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Sept 9, 2010

What's In Bloom

Fall is in the air!  While there's just a trace of color in Arboretum treetops, our  prairie is vibrant in shades of yellow and gold, thanks to the blooming goldenrods and sunflowers, interspersed with asters in hues of blues, purples and whites. The prairie's tall, waving grasses are now tinged with rusty reds and maroons. Check it out the next time you're on Three-Mile Drive. Our annual and perennial gardens and the MacMillan and Spiegel gardens are splendid in September's golden sunlight. Dahlias and mums are not to be missed.  Bloom Line - 612-625-9791.

The Arboretum's grape breeding program will hold its annual open house and Fall Tour at the H.R.C. (Horticultural Research Center) on Saturday, September 11 at 10:00 a.m.  This is a great chance for you to learn about the characteristics of many of the grapes grown in our area.  Several dozen varieties from the U's collection along with some new selections from the breeding program will be available to taste and discuss. 

Growers will also have a chance to tour some of the U's research vineyards with viticulture staff.  After the vineyard portion of the tour is completed, our new enologist Katie Cook will lead a tour of the experimental wine lab, complete with samples.   The tour will conclude at about 12:30. 

Directions to the HRC:  The HRC is a little over a mile further west of the Arboretum, at the corner of Highway 5 and Rolling Acres Rd.  (There will also be signs for the AppleHouse.)  The HRC is on the north side of the road. 

Also This Weekend
and Beyond!

Autumn Unplugged:
Pumpkin Palooza!

Festivities kick off with Apple-Tastings at the Oswald Visitor Center the weekend of Sept. 18-19, and continuing every weekend through Oct. 10.  From 1 to 3 p.m., stop by and sample a new variety of research apple and let us know what you think. Guided nature walks, Scarecrows on Parade, the Auxiliary Harvest Sale (Sept. 25-26) and Andersen Horticultural Library Book Sale (Oct. 1-3) round out the fun.  Autumn Unplugged is presented by Country Financial.

PS: Sept. 20 is the last day to donate books for this year's Friends of Andersen Horticultural Library Used Book Sale.  Call 952-443-1405 for more information.

 Learn Something New...

September means "back to school" for all ages.  Here are some great public policy events:  Clean Water & Adaptation Summit on Sept. 16 & 17 and Food for Thought - Healthy Foods Summit 2010, Sept. 30 & Oct. 1, featuring an evening with New York Times columnist Mark Bittman (7:30-9 p.m. Sept. 30).  For details on both, click here.

There's space available in the following adult ed courses:

Inspired by Carol Bly: Write, Read & Dine With Us. Saturday, Sept. 25, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. $70/$85. Click here for more info.   

Apples for Minnesota Gardens.  Saturday, Sept. 18, 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
$30/$40.  Click here for more info.   

Whole Grains and Garden Goodness. Saturday, Sept. 25, 9-11 a.m., $30/$40.   Click here for more info.  

World of Tea. Saturday, Oct. 9, 9 a.m.-11 a.m. $30/$40.  To register call 952-443-1422 or click here for more info.  

That's all, friends!  We'll see you at the Arboretum!