Arboretum this Weekend:
Orchid Symposium, Shade Gardening & Spa Treatments 'n More!

Chanhassen, MN (March 8, 2010) - There's a whiff of spring in the air these days!  Brighter sunshine and nearly 50 degree temps mean the gardening season is just around the corner.  At least, we can start planning!  The Minnesota Landscape Arboretum is gearing up for its busy season.  Here's a look at what's happening this weekend (March 13 & 14):

Great Hall of Orchids' Exhibit Wraps Up
Escape the chill of winter and feast your senses on this display of exquisite orchids grown by Jerry Fischer and Orchids Limited of Plymouth.  Many are unique species and hybrids - true living works of art. This is the last weekend for the exhibit in the Oswald Visitor Center Great Hall.  

Orchid Culture 101 Class. Saturday, March 13, 9:30 a.m.-noon.
If you've always wanted to grow your own orchids, here's your chance to learn all the basics from renowned expert Jerry Fischer. In this lecture-style class, Fischer will present the tips and techniques you need to be a successful home orchid-grower, including light and water requirements, temperature needs, insect and disease management and more.  And take home your own seedling-sized orchid plant. Register at www.arboretum.umn.edu or call 952-443-1422. Fee: $35 members, $45 non-members. Oswald Visitors Center.

Gardening in the Shade Class. Saturday, March 13, 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Selecting plants for shady locations is far more challenging than for sunny locations.  Go beyond begonias and impatiens and learn which plants will thrive in the shade. Instructor Shirley Mah Kooyman is a botanist, teacher and gardener. Register at www.arboretum.umn.edu or call 952-443-1422. $30 members, $40 non-members. Beginner-intermediate level. Snyder Building.

Weekend Family Fun: Maple Syrup Madness.  Saturday & Sunday, noon-4 p.m. (drop-in).  Celebrate the arrival of spring with the sweet sap of sugar maples. Make a maple keepsake, grab a map for a self-guided hike from sap to syrup.  Free with gate admission. Marion Andrus Learning Center.

Saturdays in the Kitchen: Skin Spa Morning. Saturday, March 13, 9-11 a.m.
Learn how to create plant-based facial masks, body polish, bath teas and more!  Instructor is Kris James.  Call 952-443-1422 or visit www.arboretum.umn.edu.  Marion Andrus Learning Center. Fee: $30 member/ $40 non-member.

MNLA Awards Exhibit. Now through May 2.
Check out this display of posters showing award-winning entries in the 2010 Minnesota Nursery & Landscape Association design competition. Lots of great ideas to incorporate in your own home landscaping.  Friday, March 12-Sunday, May 2. Snyder Building lobby. 

Next Weekend- Spring Trunk Show Opens March 19
Back by popular demand, it's Virgil Leih's amazing display of large-scale wood-turnings. March 19 through May 2.

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 was developed as a community and national resource for horticultural and environmental information, research, and public education. It is open year-round (except for Thanksgiving and Christmas) and is located 9 miles west of I-494 on Highway 5 in Chanhassen.  Gate admission is $9 adults; free for members and ages 15 and younger. The University of Minnesota is an equal opportunity employer and educator.