Media contact: Barb DeGroot, 952-443-1459
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Chaska, Minn. (Oct. 31, 2008) - Tis the season for "Making Spirits Bright." Come and celebrate the joy of the holidays amid the serenity and beauty of the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum. The Arboretum gardeners are decorating trees with natural ornaments created from dried flowers, grasses and branches. Their creations can be seen inside the Great Hall of the Oswald Visitor Center from Nov. 28 through early January, along with other seasonal adornments, plus the Windows on Winter garden enhancements just outside the Oswald and Snyder buildings.
To enliven your holiday experience, the Oswald Visitor Center will be abuzz with music and merriment, especially on Thursday evenings and weekends from Nov. 28 to Dec. 21. Visitors can take advantage of extended-hours on Thursdays to browse the Gift Store and enjoy an evening meal at the Restaurant. (Admission is free all day Thursdays, November through April.) Following are special highlights of the Arboretum's "Making Spirits Bright" season, which is sponsored by American Family Insurance.
Windows on Winter - Garden Enhancements
Nov. 28- Feb. 28, Gardens around Oswald Visitor Center & Snyder Building
Come indoors to view framed winter garden decorations through the Oswald Visitor Center's oversized windows or head outside for an up-close look. Designs created by local landscape and garden centers.
Great Hall of Trees
Nov. 28 to early January, Oswald Visitor Center and Snyder Building
Nature-inspired decorations highlight natural evergreen trees in the Great Hall of the Oswald Visitor Center and Snyder Building.
Arboretum Holiday Gift Store at Galleria Shopping Center
Nov. 1-Dec. 31, Galleria in Edina
If you enjoy the unique and tasteful selections at the Arboretum Gift Store, check out this new seasonal Arboretum store at the Galleria in Edina. Open from Nov. 1 through Dec. 31, this new shop will bring the "spirit" of the Arboretum to the Galleria, selling a wide range of children's books as well as nature, gardening and cooking volumes for adults, plus unique gardening items, handcrafted jewelry and one-of-a-kind treasures. Open during Galleria hours.
Book-Signing Event with Jim Gilbert, "Minnesota Nature Notes"
Saturday, Nov. 15, 2 to 3 p.m., Arboretum Gift Store
Meet naturalist and author Jim Gilbert at a book-signing for his new book "Jim Gilbert's Minnesota Nature Notes." He also will sign copies from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 22, at the Arboretum Gift Store in the Galleria.
Free Thursdays
Thursdays, Nov. 6 - April 30, 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
The Arboretum offers free admission all day on Thursdays, November through April. Plus, the first three Thursdays in December, the Arboretum will be open until 8 p.m., to offer live holiday music, shopping, free family activities and dining opportunities.
Free Holiday Live Music
Enjoy performances by the following community music groups on weekends and Thursday evenings. All performances are in the Great Hall of the Oswald Visitor Center.
The Minnesota Chorale, Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 29-30, 1:30-2 p.m. and 2:30-3 p.m.
Arbor Bells Handbell Ensemble, Thursday, Dec. 4, 6-6:30 and 7-7:30 p.m.
The Prairie Brass, Saturday, Dec. 6, noon-1 p.m.
Minnetonka Choral Society, Saturday, Dec. 6, 1:30-2 p.m. and 2:30-3 p.m.
Rum River Brass, Sunday, Dec. 7, 1:30-2 p.m. and 2:30-3 p.m.
Wayzata Women's Chorus, Thursday, Dec. 11, 6-6:30 and 7-7:30 p.m.
Twin Cities Bronze Handbell Ensemble, Saturday, Dec. 13, 1:30-2 p.m. and 2:30-3 p.m.
Wolfgang Ensemble with Classical MPR host Steve Staruch, Sunday, Dec. 14, 1-3 p.m.
Madd Jazz - Mound Westonka High School, Thursday, Dec. 18, 5-5:30 p.m. and 6-6:30 p.m.
Eden Prairie Community Band Chamber Ensembles, Thursday, Dec. 18, 6:30-8 p.m.
Waconia Suzuki Violins Holiday Music, Saturday, Dec. 20, 12:30-1 p.m.
Waconia High School Select Chamber Choir, Saturday, Dec. 20, 1:30-2 p.m. and 2:30-3 p.m.
Cantate and Sanctus Choirs of Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church, Sunday, Dec. 21, 1:30-2 & 2:30-3 p.m.
November Weekend Family Activity: "Buckthorn Bust"
Saturdays & Sundays, November 1-30, noon - 4 p.m., Marion Andrus Learning Center
Interactive learning about villainous buckthorn. Includes a cup of cocoa.
Thursday Family Activity: "Evergreen Treasures"
Thursday evenings, Dec., 4, 11 & 18 , 5- 7 p.m., Oswald Visitor Center
Learn about evergreen secrets and take home a seasonal keepsake. Admission is free all day Thursday.
December Weekend Family Activity: "Gift from the Bees"
Saturdays and Sundays, Dec. 6-28, noon to 4 p.m., Marion Andrus Learning Center
What's the buzz about bees? Sample a taste of comb honey and make beeswax lip balm to take home.
