Irises

Spring Gardens in Bloom =  Amazing Color!

10,000 Early Spring Flowers .. including crocus, squill, snow drops and more planted last fall.

30,000 Tulips Go POP! .. in Primary color of red, yellow and blue, with a POP of orange.

Thousands more blooms  .. such as pansies, Johnny jump-ups, snapdragons and nemesia to complement the bulbs.

Plus, entire multi-colored lilac collection, crabapple blossoms on Three-Mile Drive and native orchids (Ladyslipper) at Bog.

Watch for weekly updates of Spring Bloom Alerts on the home page of the Arboretum's web site and on the What's in Bloom page found here. It's time to visit the Arboretum and celebrate Spring in Bloom!

Home page photo and photo above by Ken Evans.

Explore the Wonders of the Outdoors

Plus, follow the adventures of ospreys nesting on the grounds of the Arboretum at: http://www.arboretum.umn.edu/ospreycam.aspx

MORE INDOORS 

Art Galleries:

Reedy Gallery

  • "Nourishing Life Through Art" a juried exhibit of the Minnesota Watercolor Society showcasing talented local artists and interpretations of landscapes, scenes and life. More Information

Cafe Gallery

  • "Points North" depicting the quietude and turbulence of the rugged northern region of Minnesota's Arrowhead by Stillwater-based artist Mary Jo Van Dell.. More Information

Arboretum Cafe:

  • Saturday Breakfast, 9 a.m.-noon, $8.99 with gate admission. No reservations necessary, but you may call ahead for large groups, 612-301-7602.
  • Sunday Breakfast, 10 a.m.-12:30, $8.99 with gate admission. No reservations necessary, but you may call ahead for large groups, 612-301-7602.
  • Sunday Supppers: New Summer schedule: third Sunday of the month May/June/July/Aug.

Weekly Programs (Free with gate admission):

StoryTime in the Library Every Thursday at 10:30 a.m., featuring nature-inspired stories for toddlers and preschoolers at the Andersen Horticultural Library in the Snyder Building. Free with gate admission.

Plant-maker Studio: Fun activities for visitors of all ages! Saturdays & Sundays, noon-4 p.m., Learning Center, free with Arboretum admission. More Information.

Let's Talk Plants Q&A, Let's Talk Plants Demonstration and Welcome Stations: Find knowledgeable Arboretum volunteers in and around the Visitor Center who are eager to answer your plant questions, demonstrate planting techniques and point you towards plants that are at their peak seasonal bloom. Free with gate admission. More Information.

Special Classes--Hurry and Reserve Today:

Walks with Matt. Several opportunities exist this spring to spend a few hours with Arboretum naturalist Matt Schutt. Discover what plants are unfurling and blooming and which creatures are coming and going. Enroll in one or all of these "classes on the move" to gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of the seasonal changes in this unique setting. More Information.

Spring and Summer Exhibit (indoors):

Savage Gardens: The Real and Imaginary World of Carnivorous Plants May 27 through Sept. 18. Featuring super-sized sculptures of four carnivorous plants and six freestanding, children's interactive stations that provide hands-on, playful learning. Don't miss related merchandise that will remind you of carnivorous gardens all summer long!  More Information.

Summer Outdoor Exhibit and Music:

David Rogers' Big Bugs June 18 through Sept. 30. Featuring 12 gigantic sculptures of bugs in the gardens behind the main buildings. Maps available at the gatehouse. Check out the Community Big Bug Builds happening on selected Saturdays this summer. Lots of bugs and more in Gift Store, too. Plus, after-hours events with Big Bugs especially for "big kids" at heart.  More Information.

Music in the Gardens Bring a lawn chair or a blanket and come enjoy an afternoon or evening concert amidst the splendor of the Arboretum's gardens. Free with gate admission. Grab-and-go food and beverage items including wine and beer available in the Cafe for weekend performances, and until 5 p.m. for Thursday performances.
Sunday, June 5, Jazz on the Prairie, 1-2:30 p,m., Ordway Shelter
Thursday, June 9, String Beans Band, 5:30-7 p.m., Trex Deck
Sunday, June 12, The Roadside Distractions, 1-2:30 p.m., Trex Deck
Thursday, June 16, The Celebration Brass, 5:30-7 p.m., Trex Deck
Sunday, June 19, Minnetonka Symphony Orchestra, 1-2:30 p.m., Trex Deck
More Information

SPECIAL EVENTS IN CHRONOLOGICAL ORDER

Saturday, April 16
Spring Into Wellness
, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. More Information

Sunday, April 17
Sunday Supper
, 4-6 p.m. More Information

Tuesday, April 19
Nordic Walking with Hoigaaard's
, 1 & 6 p.m. More Information

Friday, April 22
Earth Day 2016: Getting to the Root of Water Conservation Conference
, 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m. More Information
Earth Day at the Arb, 8 a.m.-6 p.m. More Information

Saturday, April 23
Urban Waters Forum 2016: Taking Action to Protect Our Lakes and Streams
, 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. More Information
All About Dogs, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. More Information

Friday, April 29
Arbor Day at the Arb,
8 a.m.-6 p.m. More Information

Sunday, May 1
Bud Break Run/Walk & Daffodil Dash
, 8 a.m. More Information

Friday, May 6
National Public Garden Day
, free gate admission all day with special storytimes, giveaways, spin the garden wheel for prizes, docent-led guided walks, orchid demos and talks (including orchid-gami actiivities and more!

Saturday, May 7
Auxiliary Spring Plant Sale
, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. More Information

Sunday May 8
Auxiliary Spring Plant Sale
, (see above)
Mother's Day Brunch, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. seatings on the half hour. More Information

Wednesday, May 11
Traditional Tea,
2:30-4 p.m., $26/$29, Reserve at www.arboretum.umn.edu/teatime.aspx or 612-626-3591.   

Thursday, May 12
Yoga at the Arb,
noon, MacMillan Auditorium. More Information

Sunday, May 15
Yoga at the Arb,
noon, MacMillan Auditorium. More Information
Sunday Supper, 4-6 p.m. More Information

Sunday, June 5
Yoga in the Gardens,
noon, Ornamental Grasses Collection. More Information

Wednesday, June 8
Traditional Tea,
2:30-4 p.m., $26/$29, Reserve at www.arboretum.umn.edu/teatime.aspx or 612-626-3591.   

Tuesday, June 14
Nordic Walking with Hoigaaard's
, 1 & 6 p.m.

Sunday, June 19
Sunday Supper
hosts Father's Day BBQ, 3-6:30 p.m. More Information

EDUCATION and LEARNING FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY

Children's Spring Fun:
Weekly day camps arboretum.umn.edu/daycamps.aspx
Weekly children's garden arboretum.umn.edu/childrensgarden.aspx
Self-guided adventures arboretum.umn.edu/selfguidedvisits.aspx, or call 612-301-1210.

Links Adult Class Offerings by Category
Food & Wine
Gardening & Horticulture
Fine Arts, Crafts & Books
Photography

Thanks for sharing the roadway on Three Mile Drive so all can enjoy the beauty and wonder: motor vehicles, bicycles, Tram and new pedestrian lane.