Mad about mod
Modern architecture and design enthusiasts are invited to mingle at a Mod Mixer from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday at MidModMen, 2401 W. University Av., St. Paul. Docomomo (documentation and conservation of buildings, sites and neighborhoods of the modern movement) is holding the free event to celebrate the local modern architecture preservation community. The mixer includes complimentary hors d'oeuvres, cocktails and a raffle drawing. RSVP for tickets at https://2014mnmodmixer.eventbrite.com. For information, visit www.docomomo-us-mn.org.
Great outdoors
Gertens pros can help you design and build a kitchen where you can cook and dine al fresco. "DIY Outdoor Kitchen," a free seminar, covers a variety of topics and evaluates materials and products to customize your space. The seminar will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday at Gertens, 5500 Blaine Av., Inver Grove Heights. Call 651-450-1501.
Pond and Landscape Tour
A soothing waterfall flowing into a pond filled with koi and water lilies can turn a plain turf back yard into a paradise. The Twin Cities Pond and Landscape tour features projects designed and built by certified Aquascape contractors at 15 properties across the metro area. Water and landscape features include streams, waterfalls, water gardens, paver patios, fountains, fire pits and solar lighting. Hours are 9 to 11 p.m. Friday for nightscape locations, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. next Sunday. Admission is free; donations accepted at each site to the Children's Cancer Research Fund. For details and addresses, go to www.tcpondandlandscapetour.com.
LYNN UNDERWOOD
Call for great gardens
Yes, spring arrived very late this year, and the growing season is off to an unusually slow start. Still, it's always a short season here in Minnesota, and that means it's time to share your favorite garden — even if it's still a ways from reaching its full glory.
Every year, Home + Garden seeks out the best private residential gardens, then publishes the winners throughout the non-gardening season. Each winning garden will be displayed on the cover of the Home + Garden section and online at www.startribune.com.
It's easy to nominate. Just send a few snapshots of the garden (they can be from last year). Include a brief description, including who tends the garden, where it's located and what makes it special.
The garden can be of any type — big or small; urban, suburban or rural; edible or ornamental or both — and it can be located anywhere in Minnesota or western Wisconsin. It could be your mom's garden. It could be your neighbor's. It could be your own (why keep a good thing all to yourself?). We'll accept entries through July 11. Send entries to: Beautiful Gardens, Star Tribune, 425 Portland Av. S., Minneapolis, MN 55488. Or e-mail entries to beautifulgardens@startribune.com
KIM PALMER
