Celebrating pollinators

Join the buzz about bees and butterflies during Pollinator Day July 17 at Tonkadale Greenhouse. Kids can participate in Pollinator Storytime, an interactive activity with stories, songs and movement, 10:30 to 11 a.m. Learn about pollinator life cycles, nesting and foraging habits and native plants during a Pollinator Seminar and book-signing, 11 a.m. to noon, featuring Heather Holm, the local author of "Pollinators of Native Plants." From noon to 2 p.m., visitors can observe a hive of live bees, sample honey and try on beekeeping suits. Other hands-on activities and discounts on pollinator-friendly plants will be offered throughout the day, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Jake's Street Grille Food Truck will be on site from noon to 2 p.m., serving up mini honey BBQ pulled-pork sandwiches with coleslaw and French fries. Register to attend at tonkadale.com. Tonkadale is located at 3739 Tonkadale Rd., Minnetonka.

Summer flowers

Learn how to make a seasonal arrangement for your next summer gathering during a Floral Design Workshop at Bachman's. You'll learn how to incorporate bright-colored flowers with citrus accents in a glass pitcher. The workshop will be offered from 2 to 4 p.m. July 16 at Bachman's on Lyndale, 6010 Lyndale Av. S. The $50 cost covers all materials. Register at bachmans.com.

Three Rooms finale

After 46 years at three different locations, Three Rooms is throwing a store closing sale through July 16.The art and craft gallery offers unique home accessories, including Robert Wilhelm pepper mills, artwork, gifts and jewelry by local and national artists. Look for storewide discounts on merchandise, light fixtures and props. Three Rooms is at 4388 France Av. S., Edina. Call 952-303-3630.

Party at the Arb

Fire up your taste buds for Taste & Toast, the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum's party of the summer on July 27, featuring samples and sips from 25 local restaurants, nine regional wineries and nine breweries. General admission, 7 to 9 p.m., is $75, which includes a $30 tax-deductible donation to the Arb.

At 6 p.m. there will be a patron reception, featuring chef Alex Roberts, a James Beard Award winner and owner/chef of Alma and Brasa. Roberts will share a summer-inspired dish and offer food insights, with tickets at $125 ($80 tax-deductible). To reserve a spot, call 612-625-9875 or visit arboretum.umn.edu/TasteAndToast.aspx. The arboretum is located at 3675 Arboretum Dr., Chaska.

KIM PALMER and LYNN UNDERWOOD