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Gardening & Horticulture - General
Classes & Workshops
Grow your green thumb with helpful advice from industry experts, researchers and professionals! Learn best practices, useful tips, and proven techniques for keeping your yard and garden healthy and sustainable in Minnesota.
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Born in the Wild: Building Rock Gardens with Alpine Plants
150-06-22-19-02
Saturday, June 22
9 a.m. - 11 a.m.
Betty Ann Addison, Owner of Gardens of Rice Creek Nursery and Landscape
Have you ever admired the Rock Garden at the Arboretum, and wondered what it would take to build one in your own backyard? Whether on steep slopes, stone troughs on your patio, raised beds or tucked into a niche, these gardens are fun to build and a great addition to your landscape! This class includes:
- Inspiring introduction to rock gardens designed by Betty Ann
- Overview of alpine plants that can be grown in this setting
- Information on where and how these plants grow in the wild
- A step-by-step explanation of how a rock garden is built and planted
- A tour of the Arboretum Rock Garden
- A trio of alpine plants to grow at home, plus a comprehensive handout
Limit 25, Snyder Building - Snyder Auditorium
Sold out. Add your name to the waitlist, we will contact you if a spot opens!
$25 member/$40 non-member, includes Arboretum admission and take-home alpine plants
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The New Shade Garden: Creating a Lush Oasis in the Age of Climate Change
Janet Sinner Endowed Horticultural Speaker Series
150-06-27-19
Thursday, June 27
6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Ken Druse, Award-winning garden writer and photographer
Twenty years after the publication of his best seller, The Natural Shade Garden, it's time to reconsider shade gardening to tackle the challenges that have arisen due to our changing climate. The low-stress environment of shade (cooler temperatures, fewer water demands, carbon sequestration) is extremely beneficial for our plants, our planet, and us. Considering the challenges of a changing climate, shrinking resources, and new weather patterns, Ken details new ways of looking at all aspects of the gardening process:
- Designing your garden
- Choosing and planting trees
- Preparing soil
- Selecting from a vast array of flowers and foliage
Ken knows that the best defense is to create a verdant retreat - he says, "The garden of the future will be in the shade."
Limit 200, Oswald Visitor Center - MacMillan Auditorium
$10 member/$25 non-member, includes Arboretum admission
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Minnesota Statewide Extension Master Gardener Conference
Friday, June 28, 1:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Saturday, June 29, 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
The focus of this year's conference is to inspire Master Gardener Volunteers to take action in their communities around the state Master Gardener Program priority areas: Pollinators, Clean Water, Local Food, Nearby Nature, Climate Change, Plant Biodiversity, and Horticulture Skills. The hallmark of this conference will feature hands- sessions sharing new and cutting-edge learning about Bugs, Trees & Garden Design.
TRACKS
New this year! Select a themed track to hone your learning.
* Bug Track
* Tree Track
* Garden Design Track
PRICES
$65 - $199, depending on options. See registration link below for full details and options
View Full Agenda & Details
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Special Access Tour Behind-the-Scenes: Rare Plant Conservation at the Arb
150-06-29-19
Saturday, June 29
9 a.m. - 11 a.m.
David Remucal, curator of endangered plants at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum
Learn more about how a botanic garden can work to save rare plants during this tour of the current research! The Arboretum is a proud partner with the Center for Plant Conservation (CPC), an organization founded in 1984 that seeks to prevent the extinction of US native plants. As a partner in the CPC, the Arboretum is responsible for leading conservation efforts for nine species, which include
- Orchids such as Platanthera praeclara, the western prairie fringed orchid
- Dwarf trout lily endemic to Minnesota (Erythronium propullans)
- Fassett's locoweed endemic to Wisconsin (Oxytropis campestris var. chartacea)
In addition to an outline of the current research projects, you will receive special access to areas that are normally off-limits for public viewing:
- Tour the research greenhouse
- View the research plots
- Visit the research hoop houses
Limit 20, Horticulture Research Center
$20 member/$35 non-member, includes Arboretum admission
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Trending Horticulture 2019:
Advancing the Art & Science of Your Gardens
Thursday, July 18, 9 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Experienced Gardeners
Come join MSHS and the Arboretum as we dig into an inspiring summer day of horticulture! Meet other gardening enthusiasts as you learn from the experts about cutting edge design, new ornamental cultivars, behind-the-scenes tours and more.
Choose any 3 sessions
Custom-select your perfect day filled with your choice of available presentations, workshops, and Special Access tours!
