Minnesota Goes Green

Learn how to incorporate simple, practical and sustainable practices into your everyday life at the first MN Goes Green event, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday at the Union Depot, 214 E. 4th St., St. Paul.

Interactive exhibits and events include gardening tips from St. Paul Farmers' Market growers, panel discussion on eating and buying local, sustainable fashion display, recycling old clothes, "Fix It" clinics and a Repurpose Contest. You also can buy locally sourced food, beverages and eco-friendly products. Free. For information, go to www.mngoesgreen.com.

Daffodil days

Did you know that daffodils are also orange and nearly red? The Daffodil Society of Minnesota's judged show is a spring picker-upper with blooms in all sizes, shapes and colors, as well as a daffodil photography show. Gardeners also can pre-order bulbs for fall delivery. Hours are noon to 6 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday at Bachman's, 6010 Lyndale Av. S., Minneapolis. Call 612-861-7311.

Share the wealth

Bring your plant divisions, extra seedlings, seeds, containers and garden supplies to trade with other growers at the Star Tribune's Greengirls cash-free plant swap from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday in the small park across from the Star Tribune building, 425 Portland Av. S., Minneapolis. The Greengirls will hand out free carrot seeds, gardening calendars and door prizes (while supplies last). There's free parking. Come rain or shine.

Valued veggies

Pick up some award-winning vegetable seedlings that have proven to be Minnesota-hardy and tasty at the Hennepin County Master Gardener Plant sale, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday. Many of these seedlings aren't available at local garden centers or other plant sales. Thousands of sun and shade perennials, ornamentals, natives and heirloom varieties are also for sale at the Hopkins Pavilion, 11000 Excelsior Blvd. Free admission. For information, go to http://hennepinmastergardeners.org.

Inspirational talk

A cancer diagnosis changed the life of Minnesota writer and educator Ruth Bachman. Her new book, "Growing Through the Narrow Spots," is a story of resilience, faith and grace. Bachman will talk about her experiences and sign books from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at Bachman's 6010 Lyndale Av. S., Minneapolis. Light refreshments will be served. Book proceeds will go to cancer education and research. Free. Call 612-861-7311.

Arb plant sale

This is the 45th year of the popular Arboretum Auxiliary Sale Saturday and Sunday, which features hard-to-find varieties and new University of Minnesota introductions. There are also your everyday sun and shade perennials, ferns, peonies, roses, vines, trees, shrubs, prairie plants, grasses and vegetables. Pick up tips on growing dahlias from the Minnesota Dahlia Society and designing and maintaining a water garden from the Minnesota Water Garden Society. Plant lists are available for $1 at the Arboretum lobby desk or go to www.arboretum.umn.edu to download a copy. Bring boxes and carts to carry plants. Admission is $12 for adults; free for members and ages 12 and under. Hours are 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum Picnic Shelter, 3675 Arboretum Dr. Call 952-443-1400.

LYNN UNDERWOOD