (See April 25) PREMIUM OLIVE OILS AND BALSAMIC VINEGARS— CREATIVE COMBINATIONS! (800-05-16-15) 9-11 a.m., $39/$49, Learning Center Through the vast knowledge of Kris James, owner of Artful Brew Tea Co., and Katie Dickerman, owner of Wayzata Olive Oil and Vinegar, you’ll learn delicious ways to use these versatile ingredients.

PLANT-MAKER STUDIO (See April 4) LET’S TALK PLANTS Q&A (See April 4)

Sunday, May 24 PLANT-MAKER STUDIO (See April 4) LET’S TALK PLANTS Q&A (See April 4)

Thursday, May 28

Sunday, May 17

CRAFT BEER AND FOOD PAIRING: MINNESOTA BREWERS! (800-05-28-15) 6:30-8:30 p.m., $34/$44, Learning Center Local craft brewers will be on tap to discuss the complex flavors achieved in various beer styles, food-beer pairing and more.

PLANT-MAKER STUDIO (See April 4)

STORYTIME AT THE LIBRARY (See April 2)

PLANT-MAKER STUDIO (See April 4) LET’S TALK PLANTS Q&A (See April 4)

LET’S TALK PLANTS Q&A (See April 4)

Thursday, May 21 TAKING PORTRAITS IN NATURE (750-05-21-15) 6:30-9:30 p.m., $79/$99, Visitor Center Gain insights into how to use nature, natural light and natural settings to enhance your subject with Andre Costantini, professional photographer and educator.

MARIN AND MILL VALLEY KITCHEN INSPIRED DINNER (800-05-21-15) 6:30-8:30 p.m., $65/$77, Learning Center Executive Chef Mike Rakun is back with spring food inspirations to excite your taste buds and satisfy your soul. Wine tastings.

POLLINATORS³: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW AND HOW TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE Session 3: Policies & Politics 12:30-4:30 p.m., $20 member/$25 Master Gardener or Naturalist/$32 non-member, Snyder Auditorium Come and explore the complex relationship between pollinators and plants that ultimately affects people.

STORYTIME AT THE LIBRARY (See April 2)

Saturday, May 23 WALKS WITH MATT: SING LIKE THE BIRDS (960-05-23-15) 9-11 a.m., $12/$24, Ordway Parking Lot Learn to identify a bird “by ear” with Arboretum naturalist Matt Schuth as your instructor.

Photo by Diane Jandt

Saturday, May 30 SATURDAY LEGO BUILDS 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

Build a Community – Contribute a piece to our city and learn what makes a good community. $5/bag of LEGO bricks.

THE POWER OF BALANCE: STONE SCULPTURES FOR YOUR GARDEN (200-05-30-15) 9:30 a.m.-Noon, $42/$55, Visitor Center Stone-sculpture artist Peter Juhl will demonstrate and guide you through the steps to create your own balanced-rock sculpture.

“FLASH WRITING” ON THE INSPIRATION TRAM (100-05-30-15) 4-6:30 p.m., $38/$50, Visitor Center Led by acclaimed writing instructor Jeannie Hanson, you’ll make five stops along Three-Mile Drive, and write a brief response to the nature found there.

WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHY (750-05-30-15-02) 10 a.m.-3 p.m., $109/$129, Visitor Center Instructor John Pennoyer will share tips and tricks for capturing stunning images of wildlife, including mammals and birds.

Level: intermediate.

PLANT-MAKER STUDIO (See April 4) LET’S TALK PLANTS Q&A (See April 4)

Sunday, May 31 YOGA IN THE GARDENS Noon, Garden for Wildlife (See May 14) PLANT-MAKER STUDIO (See April 4) LET’S TALK PLANTS Q&A (See April 4)

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Telephone Directory...

General Information . . . . . . . . . 952-443-1400 Andersen Horticultural Library . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 612-301-1239 Auxiliary Event & Membership Info. . . . . . . . . . . . . 612-625-9865

3675 Arboretum Drive Chaska, Minnesota 55318-9613

A publication for members and friends of the Arboretum ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

Bloom Alert. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 612-625-9793 or www.arboretum.umn.edu/whatsinbloom.aspx Contributions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 612-301-1263 Education. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 612-301-1210 Gift Store. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 612-301-7619 Facility Rentals. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 612-301-7600 Membership. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 612-301-1257 Memorials. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 612-301-1263 Volunteering. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 612-301-1203 Yard & Garden Help Desk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 612-301-7590 or

www.extension.umn.edu “Like” us at www.facebook.com/mnarboretum • “Follow” us at www.twitter.com/mnarboretum “Pin” us at www.pinterest.com/mnarboretum • “Instagram” us at @mn_arb

Fax . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 612-301-1274 Website . . . . . . . . . . . www.arboretum.umn.edu

Hours...

ART AT THE ARBORETUM

Delight in the beauty found indoors in the Oswald Visitor Center. Art available for sale through the Arboretum Gift Store, with a portion of proceeds benefiting the Arboretum.

Grounds open 8 a.m.-8 p.m. (or sunset) daily.

REEDY GALLERY

Oswald Visitor Center Mon.-Sat. 8 a.m.-6 p.m.

Sun. 10.a.m.-6 p.m..

WEIRD, WILD & WONDERFUL, THE SECOND NEW YORK BOTANICAL GARDEN TRIENNIAL Through May 17 Curated by the American Society of Botanical Artists – an exhibition of 47 original botanical artworks. Sponsored by the University of Minnesota Libraries and the Andersen Horticultural Library.

Arboretum Gift Store Mon.-Sat. 9 a.m.-6 p.m.

Sun. 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

KISS ME OVER THE GARDEN GATE • Opens May 23 through Aug. 30.

An exhibit of botanic art for a floral alphabet. Presented by Andersen Horticultural Library and University of Minnesota Libraries.

Restaurant Mon.-Sat. 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Sun. 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

RESTAURANT GALLERY

Andersen

Horticultural Library (Snyder Building) Mon.-Fri. 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

Sat. & Sun. 11 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

Memorial Day (May 25): 11 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

Admission Visitors: $12 for ages 13 and up Members: Free Children 12 & under: Free Arboretum memberships start at $49

arboretum magazine

8TH ANNUAL ARBORETUM PHOTOGRAPHERS SOCIETY SHOW & SALE • THROUGH APRIL 5 “Best of the Arboretum” – Through the lens of the Arboretum Photographers Society – juried exhibition of the best of the Arboretum, in all the seasons.

MINNESOTA LAKES AND LIFE • OPENS APRIL 9-JUNE 30 A stylized collection of prints by Minnesota artist Brian Jensen chronicling his love of Minnesota lakes, boats, life and landscapes.

SAVE THE DATE AUXILIARY GARDEN TOURS Sunday, July 12, Tuesday, July 14 & Wednesday, July 15

Thursday Admission Apr.-Oct. Third Thursday free after 4:30 p.m.

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The University of Minnesota is an equal opportunity educator and employer. ©2015 Minnesota Landscape Arboretum.

TOAST & TASTE IN THE GARDENS Wednesday, July 15 CHANHASSEN/CARVER COUNTY DAY Friday, August 14 ART CRAWL THROUGH THE GARDENS

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The American Public Gardens Association comes to Mpls.St. Paul for its 75th anniversary conference, June 22-26. Host gardens Minnesota Landscape Arboretum and Como Zoo & Conservatory welcome keynote speaker, Andrew Zimmern, TV personality, author and community food activist. Visit www.publicgardens.org.