- Permaculture
- Butterfly Gardening
- Birdscaping
- Unusual Herbs
- Kitchen Gardens
- Gardens for Cutting Flowers
- Rare Plants
- Garden Photography
- Special Access: Wine Grapes
- Special Access: Sculpture Garden
- Special Access: Tram Tour with Arboretum Director
- Special Access: Ornamental Grasses
- ...and more!
$99 member/$119 non-member, includes customized choice of available sessions, morning coffee/snack, lunch, and Arboretum admission
View Full Agenda & Details
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Create-Your-Own Kokedama Mini Workshop
Select a Session
Saturday, July 20, 1 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. 150-07-20-19
Saturday, July 20, 1:45 p.m. - 2:15 p.m. 150-07-20-19-01
Saturday, July 20, 2:30 p.m. - 3 p.m. 150-07-20-19-02
Saturday, July 20, 3:15 p.m. - 3:45 p.m. 150-07-20-19-03
Laura Vogel, Adult Education Programs Manager, Minnesota Landscape Arboretum
Kokedama is a Japanese variant of bonsai, in which live moss is essentially used as a container for another plant. These moss balls can hold many types of decorative houseplants. They are equally beautiful displayed on a table or suspended by your window and are easy to care for. The experience will take a half-hour or less. You will:
- Learn more about this unique display technique
- Choose from an assortment of small (approx 2 inch) decorative plants, specially selected for ideal kokedama conditions (indoor, indirect light, intermittent watering, etc)
- Follow along step-by-step as you create your own kokedama (approx 4 inches) to take home
- Receive a helpful care sheet and instructions how to make more at home
NOTE that adult hand strength and hand-size is required to create a kokedama. Minimum age suggested is 12 to work independently on a kokedama.
Limit 8, Visitor Center
$20 per project, does not include Arboretum admission. Walk-in registration based on availability; first-come, first-served
This session is sold out. Select a different time slot.
Saturday, July 20, 1 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.
$20 per project, does not include Arboretum admission.
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Saturday, July 20, 1:45 p.m. - 2:15 p.m.
$20 per project, does not include Arboretum admission.
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Saturday, July 20, 2:30 p.m. - 3 p.m.
$20 per project, does not include Arboretum admission.
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Saturday, July 20, 3:15 p.m. - 3:45 p.m.
$20 per project, does not include Arboretum admission.
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Create-Your-Own Air Plants in Corks Mini Workshop
Select a session
Saturday, June 22 NOT AVAILABLE THIS DATE
Saturday, August 10, 1 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. 150-08-10-19
Saturday, August 10, 1:45 p.m. - 2:15 p.m. 150-08-10-19-01
Saturday, August 10, 2:30 p.m. - 3 p.m. 150-08-10-19-02
Saturday, August 10, 3:15 p.m. - 3:45 p.m. 150-08-10-19-03
Laura Vogel, Adult Education Programs Manager, Minnesota Landscape Arboretum
Discover a unique gem to add to your houseplant collection! The genus Tillandsia, or air plants, are a specialized type of plant native to the Americas. They do not require soil to survive, making them a great conversation piece for your home and a suitable live subject for endless artistic displays! The experience will take a half-hour or less. You will:
- Visit to the nearby Conservatory for a quick introduction to air plants
- Learn care guidelines- they still need water and light, even if they're not planted in soil!
- Choose from an assortment of mini (approx 1 inch) Tillandsia
- Follow along step-by-step as you build your own display of 3 Tillandsia mounted on corks, for display on an indoor magnetic surface or tabletop
- Receive a helpful care sheet
Limit 8, Snyder Building - Snyder Lobby
$20 per project, does not include Arboretum admission. Walk-in registration based on availability; first-come, first-served.
Saturday, June 22
Sessions not available on this date due. We apologize for any inconvenience.
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Saturday, August 10, 1 p.m. - 1:30 p.m
$20 per project, does not include Arboretum admission.
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Saturday, August 10, 1:45 p.m. - 2:15 p.m.
$20 per project, does not include Arboretum admission.
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Saturday, August 10, 2:30 p.m. - 3 p.m.
$20 per project, does not include Arboretum admission.
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Saturday, August 10, 3:15 p.m. - 3:45 p.m
$20 per project, does not include Arboretum admission.
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The Power of Balance: Stone Sculptures for your Garden
Saturday, September 21 (125-09-21-19)
9:30 a.m. - noon
Peter Juhl, stone balancing artist, www.temporarysculpture.com
Level
No experience necessary
Supplies
An assortment of practice rocks will be available to use during class
Get balanced! Dazzle your friends with a new skill that looks like magic and combines elements of meditation, sculpture, and performance art. Peter will explain simple techniques using shape, weight, and friction to create impossible looking balances using ordinary stones. You'll also gain insights on photographing your creations, learn about design and composition, and receive helpful tips on more advanced balancing. You'll leave grounded, refreshed, and able to repeat your balancing act in your own garden or anywhere with stones. You'll never look at stones in the same way again! This workshop is designed for adults; because a general understanding of gravity and physics is discussed, suggested minimum age for this class is 12.
