Media contact: Barb DeGroot, 952-443-1459

            Arboretum Auxiliary Garden Tour Registration Opens May 1!

 Chanhassen, Minn. (April 8, 2010) - Nothing says summer like a lush garden full of beautiful blooms - from roses and clematis to daylilies and dahlias. Mark your calendar for a beloved Twin Cities summer tradition - the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum Auxiliary Garden Tours on Sunday, July 11, Tuesday, July 13 and Wednesday, July 14!  Registration opens May 1 at 952-443-1453.

Now in their 26^th year, these popular garden tours visit four of the most glorious private gardens in the western Twin Cities suburbs.  Tour participants are transported in escorted, air-conditioned buses (complete with restrooms) to view these lovely green retreats, which this year include such features as a rain garden, a container garden display and a breath-taking country estate garden.  The tour experience also includes brunch/lunch accompanied by live harp music under the trees on the Arboretum's beautiful Morgan Terrace and the opportunity to also visit the Arboretum's many gardens as a bonus!  This is truly the jewel of Twin Cities garden tours. 

The tour price is $50 for July 13 & 14 and $55 for July 11. Reservations begin May 3.  For details, visit the website at www.arboretum.umn.edu or call 952-443-1453.

Proceeds of the tour will benefit Arboretum operations. 

           The Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, the largest public garden in the Upper Midwest and a premier northern arboretum, is part of the College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences at the University of Minnesota and is a community and national resource for horticultural and environmental information, research, and public education.  It is located 9 miles west of I-494 on Highway 5 in Chanhassen.  The University of Minnesota is an equal opportunity employer and educator.  The Arboretum is disability accessible and  smoke-free.