Better your nest

Beekeeping, raising chickens in the city, and kitchen and bath trends are some of the seminar and exhibit topics at the Minnesota Home and Patio Show, Feb. 16-19 in St. Paul. Don Engebretson, the Renegade Gardener, will demonstrate how to create cool containers and will share design secrets for a beautiful garden. Radio personality Paul Koffy and his wife, Ev Jacobson, will share their beekeeping experiences. The Outdoor Living and Garden area features a mock house with front and backyard landscaping and even an outdoor movie theater. Gather ideas for the latest looks and materials in patios, outdoor kitchens, fountains and other water features. For cooks, chef Katie Chin, daughter of Leeann Chin, will prepare fast and easy Asian dishes.

The Home and Patio Show also features more than 250 exhibits highlighting new products and services for remodeling, decorating, gardening, landscaping and energy conservation. Hours are 2 to 8 p.m. Feb. 16, noon to 8 p.m. Feb. 17, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Feb. 18 and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Feb. 19, RiverCentre, 175 W. Kellogg Blvd., St. Paul. Tickets are $9 for adults, $6 seniors, $2.50 for ages 6-12, free for ages 5 and under. Go to homeandpatioshow.com.

Moving seminar for seniors

Downsizing or moving can be a challenge for older adults who have lived in their homes for many years. Diane Bjorkman of Gentle Transitions will offer strategies, resources and tips for making packing and moving stress-free during a free program 1:30 p.m. Feb. 16 at Covenant Village of Golden Valley, a retirement community, 5800 St. Croix Av. N. To register, go to covenantvillageofgoldenvalley.org or call 1-877-804-7017.

Help with to-do lists

Planning on repairing or remodeling your abode before spring? At the Home Improvement and Design Expo, more than 150 painters, remodelers, interior designers, contractors and landscape pros will offer their expertise and services. Bring your ideas and blueprints for free interior design consultations. Programs on "Solar 101," color and design trends, how to increase resale value and "Flooring A to Z" are scheduled throughout the day. The expo is 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Feb. 18 at Canterbury Park, 1100 Canterbury Rd., Shakopee. Admission is $6 or free with a nonperishable food item. For details, go to mediamaxevents.com.

LYNN UNDERWOOD

Urban homesteading

Want to produce more of your own food? The St. Paul Public Library is hosting a series of urban homesteading programs this month. Composting and Vermiculture will be covered at a free class from 1-2 p.m. Feb. 18. Learn how to compost kitchen and yard waste to enhance your soil and decrease landfill waste. The class will be held at the Rice Street Library, 1011 Rice St, St. Paul. No registration necessary.

The Frogtown 4th Annual Green Gathering will be held 2-4 p.m. Feb. 19, featuring treats, exhibits and information-sharing with gardeners, water stewards, pollinator and animal lovers and more. The gathering will be held at the Rondo Library, 461 N. Dale St., St. Paul.

Planting for pollinators

Creating diverse habitat for bees, butterflies, game birds and other wildlife will be the subject of a free Pollinator Symposium Feb. 17, presented by Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever. National pollinator experts will discuss the importance of pollinators and the habitat needs of honeybees, native bees and Monarch butterflies.

The symposium, which begins at 12:30 p.m. and ends with a panel discussion at 4:05 p.m., will be held in Room 211 on the second level of the Minneapolis Convention Center, 1301 2nd Av. S., Mpls.

KIM PALMER