5 upcoming home and garden events in the Twin Cities

A freebie at the Arb

Escape to the tropics or cross-country ski for free every Wednesday in March at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum. There's no admission charge to check out the pollinator-friendly mixed media displays, juried photography show, browse the seed catalogs at the Andersen Horticultural Library, surround yourself with orchids and tropical plants in the Meyer-Deats Conservatory, and ski and snowshoe the 16 miles of trails. The arboretum is open 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. 3675 Arboretum Dr., Chaska. arboretum.umn.edu.

Spring fever decor

Spring has already sprung inside Bachmans Ideas House, which is packed with vibrant hues, cheery floral fabrics, colorful accessories and green and blooming plants.

The Ideas House is open through April 7 in the historic home next to the Bachman's flagship store, 6010 Lyndale Av. S., Mpls. Tickets $5; portion of proceeds goes to MIA Friends of the Institute. Reserve tickets at bachmans.com.

Empty nest help

Junket: Tossed & Found, a Minneapolis secondhand resale shop stocking vintage jewelry, office supplies, sewing notions and unique odds and ends, is presenting two events.

"Boomer Downsizing Strategies: Do the Most Good" explains the current market for secondhand goods, phases of the downsizing process and a list of resources to help keep stuff out of the trash. 5:30-7:30 p.m. March 19, Minnehaha Communion Lutheran, 4101 37th Av. S., Mpls. Donations accepted for these events. shopjunket.com.

Enhance your spaces

Get a jump on planning your projects at two Home Improvement & Design Expos. Meet builders, remodelers, landscapers, painters, architects and interior designers for advice on the latest products, materials and remodeling ideas.

Presentations and demonstrations include topics such as remodeling to live in place, value-adding upgrades, updating curb appeal, color trends and bathroom tips. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. March 16, Maple Grove Community Center, 12951 Weaver Lake Rd., and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. March 17, Ames Arena, 19900 Ipava Av., Lake­ville. Admission $6, or free with a food shelf donation. mediamaxevents.com.

Free kitchen and bath seminars

"How to Avoid the Biggest Kitchen and Bath Remodeling Mistakes" covers the kitchen work triangle, maximizing storage, budgeting, design, quality materials and services, 9-10:30 a.m. March 16 and April 13. "Remodeling Your Kitchen and Bath With Aging in Place in Mind" focuses on appliances, shower/tubs, technology and plumbing fixtures, noon-1 p.m. March 16 and April 13. 3620 Winnetka Av. N., Crystal. RSVP at 763-544-5950. crystalkitchen.com.