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March 25, 2010

One of the most welcome signs of spring at the Arboretum is the annual Sugarbush Pancake Brunch March 27 & 28. That's just the start of a lively, fun-filled season capped by a first-ever Big Build residency with world-famous environmental sculptor Patrick Dougherty. Here's a look at the Arboretum's spring lineup:

Maple Syrup Tours and Sugarbush Pancake Brunch
Saturday & Sunday, March 27 & 28
Brunch: 9 a.m.-1 p.m., Oswald Visitor Center, MacMillan Auditorium; Maple Woods Tours: 9:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.
Enjoy the ultimate pancake experience with Arboretum-made maple syrup, all-you-can-eat pancakes topped with butter and chopped pecans, sausage and a beverage. Brunch served to those in line by 1 p.m. Tickets must be purchased at the event; free gate admission for brunch attendees. Adult members and their children ages 8 and older, $9; non-members, $11.50; children ages 4-7, $6; children ages 3 & under, free. Before or after brunch, take a self-guided Maple Syrup Tour from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m to discover how trees are tapped in the Arboretum's Sugarbush (Maple Woods).

Weekend Family Fun
Saturdays & Sundays, noon-4 p.m., Marion Andrus Learning Center
This is the last weekend for Maple Syrup Madness at the Learning Center. Bring the family and see who can taste the difference between real verses artificial maple syrup. Coming up in April, the topic is bees and blossoms; in May, it's sunflowers! Family-geared crafts and fun on a drop-in basis and free with gate admission.

Spring Trunk Show II: Transformations by Virgil Leih
Now through May 2, Oswald Visitor Center, Great Hall
Back by popular demand, it's artisan Virgil Leih's Spring Trunk Show II: Art of Tree Transformations, 20 awesome wood sculptures created from discarded tree trunks. Leih will lead "meet the artist" tours of the exhibit from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays during the exhibit. All pieces are for sale and a portion of the proceeds benefits the Arboretum.

Gardening School: Perennials Through the Seasons
March 27, 10 a.m. - 12:30 p.m., $30 member/$40 non-member, Snyder Auditorium
To learn more about the class and to register visit http://www.arboretum.umn.edu/gardeningschool.aspx

Easter Bunny Brunch
Sunday, April 4, Seatings at 10, 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.
MacMillan Auditorium, Oswald Visitor Center
Enjoy a favorite springtime tradition! Menu includes fresh fruit platter, citrus mixed green salad, Asian chop salad, Minnesota-grown rice pilaf, glazed chicken with Asian vegetable stir fry, egg bake with asparagus and cheese, spiral honey-glazed ham , desserts, coffee, juice and more! $18.95 for members & children 8 and older ; $21.95 non-members; $8.95 for ages 4-7; free for 3 and younger. Call 612-626-3951 or click here for reservations.

PLANTcetera: Get the Dirt on Growing
Saturday, April 10, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Featuring plant societies, garden clubs, and horticulture educators. Browse information and display tables, ask gardening questions, and attend seminars throughout the day. For more information visit http://www.arboretum.umn.edu/plantcetera.aspx

Flowers Fantastique Exhibit
Now through May 31. Reedy Gallery, Oswald Visitor Center
No matter the weather outside, flowers are blooming in the Reedy Gallery! Check out these watercolors and oils created by 23 talented artists. Informal weekend gallery tours from 1 to 3 p.m. April 10 & 11 and May 22 & 23. All works for sale and a portion of proceeds benefits the Arboretum. "Flowers Fantastique" is a collaboration with Wilcock Gallery of Excelsior.

Arboretum Outdoors with Hoigaard's - Nordic Walking
Thursday, April 1, 1:30 and 6 p.m. Oswald Visitor Center
Learn Nordic walking techniques from Hoigaard's staff, who will also bring Nordic walking poles for you to try out! Free with gate admission.

Gift Store Spring Events

Spring Double Discount Days
April 10-18
Members receive a 20 percent discount on Gift Store merchandise. Present your card at the time of purchase and save.

Orchid Plant Sale
April 30 - May 9
Perfect for Mother's Day. Select from a beautiful blooming orchid collection from Orchids Unlimited. Easy-to-grow and long-lasting.

Celebrating Our Roots Hosta & Ornamental Grass Sale
Saturday and Sunday, May 1 & 2; 8 a.m.-5 p.m. both days
Gift Store, Oswald Visitor Center
Hostas and ornamental grasses -- both bare-root varieties & bedding plants in small pots.

SummerHouse
May 14-Aug. 31, 2010
Daily, 10 a.m.- 6 p.m.
Shop for fresh, local produce, University of Minnesota meats (including brats and breakfast sausage), gardening supplies and heritage vegetables. Want to become more involved with local farms? Purchase a CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) "share" from our partners, Riverbend Farms (www.rbfcsa.com) or Loon Organics (www.loonorganics.com) and pick up a weekly supply of fresh organic vegetables, fruits, herbs and flowers at the SummerHouse. Check out their websites for further information.

Welcome Spring Wildflower Walks
Saturdays, April 24 & May 1, 10:30 a.m.
$10 member/ $12 non-member
Register on Learn pages or by calling 952-443-1422
An hour-long ramble with an Arboretum staff gardener. Meet in the Ordway Parking Lot.

Catch the Early Bird Birding Walk
Saturday, April 24, 8:30 a.m.
Explore the Arboretum grounds with a seasoned birder and learn all about our feathered friends! $10 member/$12 non-member. Call 952-443-1422 or visit Learn pages to register.

Coming Soon!

The Big Build by Patrick Dougherty Presented by J.P. Morgan
In Residence May 3 - 22
The Arboretum welcomes acclaimed environmental sculptor Patrick Dougherty who will create one of his large-scale environmental sculptures during a three-week residency. Come and watch the magic as the sculpture takes shape during its three-week construction! The sculpture will be officially dedicated on May 22. Also, check out the construction of the Dougherty-inspired "Stickworks Studio" play area near the Marion Andrus Learning Center - for kids of all ages! Starting in May, track the artist's progress via blog and webcam at www.arboretum.umn.edu/Bigbuild.aspx. The sculpture's completion will culminate with the naming and ribbon cutting, Sat., May 22, at 11 a.m.

Volunteers needed for Big Build
Patrick Dougherty will need the help of volunteers when he uses sticks and tree saplings to twist and weave an immense environmental sculpture. Using the Arboretum as his inspiration, assisted by a willing team of staff and volunteers, he will weave a masterwork for our community to experience and enjoy.
The Arboretum is seeking up to 100 volunteers to help. Do you enjoy creating original and inspiring art, do you love using nature as your medium, or do you enjoy unique volunteer opportunities? Then sign up today! You don't have to be a current Arboretum Volunteer to participate. Please read the volunteer job description for more information and learn how to sign up. Click Here for more information

A Tribute to Mom
Honor Mom with a special tribute in the Crabapple Collection for Mother's Day.
Click here for details http://www.arboretum.umn.edu/tributetomom.aspx.