Indoors & Out: Big Bugs at the Arb, shrub seminar and more

Gigantic bugs are invading the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum's lush landscape this summer.

But these insects are harmless and fun to look at. Artist David Rogers has sculpted 12 supersized replicas of a grasshopper, daddy longlegs, ants, assassin bug and other creatures from natural materials such as willow and black walnut.

The "Big Bugs" will be on display from June 18 through Sept. 30 at the arboretum in Chaska. Kids are especially fascinated by his creations, said Rogers, who has trucked the exhibit to many botanical gardens across the U.S. and last appeared at the arboretum in 2003. "I've heard parents call the praying mantis a cricket," he said. "Kids will correct them. They get it."

During the grand opening June 18-19, visitors can go on a Bug Hunt, Insect Safari and search the bog for bugs. Many "Big Bugs" classes and programs for all ages are scheduled throughout the exhibit's run.

Admission is $12 for ages 13 and up, free for ages 12 and under. Free for University of Minnesota students and arboretum members. Go to arboretum.umn.edu/bigbugs.aspx.

If you're updating a bathroom, why not make it as eco-friendly as you can? Natural Built Home is holding a free class on "Green Bath Remodeling" from 10 to 11:30 a.m. June 18 at 4020 Minnehaha Av. S., Mpls. Learn about environmentally friendly features, the design process, budgets, rebates and affordable-design tips. Bring photos or measurements of your space. Register at naturalbuilthome and click on "Education Center" or call 612-605-7999.

An elegant, long, low centerpiece made of roses will impress guests at your summer events. Learn how to create one for your table at a Bachman's Floral Design Workshop, 2 to 4 p.m. June 18, 6010 Lyndale Av. S., Mpls. Cost is $50 and covers materials. Workshops are for adults and children ages 13 and older. Register at bachmans.com or call 612-861-7600.

If you want to increase the curb appeal of your home, consider adding shrubs. But which ones, planted where, and how should you care for them? Gertens is offering a free seminar, Shrubs 101, at 1 p.m. June 18. Nursery experts will help you choose the perfect evergreen or deciduous shrubs for your landscape, including proper placement and planting techniques and soil amendments to ensure a successful outcome. Preregistration is requested at gertens.com/events. Gertens is located at 5500 Blaine Av., Inver Grove Heights.

Want to learn more about native plants? Wild Ones and Nine Mile Creek Watershed District will present a free screening of "Hometown Habitat, Stories of Bringing Native Plants Home," a 90-minute documentary showing how and why native plants in urban and suburban landscapes are critical to the survival and vitality of local ecosystems The film will be shown at 6:30 p.m. June 13 at the Nine Mile Creek Watershed District office, 12800 Gerard Dr., Eden Prairie. RSVP required at eventbrite.com.

Do you — or someone you know — tend a beautiful garden? Now is the time to share it. Nominate it in our annual Beautiful Gardens contest. Every year, we seek out the best private residential gardens, then publish the winners throughout the nongardening months. Each winning garden will be showcased in the Star Tribune and online at startribune.com. The garden can be any type or size, and can be located anywhere in Minnesota or western Wisconsin.

It's easy to nominate your favorite garden. Just send a few snapshots, along with a brief description, including who tends the garden, where it's located and what makes it special.

We'll accept entries through June 20. Send entries to beautifulgardens@startribune.com, or mail to Beautiful Gardens, Star Tribune, 650 3rd Av. S., Minneapolis, MN 55488.