Update:  The new Arboretum rose has been given a name - "Summer Waltz."  Congratulations to Mary Ann Starnes of Big Fork Minn., who suggested the name.  Congratulations also to Mary Lynn Bechtel of Eden Prairie.  Her entry "Suddenly Summer" has been selected as the name of a new series of Arboretum plant introductions. 

National Public Gardens Day
Friday, May 11

Celebrate National Public Gardens Day on Friday, May 11, by visiting Minnesota's premiere public garden, the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum.  Gate admission will be free for all visitors on this special day.

Now in its fourth year, National Public Gardens Day celebrates the vital role public gardens play in promoting environmental stewardship and awareness, plant and water conservation, and education.  More than 500 North American public gardens are participating in this special day, which was initiated by the American Public Gardens Association in partnership with NPGD official sponsor Rain Bird irrigation products. 

"National Public Gardens Day is a great time for families and enthusiasts to enjoy the Arboretum gardens and learn about our educational outreach and research efforts," said Ed Schneider, Arboretum director. "Our mission is to engage and educate the public on the irreplaceable value of plants." 

Here's a schedule of National Public Gardens Day events at the Arboretum:

• 10 a.m. - Welcoming remarks by Arboretum Director Ed Schneider, who will also announce the winner of the Rose-Naming Contest and introduce the contest judges, including Kathy Zuzek, UM Extension educator who developed the rose.
• 10:30 a.m. - Brief talk on roses with rose expert Kathy Zuzek. Bring your gardening questions and gain a few rose-growing tips from Kathy. Oswald Visitor Center.
• 10:30 a.m. - Free guided walking tour of the gardens with Arboretum tour guide.  Departs from Visitor Center.
• 10:30 a.m., noon, 1:30 & 3 p.m. - Guided tram tour along Three-Mile Drive (small fee charged). This is a non-stop, narrated tour in an open-air tram.
• 2 p.m. - Free afternoon guided tour of Arboretum gardens with Peter Moe, horticulturalist and Arboretum operations director. Departs from Oswald Visitor Center.
• 10:30 a.m. - 2 p.m. - Giveaways of sunflower seed packets, plus "Spin the Garden Wheel" game for hats, t-shirts, water bottle prizes and art mural activity on "What a Garden Means to Me."

Join us for a fun day in the garden!