Plant swap coming

Now that plants are popping, take a good, hard look at your garden. Got too many hostas and not enough coneflowers? Come to the Greengirls plant swap to refresh your mix.

From 10 a.m. to noon on May 31, rain or shine, the Star Tribune's garden bloggers will be hosting a cash-free plant swap. Our marketplace will be the small park across the street from the Star Tribune building (425 Portland Av. S. in downtown Minneapolis). Bring whatever you have to share — divisions of plants from your garden, extra seedlings or seeds, containers, garden tools, books or other supplies. If you can strike a deal with a fellow green-thumb, you've got a trade. We'll also be handing out gardening calendars and door prizes (while supplies last) and will provide free parking.

Of course, the Greengirls will be on hand to bemoan our late spring and answer gardening questions. (All transactions are between individuals. The Star Tribune makes no representations or warranties regarding trades of plants or garden supplies. The management assumes no responsibility for the loss or damage by fire, theft or any other cause to or by the vehicle while in custody of the management.)

Fruitful gardens

Gertens is offering a free "Berries in the Garden" seminar on how to grow blueberries, raspberries, strawberries and more at 6 p.m. Friday; 5500 Blaine Av., Inver Grove Heights.

Perennial primer

Learn how to create a beautiful landscape using perennials at a free seminar. You'll learn about soils, fertilizing, garden design and management, from full sun to shady sites. The seminar will be offered three times: 11 a.m. Saturday, 6 p.m. May 28 and again at 6 p.m. June 18. The location is Gertens, 5500 Blaine Av., Inver Grove Heights.

Tulips at the Arb

Spring has finally sprung, and thousands of tulips are in bloom at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum in Chanhassen. Last fall the Arb gardeners planted 37,000 tulip bulbs in 103 varieties, including fringed, multicolored and double-petal varieties. The tulips join the yellow and white daffodils, pansies, hyacinths and alliums. Arb admission is $12 for ages 13 and older, free for members and children 12 and younger.

KIM PALMER