We're looking for great gardens!

Do you know of a special garden? Maybe it's your neighbor's. Maybe it's your mom's. Maybe it's the one in your own backyard. Don't keep it a secret. Share it in our annual Beautiful Gardens contest, now underway. Every year, the Star Tribune seeks out the best residential gardens in Minnesota and western Wisconsin — by inviting readers to share their favorites. A panel will review all nominations, then choose a few standouts. The winning gardens will be showcased in the Sunday Homes + Gardening section and online at startribune.com. Any size or type of garden can be a winner, from a small urban plot to a big country garden.

Just send a brief description, including who tends it and where it's located, along with a few snapshots (they can be from last year) to: beautifulgardens@startribune.com or Star Tribune — Beautiful Gardens, 650 3rd Av. S., Minneapolis, MN 55488. But don't wait too long! We'll be accepting nominations through the end of the day July 9.

Kim Palmer

Fairy gardens

Add some magic to your home with an enchanting garden display. Make items to add to a gnome or fairy garden, and watch a display on how to create your own miniature fantasy world. The event also includes children's activities. 6:30 p.m. July 10. Free. Scott County Fairgrounds Teaching Garden, 7151 W. 190th St., Jordan. carverscottmastergardeners.org.

Floral inspiration

Nature isn't just outside your living room window. It also inspires the clothing we wear and how we adorn our living spaces. "The Demonstration Garden: Designing Flowers" is an exhibit at the Goldstein Museum of Design that explores our ongoing fascination with flowers and the different techniques used to produce their likenesses. From fancy porcelain to ornate garments, the exhibit displays the desire to turn fiber, glass and metal into floral motifs. On view through Sept. 9 at 1985 Buford Av., St. Paul. goldstein.design.umn.edu.

Modern macramé

Believed to have originated in the 13th century with Arab weavers, macramé was trendy in the 1970s, and is making a comeback. Tangletown Gardens will offer a class on macramé plant hangers. Learn basics of hand-knotting with a guest instructor, and leave with a ready-to-hang plant hanger for your home. 1 and 3 p.m. July 7. $50, register at tangletowngardens.com. 5353 Nicollet Av. S., Mpls.

MELISSA WALKER