Media Contact: Barb DeGroot, PR Specialist, 952-443-1459

For Immediate Release

Valentine’s Day – Straight from the Arb!

Chaska, MN (Jan. 15, 2009) - Looking for new ways to celebrate Valentine’s Day?   Here are some unusual and heartfelt “gifts” that will surely impress your loved one, courtesy of the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum.

1.       Name an orchid for him or her!  The Arboretum’s Orchid Tropical  Fantasy: Exhibit Preview and Reception, set for 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 12,  offers a preview of the Arb’s exquisite Totally Orchids display (opening Feb. 13) as well as sales of unusual orchids and a “silent auction” chance to bid for rights to name a new orchid for your loved one. Plus wine and appetizers. Tickets: $35. For more info, visit www.arboretum.umn.edu or call 952-443-1400, ext. 6052. 

2.       Treat her to a Gourmet Valentine’s Dinner (6:30 p.m. Feb. 14). Treat your sweetheart to a romantic feast: a salad course of red and gold beets, candied walnuts and blue cheese, partnered with pork belly and seared scallops; an entrée of lavender-scented lamb chops, caramelized sweet potato puree; and dessert of black cherry trifle and chocolate truffles.  Wines to accompany each course.  Dinner in the Arb Restaurant; appetizers in the Great Hall (among the orchids).  $60 for Arb members/$65 non-members.  Call 612-624-7173 to reserve a spot at the table.

3.      Make a day of it!  On Saturday, Feb. 14, the Arboretum offers the following adult classes that make the most of the Valentine’s theme:  Luscious Chocolate Truffles to make and take home (1-3 p.m.; $30/$40);  and Make Your Own Body Butter (3:30-5 p.m.; $25/$35).  Or linger for the Aphrodisiacs Pour l’Amour romantic dinner demonstration with Arboretum resident chef Jenny Breen who will cook up a sensual feast of foods considered romance enhancers: cream of asparagus soup garnished with toasted almonds; avocado, orange and arugula salad with rose & honey vinaigrette, pan-seared fish with sesame-ginger glaze and cilantro coconut rice; plus two desserts.  Wine tastings accompany each course.  (Fee: 5:30-8:30 p.m.; $40/$50).  To register, call 952-443-1422 or email ArbEdu@umn.edu.  Or visit: www.arboretum.umn.edu/learn.aspx.

4.      Go on a Valentine’s Day walk!  From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 14, enjoy a free Nordic walking lesson and try out walking equipment, courtesy of Hoigaard’s sporting goods.

5.       Say ‘I do’ to a Valentine’s Day outdoor wedding at the Arb!  Why not exchange or renew your vows outdoors in the Arboretum’s magical winter landscape?  Then retreat indoors to the romantic Fireplace Room for your reception. Special rates apply on Valentine’s Day. Call 952-443-1411. 

The Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, the largest public garden in the Upper Midwest and a premier northern arboretum, is part of the University of Minnesota College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences and 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.                    

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