Plants and pinot
In the dead of winter, Plant Nite is taking root at Twin Cities bars and restaurants. Participants can sip a cocktail and socialize while arranging succulents inside a tabletop terrarium to take home.
Plant Nites are held on a variety of dates in metro-area venues, ranging from Joe Senser's in Roseville to 508 Bar in Minneapolis. The company supplies step-by-step instruction, containers, plants, soil and pebbles, as well as aprons and trowels needed to create a mini-garden. Tickets are $45, with an additional materials fee depending on the project. Register at plantnite.com.
10 trees for $10
Join the Arbor Day Foundation by Jan. 31 and you could have 10 flowering trees growing in your yard by the end of May. New members receive two crabapples, three American redbuds, two Washington hawthorns and three white flowering dogwoods. The trees will produce pink, yellow and white blossoms, are ideal for large and small spaces, and will provide food and habitat for songbirds, said Matt Harris, chief executive of the Arbor Day Foundation.
The 6- to 12-inch tall trees will be shipped at the right time for planting, between Feb. 1 and May 31, with enclosed instructions. The trees are guaranteed to grow or they will be replaced free of charge. Members also receive a subscription to the foundation's bimonthly publication, "Arbor Day and the Tree Book," which explains planting and care. To become a foundation member, send $10 to Ten Free Flowering Trees, Arbor Day Foundation, 100 Arbor Ave., Nebraska City, NE 68410 by Jan. 31 or join online at arborday.org/january.
Indoor farmers market
Cheese, chicken and honey will all be for sale at Bachman's Winter Farmers Market, 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Jan. 28. Bring a shopping bag to fill with fresh bread, apples, root veggies, jams, meat and other local products offered inside Bachman's cozy greenhouse. The event features beer and wine sold by the glass and live music. Other Bachman's Farmers Markets will be held Feb. 25 and March 25; 6010 Lyndale Av. S., Mpls. Call 612-861-7600.
From gardening to birding
It's never too early to plan your spring gardens. Gertens is holding a Super Weekend Workshop with free programs on growing edibles, art in the garden, healthy soil composition, dormant pruning and garden trends. For the winter season, learn about choosing and caring for houseplants and winter backyard birding. The programs are from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Jan. 28, Gertens, 5500 Blaine Av., Inver Grove Heights. Register at gertens.com/events or call 651-450-1501.
LYNN UNDERWOOD
Native plants
Want to make your yard more pollinator-friendly? Learn how native plant species support the natural ecosystem at Wild Ones' Design With Nature Conference. Douglas Tallamy, author of "Bringing Nature Home," will be the keynote speaker, sharing the latest research about alien plants and their impact on native plants. Forest Isbell will present on the value of biodiversity, and Nathalie Shanstrom of Kestrel Design Group will share "The Nuts and Bolts of Selecting and Planting Trees."
The conference will be held 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Feb. 18 at Anderson Student Center, University of St. Thomas, 2115 Summit Av., St. Paul. Register at designwithnatureconference.org. Early registration ($65, or $55 for members) ends at midnight Jan. 28. Regular registration ($80, or $70 for members) closes Feb. 8. Cost includes all presentations and a lunch buffet.
Talk and Tea
Squire House Gardens in Afton is bringing back its popular winter "Talk and Tea" series, featuring informal discussions on various garden topics, led by owner and landscape designer Martin Stern. On Saturday, Jan. 28, the topic is "Truly Low-Maintenance Gardens" at 1 and 3 p.m. Learn how to select and combine hardy plants that require minimal care and offer lasting beauty throughout the season. Talk and Tea events are free to the public, and complimentary tea is included. Reservations are requested, as space is limited. To make a reservation, call 651-436-8080, e-mail info@squirehousegardens.com or visit the registration link at squirehousegardens.com. Squire House Gardens is located at 3390 St. Croix Trail S. in an 1870 historic home in the village of Afton.
KIM PALMER
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