Dig into spring

The time to plant pots and prep the patio is on the horizon. Gather ideas on landscaping, designing outdoor containers and patio parties, while learning about new trees and shrubs at Bachman's Spring Inspiration Night, 4 to 9 p.m. May 3, 6010 Lyndale Av. S., Mpls. Cost is $10 and includes light bites. Register at bachmans.com.

Origami at the Arboretum

Cranes, bison and ponies will be frolicking on the grounds of the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum all summer long. "Origami in the Garden" is an outdoor display of 40 bronze and steel origami-inspired sculptures among the tulips, crabapples, peonies and ornamental grasses. Santa Fe, N.M., artists Kevin and Jennifer Box have turned the delicate Japanese paper art form into a museum-quality metal exhibit, running from April 28 through Oct. 21. As part of the event, the Reedy Gallery is displaying "Inside Out," an art exhibit of wall hangings and origami paper models.

An "Origami in the Garden" reception features a garden tour, design details of each sculpture, paper-folding demonstrations and light refreshments, 5:30 p.m. May 17. Tickets are $20; $10 for members; $5 ages 12 and under. Go to arboretum.umn.edu/origamiinthegardenpreview.aspx. Other events include origami folding stations, PlantMaker Studios and Create-Your-Own Kokedama, on a variety of dates this summer. Admission is $15 for ages 16 and up; free for members and ages 15 and under. Go to arboretum.umn.edu or call 952-443-1400.

LYNN UNDERWOOD

Pollinator party

The Wildflower Project is hosting a party, "Flores de Mayo," to celebrate pollinators. Enjoy live music and honey products from local businesses. The nonprofit Wildflower Project seeks to create wildflower gardens through community partnerships. To help with the effort, part of the proceeds from Urban Growler Brewing Co. will go to assist in this effort. Get tips from Master Gardeners or purchase plants from Minnesota Native Landscapes. Kids can make a beeline for the ice cream truck or join in other family-friendly activities. Noon to 5 p.m. May 5. Free. Urban Growler, 2325 Endicott St., St. Paul. thewildflowerprojectmn.org.

Planting volunteers needed

Ramsey County Master Gardeners are looking for volunteers to assist in the planting of an extensive pollinator garden at Temple Aaron in St. Paul. The garden will feature native ornamental grasses and late-summer blooms, designed to form a riverlike pattern. The result will be an area that provides nectar-rich flowers that feed bees and other winged creatures. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. May 6. 616 S. Mississippi River Blvd., St. Paul. For more information contact magui011@umn.edu.

Nature-proof your yard

Learn how to create a weather-resistant landscape at a Metro Blooms Blue Thumb workshop. A speaker will explain the importance of resilience and how it can be fostered in yards through a variety of practices, such as installing a rain garden. After the presentation, attendees will receive one-on-one design assistance from Master Gardeners and landscape designers. 6 p.m. May 15. $15 per household. Brooklyn Center Community Center, 6301 Shingle Creek Pkwy., Brooklyn Center. To register, go to metroblooms.org/workshops.

MELISSA WALKER