Limit 24
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Seed Saving: Understanding, Collecting, Cleaning, & Storing Seeds
150-08-24-19
Saturday, August 24, 2019
9 a.m.-noon
Jim Calkins, landscape and production horticulturist, Research Information Director - MN Nursery & Landscape Assn
Learning how to save and germinate seeds is a very useful gardening skill. You'll be able to grow and share your garden through seeds from your trees, perennials, vegetables, and more! Join Jim to learn:
- Which seeds are worth collecting
- Proper techniques needed to collect quality seeds
- How to store seeds to ensure they are healthy and viable when you are ready to plant
- How to germinate your own seeds successfully
- Collect seeds from a variety of unique species growing at the Arboretum (weather permitting)
Limit 20, Learning Center Garden Lab
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| $41 member/$56 non-member |
includes Arboretum admission
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Creating a Home Landscape You Can Love and Enjoy
Select a session
Saturdays 9 a.m.-noon, Sept 14 & 28, Oct 12 & 26, Nov 9 (150-09-14-19)
Saturdays 1:30-4:30 p.m., Sept 14 & 28, Oct 12 & 26, Nov 9 (150-09-14-19-01)
Saturdays 1:30-4:30 p.m., January 4 & 18, February 1, 15 & 29, 2020 (150-01-04-20)
Jim Calkins, landscape and production horticulturist, Research Information Director - MN Nursery & Landscape Assn
Do you dream about having a beautiful home landscape or have a specific landscape project in mind, but don't know how to get started? In this progressive, five-session workshop, your own yard is your class project! Learn in class and through take-home assignments:
- Theory and principles of landscape design
- How to analyze soils
- Proper plant selection for your site
- How to develop a functional, manageable, environmentally sound, cost-effective, and visually pleasing design unique to your home setting
In addition to class group learning, there will be time for the instructor to check-in and provide advice specific to each participant's project.
Limit 16, Marion Andrus Learning Center
Saturdays 9 a.m.-noon, Sept 14 & 28, Oct 12 & 26, Nov 9, includes Arboretum admission
Couples Price! $225 member couple/$280 non-member couple for couples working together on the same project
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| MORNING SESSION-Saturdays 9 a.m.-noon, Sept 14 & 28, Oct 12 & 26, Nov 9 |
$200 member/$250 non-member, includes Arboretum admission
Couples Price! $225 member couple/$280 non-member couple for couples working together on the same project
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| AFTERNOON SESSION-Saturdays 1:30-4:30 pm, Sept 14 & 28, Oct 12 & 26, Nov 9 |
$200 member/$250 non-member, includes Arboretum admission
Couples Price! $225 member couple/$280 non-member couple for couples working together on the same project |
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| Saturdays 1:30-4:30 p.m., January 4 & 18, February 1, 15 & 29, 2020 |
$200 member/$250 non-member, includes Arboretum admission
Couples Price! $225 member couple/$280 non-member couple for couples working together on the same project |
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Walk with Mary: Ornamental Grasses
150-09-19-19
Thursday, September 19, 2019
4 p.m.-6 p.m.
Mary Meyer, University of MN Professor and Extension Horticulturist
Ornamental grasses provide year-round beauty, are low maintenance and provide fabulous habitat! Join Dr. Meyer for an introduction to the grass collection at its peak, and learn:
- More about the 200+ species in the Arboretum's collection- one of the largest in the country!
- The seasonal peaks of beauty for various cultivars
- The important habitat and forage grasses provide for local birds and insects
- How to select varieties or cultivars for your home landscape
Dr. Meyer's book, Ornamental Grasses for Cold Climates, is available in the Arboretum Gift Store. NOTE Be sure to come dressed for the weather and ready to spend time outdoors!
Limit 25, Maze Parking Lot
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| $15 member/$30 non-member |
includes Arboretum admission
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Science of Plant Propagation: Seeds
150-01-18-20
Saturday, January 18, 2020
9 a.m.-noon
Jim Calkins, landscape and production horticulturist, Research Information Director - MN Nursery & Landscape Assn
Seed catalogs are starting to flood the mailbox-so tempting! Make the most of your purchases by understanding the science of seed propagation. You will learn:
- Biology of sexual propagation through seeds 150
- Basic seed collection and storage methods
- How to overcome seed dormancy
- Tried-and-true techniques to grow a wide variety of plants from seeds
- Take home several seed-based projects for spring growth!
