Artful blossoms

What do garden designers and artists have in common? Gordon Hayward, author of "Art and the Gardener," explores the visual language shared by painters and gardeners at the Minneapolis Institute of Arts' annual Art in Bloom, 2400 3rd Av. S.

The Thursday through Sunday festival features floral arrangements displayed with art, lectures, flower-arranging demonstrations, family events and a cocktail party. Museum admission is free; tickets required for special events. To register and for a schedule, visit www.artsmia.org.

Flowers at Buck Hill

Now that the ski hill is closed, a garden mart is opening in the Buck Hill parking lot. South Cedar Garden Center will offer hundreds of varieties of perennials, annuals, hanging baskets, ferns, herbs, ornamental grasses, vegetables and planters.

At the grand opening Saturday and Sunday, customers will receive a free pack of blooming violas or pansies and can register to win gift certificates. Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sundays, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. weekdays, Buck Hill Ski Area, 15400 Buck Hill Road, Burnsville; www.buckhill.com.

Bachman's Ladies' Night

Shopping, socializing and gardening are ladies' night activities, 6 to 8 p.m. next Wednesday at Bachman's, 6010 Lyndale Av. S., Mpls. Learn how to plant and care for a salsa or herb container garden, and enjoy treats and wine. Planter items will be discounted that night. The event is free; no reservations required. Call 612-861-7311.

Ash borers and stone patios

Gertens will hold these free workshops at 1 p.m. Saturday: "Emerald Ash Borer" explains how to protect your ash trees from the insects; "Landscaping With Natural Stone" covers planning, prep work and installation for patios, pathways and outdoor kitchens. 5500 Blaine Av., Inver Grove Heights. Call 651-450-1501.

Going native

Want an easy-care native landscape? The Minnesota Landscape Arboretum's class "Selecting and Using Native Plants" explains how to incorporate native shrubs, trees and woodland wildflowers in your yard, 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday, 3675 Arboretum Dr. Cost is $45 nonmembers, $35 members. Register at www.arboretum.umn.edu/learn.aspx.