Kitchen, bath remodeling tips

Kitchens and bathrooms are the most popular — and the most costly — remodeling projects. Crystal Kitchen Center is hosting a free seminar, "How to Avoid the Biggest Kitchen and Bath Remodeling Mistakes," on March 12. Topics include the kitchen triangle, maximizing storage, budgeting, design trends and signs of quality materials. Sessions are 9 to 10:30 a.m. and noon to 1:30 p.m. at Crystal Kitchen Center, 3620 Winnetka Av. N., Crystal. To reserve a spot, call 763-544-5950.

Jump-start home projects

Planning on repairing, remodeling or revising your abode this spring? At upcoming Home Improvement and Design Expos, more than 150 painters, remodelers, interior designers and landscape pros will offer their expertise and services. The expo includes presentations on color trends, solar energy, new floor products, tiny houses and hiring a contractor. Free goodie bags for the first 100 people. The expos are from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. March 12 at Bielenberg Sports Center, 4125 Radio Dr., Woodbury, and March 19 at Maple Grove Community Center, 12951 Weaver Lake Rd. Admission is $6 or free with a nonperishable food item. Go to mediamaxevents.com or call 952-238-1700.

LYNN UNDERWOOD

Last call for H + G Show

The Minneapolis Home + Garden Show wraps up this weekend, featuring hundreds of exhibits, stage presentations by national and local experts, a Tiny House Village, an eco-friendly Idea Home and "Gardens of Legends" by local landscapers. Hours are 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. March 5; 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. March 6 at the Minneapolis Convention Center, 1301 2nd Av. S. Tickets are $14 at the door, $12 online; $4 for ages 6-12. For more information, visit homeandgarden show.com.

Native plants

Interested in incorporating more native plants into your landscape? The Twin Cities chapter of Wild Ones is presenting a free program, "Home Is Where the Habitat Is: Establishing Native Plants and Gardens in Your Yard." DNR plant ecologist Hannah Texler will describe the conversion of her own turf yard into a diverse mix that includes native prairie, woodland, rain, fruit and vegetable gardens. Botanical artist Vera Ming Wong will discuss painting watercolors of those gardens. The meeting will be held 7 to 8:45 p.m. March 15 at Wood Lake Nature Center, 6710 Lakeshore Dr., Richfield. For more information, visit wildonestwincities.org or call 612-293-3833.

KIM PALMER