COUPON
Register for 2 or more Science of Plant Propagation classes and save $8 off each class! Use coupon code 8OFF at checkout or call 612-301-1210. Classes must be purchased at the same time in the same order. Not valid on previous purchases or with other discounts. No cash value. |
Limit 24, Marion Andrus Learning Center - Garden Lab
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| $41 member/$56 non-member |
includes Arboretum admission
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Science of Plant Propagation: Cuttings
150-01-25-20
Saturday, January 25, 2020
9 a.m.-noon
Jim Calkins, landscape and production horticulturist, Research Information Director - MN Nursery & Landscape Assn
Create new plants from existing ones! Jim will show you how to propagate plants asexually (without seeds) using a variety of fascinating techniques. Learn:
- Basics of asexual propagation and biology
- How and when to divide plants, take cuttings, use layers, and more
- How cuttings are used for commercial production
- Prepare your own cuttings and take home a personal "greenhouse-in-a-pot"
COUPON
Register for 2 or more Science of Plant Propagation classes and save $8 off each class! Use coupon code 8OFF at checkout or call 612-301-1210. Classes must be purchased at the same time in the same order. Not valid on previous purchases or with other discounts. No cash value. |
Limit 24, Marion Andrus Learning Center - Garden Lab
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| $41 member/$56 non-member |
includes Arboretum admission
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Science of Plant Propagation: Grafting
150-02-01-20
Saturday, February 1, 2020
9 a.m.-noon
Jim Calkins, landscape and production horticulturist, Research Information Director - MN Nursery & Landscape Assn
Grafting is the technique of combining two different plants so that they grow together. It is an art and science that is used in the production of many plants. In this class, you will learn:
- Biology of grafting as asexual propagation
- Different grafting techniques used to propagate plants
- Appreciation for the skill and experience grafting takes
- How to make a graft through hands-on practice
- How to take care of the grafted plants you get to take home!
COUPON
Register for 2 or more Science of Plant Propagation classes and save $8 off each class! Use coupon code 8OFF at checkout or call 612-301-1210. Classes must be purchased at the same time in the same order. Not valid on previous purchases or with other discounts. No cash value. |
Limit 24, Marion Andrus Learning Center - Garden Lab
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| $41 member/$56 non-member |
includes Arboretum admission
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Establishing and Maintaining Prairie Communities
150-02-01-20-01
Saturday, February 1, 2020
1 p.m.-3:30 p.m.
Beth Markhart, Prairie Restorations
Bring your laptop and learn how to bring an important native plant community onto your property, whether a small garden or large landscape. In this course, you will:
- Discover the benefits of prairie communities, from soil-building to attracting beneficial insects
- Learn how to model native prairie plant communities on a scale that works for your property
- Interact with other prairie gardeners through fun, interactive learning using internet real-time activities during class
- Leave with a site-planning handout and list of resources, plus an understanding of how to establish your own prairie community in the spring.
Bring from home: an internet-accessible laptop (Sorry, no smart pads or phones)
Limit 40, Tashjian Bee and Pollinator Discovery Center - McVay Learning Lab
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| $47 member/$62 non-member |
includes Arboretum admission
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Science of Plant Propagation: Soils
150-02-08-20
Saturday, February 8, 2020
9 a.m.-noon
Jim Calkins, landscape and production horticulturist, Research Information Director - MN Nursery & Landscape Assn
Make this your best growing season yet by really knowing and understanding the soil in which you grow your plants. In this class, you will learn:
- How soil is formed
- What you need to know as a gardener about soil texture and structure
- Role played by organic content like compost
- How to maintain good drainage, aeration, and fertility
Recommended (but optional): Have your home soil tested prior to class for additional insight during class. See testing information and fees online (link: http://soiltest.cfans.umn.edu/sites/g/files/pua891/f/media/lawn_and_garden_2018.pdf)
COUPON
Register for 2 or more Science of Plant Propagation classes and save $8 off each class! Use coupon code 8OFF at checkout or call 612-301-1210. Classes must be purchased at the same time in the same order. Not valid on previous purchases or with other discounts. No cash value. |
Limit 24, Marion Andrus Learning Center - Garden Lab
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| $41 member/$56 non-member |
includes Arboretum admission
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Pruning Essentials: Deciduous & Coniferous Trees
150-02-08-20-01
Saturday, February 8, 2020
1:30-4:30 p.m.
