Ideas House revived

Two sure signs the seasons are changing: We're enjoying a break from arctic air blasts, and Bachman's is turning over a new leaf at its Ideas House. The seasonally themed house reopens as Spring Revival Ideas House March 19-April 19.

Each of the dozen rooms has a unique theme and story, but they are tied together by use of energetic color, fresh florals, terrariums and other live greens. In addition to kitchen, dining room, living room and baths, you can check out everything from a quirky guest room (with pops of yellow and blue) to a "back-roads den" (covered with maps and vintage scenes).

The former Bachman family home is open for tours every half-hour seven days a week. Tickets are $5 in advance online (tinyurl.com/m29zqp2) and at 612-861-7311. Same-day tickets may be available at the gift counter at Bachman's on Lyndale. Each ticket includes a coupon for $5 off a $25-plus Bachman's purchase, with 20 percent of ticket proceeds benefiting Friends of the Institute. Admission is free for children 12 and under. The house is located at 5936 Lyndale Av. S., Minneapolis.

Like what you see on the tour? Chances are pretty good you can buy it. Items with blue dots on their price tags are one-of-a-kind items available only at the house. They can be purchased on a first-come, first-served basis to be picked up or delivered after the house closes in April. Items without blue dots are available for sale at Bachman's on Lyndale, while supplies last. Look for "As Seen in the Ideas House" signs inside the store.

Tour times March 19-April 12 are 9:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Mon.-Wed.; 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Thu.-Fri.; 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Sat., and 10:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Sun. Tour times April 13-19 are 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Mon.-Sun.

And if you're inspired by the floral styles you see in the house, you can learn how to make your own creations at the Spring Ideas House floral design workshop March 19 from 6-8 p.m. in the Bachman's Design Room. The $75 cost covers all the materials for the floral displays you'll create in this hands-on workshop led by a Bachman's floral designer. Register at www.bachmans.com or 612-861-7711.

Seed-starting class

You don't have to wait until spring is here to play in the dirt. Those ages 10 and up can learn about growing vegetables from seed March 14 at the Maplewood Nature Center. Registration is required for this 10 a.m. class. $5. The center is located at 2659 E. 7th St., Maplewood. 651-249-2170.

Martha Buns