Bungalow beauties

So what's the big deal about bungalows? Go inside six of these vintage gems to find out at the Twin Cities Bungalow Club Tour, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. May 13. Bungalow enthusiasts are opening their residences to share ideas and experiences on restoration, respectful updates and ways to enhance and complement the Craftsman qualities of this early 1900s architectural style. Homes range from a modest workingman's bungalow to an expansive three-story house and feature Arts & Crafts furniture, fireplaces, stenciling, updated kitchens and master bedroom suites.

Pick up a tour map with the homes' addresses and descriptions anytime after 10 a.m. at the first house at 3431 39th Av. S., Mpls. Admission $5; club members admitted free. Go to bungalowclub.org.

Garden-art workshop

A kokedama, or Japanese moss ball, is a form of Japanese garden art that is centuries old and related to bonsai. The moss ball is the focal and supporting point for a sculpted tree or plant. The Kokedama Class demonstrates how to create one using a plant, the history, display ideas and guided work time, 7 to 8 p.m. May 9. Participants will take home one finished kokedama plant. The class is offered by the Minnesota State Horticultural Society, 2705 Lincoln Drive, Roseville. Cost is $45; $40 for members. To register, go to northerngardener.org.

Sunny pots

Get tips on the right combination of "thriller, filler, spiller" plants for your sun pots at Bachman's Outdoor Sun Container Design Workshops, 6 to 8 p.m. May 9 and May 18, 6010 Lyndale Av. S., Mpls. Cost is $50 for one container and $100 for two; includes all materials. Register at bachmans.com.

Native plants

Learn about environmentally friendly native plants that provide habitat for birds, butterflies and other wildlife at a presentation sponsored by Wild Ones Prairie Edge Chapter. Lynn Steiner, author of "Grow Native," will share inspirational photos and detailed information on selecting plants. Steiner also will have copies of her book for sale for $20 (cash or check). The presentation is free, at 7 p.m. May 10, Eden Prairie Community Center, 16700 Valley View Rd., Eden Prairie.

KIM PALMER and LYNN UNDERWOOD

Historic furniture search

Do you own furniture that came from the State Capitol? The Cass Gilbert Society, named for the architect who designed the historic building in 1905, has kicked off a new research project to search for missing original furnishings. Gilbert designed or selected about 1,600 pieces of furniture for the State Capitol. In addition to furniture, the society is seeking architectural fragments, photos and light fixtures. Anyone with knowledge of Capitol Building furnishings is invited to contact Natalie Heneghan at natalie.heneghan@cassgilbertsociety.org.