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Garden Glory
Tour the finest local gardens at their summertime best
Arboretum Auxiliary Tours
When: July 10, 9 a.m., 9:45 a.m., 10:30 a.m.; July 12 & 13, 8:45 a.m., 9:30 a.m., 10:15 a.m.
Tickets: $55 for Sunday tour and brunch, $50 for weekday tour and lunch
What: This three-hour tour gives guests a peek into four residential gardens, and includes air-conditioned transportation (yes, please!) and a terrace lunch with live music. If that’s not incentive enough, this year the tour will feature a lifestyle garden, a relaxing backyard retreat, and two fairy gardens for a dose of whimsy. Stick around the Arboretum and explore a little—it’s free for Auxiliary Tour ticket holders—or head to nearby Lake Ann Park in Chanhassen for a swim, a stroll, or a friendly game of tennis. 3675 Arboretum Blvd., Chaska, 612-625-9865, arboretum.umn.edu/AuxiliarySummerGardenTours.aspx
Tangletown Gardens’ Garden and Art Tour
When: July 23, 9 a.m.–4 p.m.
Tickets: $25 in advance, $30 same day, at Tangletown Gardens
What: Last year the ever-popular Tangletown-sponsored event attracted more than 1,500 garden lovers, and this year’s tour promises to be just as popular. Get a peek at some local backyard escapes, and then escape a little yourself with wine tastings in the gardens, sponsored by Solo Vino in St Paul. Lush hydrangeas, summer afternoons, and a crisp glass of rosé? We’re on board. If the tour leaves you wanting more, you’re in luck. Head back to Tangletown to enjoy music by Tambuca, food from Wise Acre Eatery (Tangletown’s own farm-to-table venture), and a grand old party. Sounds like a recipe for the perfect summer night. 5353 Nicollet Ave. So., Minneapolis, 612-822-4769, tangletowngardens.com/tour.html
Master Gardeners’ Tour
When: July 9, 9 a.m.–4 p.m.
Tickets: $15 advance, $20 at door
What: With 10 gardens featured, this south Minneapolis tour is a great way to see what local masters have been up to—and grab some inspiration for your own backyard endeavors. Extra incentive for enthusiastic beginners: Master Gardeners are available to answer any questions you may have, and demonstrations of various techniques add a dash of hands-on learning. While you’re in the neighborhood, satisfy your seafood craving with the fresh fare at Sea Salt Eatery at Minnehaha Park. Not in the mood for shrimp? Grab dinner at local foodie favorite Heidi’s. Plan ahead though—they book up fast. hennepinmastergardeners.org
Bright Gardens for Fraser
When: July 16, 9 a.m.–4 p.m.
Tickets: Tour only, $25; Tour and lunch, $35.
What: In addition to supporting a great cause, the ticket price for the sixth annual Bright Gardens for Fraser tour includes a class on ornamental or vegetable gardening, on-site Master Gardeners to answer your questions, and admission to a host of exciting backyards. This year’s tour will include the Swede Hollow Café’s kitchen garden and the Dayton’s Bluff Children’s Garden. Once you’re lulled into a dreamy garden-induced haze, stop in at Swede Hollow Café and perk yourself up with a great cup of coffee…or indulge in a caramel roll. You can thank us later. 612-798-8343, fraser.org/calendar/gardens_index.htm
West End Neighbors Garden Tour
When: June 18th, 9 a.m.–4 p.m.
What: For the fourth year in a row, homes and businesses of the West End neighborhood in St. Paul open their gardens to visitors for this free tour. Start the morning with a bite to eat and pick up your map at Mississippi Market or Day by Day Café, then walk, bike, or hop in the car to make the rounds. This year, the Upper Landing Park joins the tour for the first time. With a series of rain gardens, not to mention views of the Mississippi, it’s sure to be a wonderful addition to this 16-stop exhibition. Don’t forget to pick up a perennial or two at the neighborhood plant sale—proceeds fund the cost of the tour and help keep it free. 651-222-5538, fortroadfederation.org/garden
Red Wing Arts Association Garden Tour
When: July 10, 10a.m.–3 p.m.
Tickets: $15
What: If you fancy a daytrip, head down to Red Wing for the Arts Association garden tour. Each of six gardens features Master Gardeners, live music by local artists, and onsite painters recreating the floral displays on canvas. Wishing that dazzling display of dahlias belonged to you? It can: All paintings will be on sale following the tour. Or, check out the morning workshop on garden photography, and snap away. While you’re in town, take the trolley tour of historic Red Wing. Ten bucks gets you an all-day pass, so you can hop on and off and explore all day long. The Depot Gallery, 418 Levee St. Red Wing, 651-388-7569, redwingartsassociation.org/garden_tour.htm
Minnesota Water Garden Society Annual Tour
When: July 30 & 31, 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
Tickets: $15 in advance, $20 at door; children 15 and under free
What: There’s nothing like a babbling brook and a sprinkling of water lilies to take your mind off the pressures of life. Find out for yourself at the Minnesota Water Garden Society’s Annual Tour. Two clusters of sites with 13 gardens total show off water displays that run the gamut from fairy gardens and goldfish to lilies and lotuses. If you tackle the Roseville/White Bear Lake cluster, stop at Sweet Chocolat in Roseville to get your sugar fix. If you’re hitting the Eagan/Woodbury area instead, grab some cold treats at Ring Mountain Creamery. Don’t worry about choosing just one flavor—get a sampler to try five (perfectly delicious) mini-scoops. 612-803-POND, mwgs.org
Lila Battis is an intern at Midwest Home magazine.
6 ISSUES (1 YEAR)
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