Apples at the arb It's apple season in Minnesota, which means it's apple time at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum. AppleHouse opens today at 10 a.m., offering an ever-changing inventory of apples, including many University of Minnesota introductions, from the early Zestars to the new SweeTango to perennial favorites like Honeycrisps and Haralsons. You can check the availability of certain apples by calling 952-443-1409. Apples are the star at AppleHouse but not the only farm-fresh fare. You'll also find other locally grown seasonal produce, along with U of M cheeses and locally made jams and jellies. AppleHouse is open 10 a.m.-6 p.m., located 1.5 miles west of the arboretum entrance on Hwy. 5 in Chanhassen.

KIM PALMER

Peony how-to Not sure how to divide your peonies? Keith and Becky Swenson, owners of Swenson Gardens, will give peony root dividing demonstrations from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and again on Sept. 11 at their peony growing fields, 10958 70th St. SW. in Howard Lake, Minn. Bare-root peonies will also be for sale. Call 763-350-2051 or go to www.swensongardens.com.

LYNN UNDERWOOD

Another selection The Marjorie McNeely Conservatory in St. Paul's Como Park has been named an official All-America Selections Flower Display Garden.

All-America Selections (AAS) gardens grow seed-started plants that have been chosen as winners after being tested throughout North America. Winners must show a distinct improvement over plants already on the market, such as bigger flowers, longer or earlier blooms time, new colors or more compact growth.

AAS gardens must be public (or privately funded and open to the public) and display the plants in outdoor landscaped settings using environmentally sound practices. The conservatory, the state's sixth AAS display garden, will grow display AAS flowers starting next summer.

CONNIE NELSON