Jim Calkins, landscape and production horticulturist, Research Information Director - MN Nursery & Landscape Assn
Pruning is an important gardening practice that is essential for long-term health and vigor of your deciduous and coniferous trees. With Jim's expert guidance, you will learn:
- When and how to prune and train these types of trees
- How to avoid common mistakes that can cause damage
- Training newly planted trees
- Visit the Arboretum collections for on-site demonstrations of proper pruning techniques (weather permitting)
NOTE Be sure to come dressed for the weather (layers are recommended for indoor classroom time) and ready to spend time outdoors!
COUPON
Register for both Pruning Essentials Classes Feb 8 & 15 and receive $15 off your total order! Use coupon code DISCOUNT15 at checkout or call 612-301-1210. Classes must be purchased at the same time in the same order, not valid on previous purchases or with other discounts. No cash value. |
Limit 22, Marion Andrus Learning Center - Garden Lab
$41 member/$56 non-member, includes Arboretum admission
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| $41 member/$56 non-member |
includes Arboretum admission
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Pruning Essentials: Shrubs, Woody Vines & Herbaceous Species
150-02-15-20
Saturday, February 15, 2020
9 a.m.-noon
Jim Calkins, landscape and production horticulturist, Research Information Director - MN Nursery & Landscape Assn
Pruning is an important gardening practice that is essential for long-term health and vigor of landscape plants such as shrubs, woody vines and even most herbaceous species. With Jim's expert guidance, you will learn:
- When and how to prune and train these landscape plants
- How to avoid common mistakes that can cause damage
- Visit the Arboretum collections for on-site demonstrations of proper pruning techniques (weather permitting)
NOTE Be sure to come dressed for the weather (layers are recommended for indoor classroom time) and ready to spend time outdoors!
COUPON
Register for both Pruning Essentials Classes Feb 8 & 15 and receive $15 off your total order! Use coupon code DISCOUNT15 at checkout or call 612-301-1210. Classes must be purchased at the same time in the same order, not valid on previous purchases or with other discounts. No cash value. |
Limit 22, Marion Andrus Learning Center - Garden Lab
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| $41 member/$56 non-member |
includes Arboretum admission
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New Perennials & Exciting Combinations for MN Gardens
150-02-15-20-01
Saturday, February 15, 2020
1 p.m.-3:30 p.m.
Mike Heger, Lecturer and Author of "Perennials A to Z", Retired Owner Ambergate Gardens
One of the most enjoyable things about designing with perennials is the myriad combination possibilities in the landscape. Explore:
- Selection process including flower shape, plant form, foliage color and texture
- Exciting examples that illustrate these principles
- Other unique possible combinations for your garden(s)
- New and recent perennial introductions that have proven to be good performers in the North
You will leave with a comprehensive list of new perennials and combinations to try!
Limit 40, Tashjian Bee and Pollinator Discovery Center - McVay Learning Lab
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| $41 member/$56 non-member |
includes Arboretum admission
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Promise of Spring: Forcing Branches to Bloom Indoors
150-02-29-20
Saturday, February 29, 2020
9:30 a.m.-11 a.m.
Jim Calkins, landscape and production horticulturist, Research Information Director - MN Nursery & Landscape Assn
After a long Minnesota winter, it's nice to be rewarded with some early spring blooms like pussy willows and forsythia! Brighten your home space with these beautiful blooming branches or gift them to a friend. In this class, you'll learn:
- What kinds of tree and shrub branches can be forced
- Where to get branches for forcing, or how to wisely harvest them from your own plants
- How to coax tree and shrub branches to bloom early and indoors
- Take home several branches to practice what you've learned
Limit 22, Marion Andrus Learning Center - Garden Lab
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| $41 member/$56 non-member |
includes Arboretum admission
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Questions?
Arboretum Education Office Hours
Mon - Fri, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Sat - Sun, noon - 4 p.m.
Email Arboretum Education at
arbedu@umn.edu
Call Arboretum Education at
612-301-1210
Member Perk!
Arboretum Members may invite non-members to attend a class with them at the discounted member rate! Simply register for all participants at the same time in the same order and select the "member" rate for each person at checkout.
Cancellation Policy
Prior to registering, please review the cancellation policy
Waitlist
The best chance of being enrolled in a sold out class is to add your name to the waitlist. Click the orange "waitlist" button and complete the steps, or call 612-301-1210. There is no obligation to register if a spot opens. If the waitlist shows enough demand, additional class sessions may be added.
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The Arboretum strives to create classes that are relevant, useful and provide value. Use this form to share anonymous feedback about educational programming with the Arboretum Education Team.
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