Indoors & Out: Sunflower centerpieces, stenciling how-to, daffodil bulbs and more

Ciel Loft & Home has moved across Excelsior Boulevard from its old location into a newly renovated building. The home furnishings retailer's eclectic mix ranges from vintage Chinese cabinets to acid-washed metal artwork. Look for reclaimed wood furniture and accessories, industrial lighting, dishes and glassware, with many items globally sourced. Ciel also has a line of exclusive designs, 4415 Excelsior Blvd., St. Louis Park, cielloftandhome.com.

Cheerful sunflowers are the stars in a summery arrangement at Bachman's Floral Design Workshop, offered 2 to 4 p.m. Aug. 20. Learn how to use these late-summer blooms to accent a centerpiece for your home or as a gift. Cost is $50 and covers materials. Workshops are designed for adults and children age 13 and older, 6010 Lyndale Av. S., Mpls. Register at bachmans.com or call 612-861-7600.

A fan of Arts & Crafts-era designs? "Introduction to Arts & Crafts Stenciling" will demonstrate how to accent your home with this vintage decorative art. The Preservation Alliance of Minnesota class explores the history of stenciling during the Arts & Crafts movement and the era's signature nature-inspired designs on walls, table linens, clothing, curtains and other accessories, 6:30 to 8 p.m. Aug. 18, Landmark Center, 75 W. 5th St., St. Paul. Cost is $12. To register, go to mnpreservation.org, click on "Services," then "Education."

If you're planning to redo a room or are hunting for furniture, here's an opportunity to show your photos, fabric samples, Pinterest boards and Houzz ideas to Gabberts pros at "Coffee With a Designer," 10 to 11 a.m. Aug. 20. Coffee and treats will be served. The free event is at Gabberts in the Galleria, 69th St. and France Av. S., Edina, and at 3201 Country Dr., Little Canada. For details, call 952-927-1500 or go to gabberts.com.

LYNN UNDERWOOD

Want to learn more about plant selection and garden design to help pollinators? The Minnesota Landscape Arboretum is hosting a Pollinator Summit, designed for both landscape professionals and home gardeners. Keynote speaker Emma Morris will address the impact humans have on the global environment, followed by a session on the science of pollination and the latest Minnesota pollinator research at the University of Minnesota Bee Lab. The afternoon will include a presentation on the pollinator value of trees and shrubs, and a panel discussion with Minnesota growers of pollinator-friendly plants. At the conclusion of the summit, participants will have an opportunity to experience the new Tashjian Bee and Pollinator Discovery Center before its public opening.

The summit will be held 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Aug. 18. The cost is $80, which includes lunch ($70 for Arboretum members). To learn more or to register, call 612-301-1210, or visit arboretum.umn.edu/Pollinators2016.aspx.

"Sunnyside Addition: Minneapolis' First Streetcar Suburb," featuring the area now known as "The Wedge," bounded by Franklin, Hennepin and Lyndale avenues. You'll see historic photos and learn about the architecture of the city's first and best streetcar suburb, 6:30 p.m., Aug. 18.

"Homewood: An Urban Planned Community," featuring a quiet corner of north Minneapolis, how it became a Jewish enclave in the early 20th century and how it has transitioned into a diverse and stable community today, 11 a.m. Aug. 21.

"Riverfront," featuring a history-focused tour of the riverfront, with original descriptions of St. Anthony Falls from the journals of Father Hennepin and Zebulon Pike, plus the importance of the falls to European/East Coast developers and the original American Indian population, as well as the history of the mills and the remaining 19th-century buildings on Main Street. The tour will also make stops at Nicollet Island and Boom Island, 6 p.m. Aug. 24.

Tours are $9 per person. Participants must preregister and pay for tickets online at dev.preserveminneapolis.org/events/summer-walking-tours or at eventbrite.com.

Plant this fall to enjoy daffodils next spring. The Daffodil Society of Minnesota will hold its bulb sale next weekend, offering many hard-to find varieties and bags of mixed varieties — not just yellow, but also whites, oranges and pinks. Selection will include more than 100 varieties, priced at $5 per bag or $20 for five bags. The sale will be held 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Aug. 20, and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Aug. 21 at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, 3675 Arboretum Dr., Chaska.