INDOORS & OUT Homes on parade, handyperson classes, Edwin Lundie's career and seed-saving

Gather decor ideas for your abode or just gawk at a dreamy cook's kitchen at more than 480 Twin Cities homes beginning March 4.

The Spring Parade of Homes offers an inside look at the latest floor plans, finishes, furniture and interior design trends, with scores of model homes fully furnished and decorated. Some showcase "Smart Home" automation systems, which control lights, security and multimedia. Residences range from $199,000 for a detached townhome in Isanti, Minn., to a $2.495 million Dream Home in Wayzata. Look for our story on a $2.290 million Prairie-style Dream Home on Lake Minnetonka in the March 5 Homes section and online.

Hours are noon to 6 p.m. Thursdays through Sundays, March 4 to April 2. Events include wine and cheese tastings, seminars on green design trends, the art of downsizing and interior design styles.

Admission is free except for a $5 donation to tour four high-end Artisan Dream Homes. Free guidebooks at Holiday Station stores or go to paradeofhomes.org.

Do you wish you could do basic home repair projects on your older dwelling? The Preservation Alliance of Minnesota is holding a series of three Handyperson classes to help homeowners maintain their properties.

"Electrical" explores common problems, electrical systems and parts, how to save money through proactive maintenance and useful tools to have on hand, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. March 1. "Plumbing" focuses on typical plumbing issues, systems and repairs and essential tools, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. March 8. "Heating and Cooling" addresses heating and cooling problems, troubleshooting and ways to improve efficiency and prevent energy loss, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. March 15.

Classes are held at the Natural Built Home store, 4020 Minnehaha Av. S., Mpls. Cost is $25 for each class. Register at mnpreservation.org; click on "Services" and "Education."

A historic-window specialist from Restoration Window Systems will explain how to assess window condition, repair drafts, fix broken glass and more. The "Repairing Old Windows" hands-on workshop is from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. March 4 at Restoration Window Systems, 7839 Elm St., Fridley. Cost is $50. Register at mnpreservation.org; click on "Services" and "Education."

Oliver Kelley Farm's "Plan Your Garden for Seed Saving" workshop explains seed selection, planting, growing methods and harvesting tips. Topics include hand-pollination and isolation techniques, proper tools for seed-saving, seed preparation and proper storage. Participants will leave with a garden plan, seed-saving tools and some seeds for spring planting.

The hands-on workshop is from 9 a.m. to noon March 11 in the Oliver Kelley Farm visitor center, 15788 Kelley Farm Rd., Elk River. Cost is $15; $13 for Minnesota Historical Society members. Register at mnhs.org; click on "Visit" and "Classes and Workshops."

Don't lose sleep over buying a new mattress. Gabberts experts give an overview of the latest innovations in mattress technology and tips on how to select the right mattress for your sleep style at "A Better Night's Sleep" 10 a.m. March 4, Edina store in the Galleria, 69th St. and France Av. S., and the Little Canada store, 3201 Country Drive. To register, go to gabberts.com.

In Minnesota, architect Edwin Lundie is renowned for his charming timber-frame cabins. Fans of Lundie's designs can hear about his career and achievements at a slide presentation, "The Work of Architect Edwin H. Lundie," by Peter O'Toole, author and owner of a Lundie-designed home. The free program is part of a Cass Gilbert Society meeting and is open to the public, 7 p.m. Feb. 28, University Club of St. Paul, 420 Summit Av. For details, go to cassgilbertsociety.org.