It’s just about that time when we get the itch for spring. Like a real, serious itch. A March snowstorm (ahem, today) can really throw us off and make us feel like warmer weather, tulips, and sunshine are never coming. However, starting this weekend, the weather is supposed to warm up and the Minnesota Landscape is throwing open its doors for its Spring Expo. It’s the perfect time to get inspired for your spring gardens, or to just imagine what the upcoming weeks will be like. Spring in Minnesota is gorgeous; we just need a little reminder sometimes!
This Friday evening, the Expo brings in experts on home, design, photography, and gardening for one-on-one talks with visitors. You can also learn about photography from a professional, Craig Isaacson, painting from artist Keith Wilcock, and indoor and outdoor design trends from Rich Maund.
On Saturday, learn some real cool techniques on Japanese gardening, ornamental grasses, trees and shrubs, Espalier (a plant-shaping method to grow plants in one plane on a permanent framework, often in an artistic design), and lilies. Local TV personality and design expert Joan Steffend will also be on hand to talk about and sign her new book, Peace In and Peace Out.
Sunday is author day at the Expo, with some great experts taking time to chat about their books and sign them. Learn about all different types of food and cooking styles from folks like Brenda Langton, Beth Dooley, Jenny Breen, and Atina Diffley. Discover growing plants in colder climates with Richard Hass and Debbie Lonnee and Minnesota orchids with Welby Smith.
If you hit the arboretum at other times in March, stop in for Maple Syrup Madness (every weekend in March) to taste test the real thing and take a hike to see the process in action. You can also stop in the Sugarhouse to see how sap is cooked down to delicious syrup. Stop in the Great Hall for a whimsical look at tiny gardens and the fairies and gnomes that inhabit them with Tiny Treasures: Fairies & Gnomes. You can also spot photography and paintings in a couple of the other gallery spaces at the arboretum.
Once you leave, you’ll be even more ready for spring!
