Trees and shrubs

Fall is prime time to plant trees and shrubs. Learn what you need to know at a seminar, "Choosing Trees and Shrubs for Your Landscape," presented by Bachman's. You'll learn what to consider when selecting trees and shrubs, and how to ensure planting success. Cost is $10, which includes a coupon for $5 off a purchase of $25 or more; 5 to 7 p.m. Aug. 31 at Bachman's, 6010 Lyndale Av. S., Mpls. To register, visit bachmans.com.

Fall lawn care

Fall is also the perfect time to improve your lawn for next year. Gertens is offering a free workshop, "Fall Seeding and Lawn Care." A Gertens turf expert will answer questions about seeding, fertilizing and general improvements, as well as products and tools to help produce beautiful lawns, 10 a.m. Sept. 3, 17 and 24, at Gertens, 5500 Blaine Av., Inver Grove Heights. Preregistration requested at gertens.com/events.

Homes of the '50s, '60s

Are you a fan of midcentury modern houses? The Preservation Alliance of Minnesota is presenting a class on "Architecture of the 1950s and 1960s" from 1 to 4 p.m. Sept. 12. Prof. Kristin Anderson will discuss midcentury residential architecture and the cultural trends that influenced home styles of the day. The class will be held at the Natural Built Home Store, 4020 Minnehaha Av. S., Mpls. Cost is $35, $29.75 for alliance members. Register at mnpreservation.org (under "Services," then "Education," then "Classes.")

KIM PALMER

Artful maps

Maps mounted as wall art are nothing new. Some are vintage, a la pull-down classroom maps. Others are made to look old and weathered. Some are accurate and to scale; others are snarkily reconfigured. But never has making and ordering a custom map been easier than with GrafoMap. Made to transform maps into graphic form (minus the street labels and other literal-minded stuff that make real maps less artistic), the GrafoMap is meant for posterizing. Tap in any location: your hometown neighborhood, the church where your parents married, the city you're planning to visit next year or anyplace else. Zoom in or out, choose from a color scheme that makes your map more abstract, or less. Add text tagging the location (or let them guess). Order a print. Hang the places you love at eye level, and let your mind wander. Cost: $49 for an 18- by 24-inch map print. To order, visit grafomap.com.

LAURA PEARSON, Chicago Tribune