Auxiliary Holiday Sale, Preview: Thursday, Dec. 4, 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Get a head-start on your holiday shopping, while enjoying complimentary cheese and wine. Tickets: $25 (tax-deductible & includes gate admission). Reserve at 952-906-7616 by Dec. 1.
Public Holiday Sale, Saturday, Dec. 6, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Sunday, Dec. 7, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Browse for seasonal arrangements, wreaths, ornaments, decorated trees, aromatherapy items, fashion accessories and bird- and garden-related treasures. Proceeds benefit the Arboretum. Gate fees apply.
Minnesota Herb Society Holiday Sale, Saturday & Sunday, Dec. 6-7, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Visitor Center.
Shop for handcrafted herbal gifts. Proceeds help maintain Arboretum herb gardens.
2008 Photography Exhibit and Sale
Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 6-7, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., MacMillan Auditorium, Oswald Visitor Center
Student photographers and members of the Arboretum Photographers Society will show off their finest Arboretum photographs in this exhibition and sale in the MacMillan Auditorium. Purchase greeting cards, prints, framed images and more.
Gallery Exhibit and Sale - "Capturing Nature's Beauty"
Reedy Gallery, Oswald Visitor Center, Through Jan. 4. (Meet the Artists, Sunday, Nov. 2, 2 to 4 p.m. )
Nature-inspired paintings by Carol (Gray) McIntyre and Karen Knutson.
Book-signing with Janie Jasin, "The Littlest Christmas Tree"
Saturday, Dec. 13, 2 to 3 p.m., Arboretum Gift Store;
Sunday, Dec. 14, 1 to 3 p.m., Arboretum Store in the Galleria in Edina
Author and motivational speaker Janie Jasin will sign copies of her children's book "The Littlest Christmas Tree" ($12.95, Book Peddlers) at the Arboretum Gift Store on Saturday, Dec. 13, from 2 to 3 p.m. and at the Arboretum Store in the Galleria Mall on Sunday, Dec. 14, from 1 to 3 p.m.
Traditional Holiday Teas
Wednesdays-Saturdays, Dec. 3-6, 10-13, 17-20; Friday & Saturday, Dec. 26-27; and Monday-Wednesday, Dec. 29-31. Times: 2:30-4 p.m. Snyder Building Tea Room and Fireplace Room (Dec. 3-6 only)
Create a special holiday memory with family and friends - enjoy festive afternoon tea at the Arboretum. View wildlife and winter landscapes from the warmth of the Snyder Building with its fireplaces and holiday décor. Enjoy a three-course tea complete with oven-fresh sweets and savories such as homemade scones topped with tangy lemon curd and Devonshire cream. Menu to include trifle, tea breads, deviled eggs, tea sandwiches, dipped strawberries, mini quiche, cucumber sandwiches. Fee: $22 plus tax per person for members; or $25 for non-members. Call 612-624-7173.
Holiday Open House
Sunday, Dec. 14, 2-4 p.m., Oswald Visitor Center and Learning Center
Sparkling apple-cider tastings at Oswald Visitor Center, cooking-sampling at Marion Andrus Learning Center. Live music and conversation with Classical MPR host Steve Staruch and the Wolfgang Ensemble from 1 to 3 p.m., sponsored by American Family Insurance. Enjoy "Gift from the Bees" family fun from noon to 4 p.m. at the Andrus Learning Center. Free with Arb admission.
Holiday Season Gourmet Dinners
Fridays, Dec. 5, 12, 19, 6:30 p.m., Reedy Gallery and Great Hall, Oswald Visitor Center
Dine amid the splendor of the Great Hall holiday decorations. Brighten the spirits of family and friends with a multi-course repast with wine pairings. Menu includes: pumpkin soup; organic greens, duck confit, grilled figs and pomegranate balsamic drizzle; butternut squash ravioli, toasted pine nuts; braised beef short ribs and curried squab, wild rice pancakes and Wisconsin chocolate cheese fondue platter. Live musical accompaniment. $80-$85. Call 612-624-7173.
Sunday Breakfast Specials, Oswald Visitor Center Restaurant
Nov 2 through March 15, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.; adults, $12.99 and children under 10, $6.99.
Ever-changing menu includes fresh fruit, pastries, hearty breakfast favorites, juices, tea and coffee.
Hot Chocolate Walking Tours
Wednesdays, Nov. 19, Dec. 3 & 17, 10 a.m., departing from Oswald Visitor Center; fee: $5
Explore the Arboretum winter landscape on a one-hour walk with a naturalist, followed by hot chocolate.
Ar-BRR-retum, Wednesday, Dec. 31, 8 a.m. to sunset
Free admission for skiers and snowshoers, plus a complimentary hot beverage! Free lessons, demos with ski, snowshoe equipment, courtesy of Hoigaard's, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
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 developed as a community and national resource for horticultural and environmental information, research, and public education. It is located nine miles west of I-494 on Highway 5 in Chaska. The University of Minnesota is an equal opportunity employer and educator. The Arboretum is disability accessible; the buildings and terraces are smoke free. -END-
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