Plant star Need a low-growing stellar shade plant to fill some holes? Brunnera macrophylla 'Jack Frost' has been named the Perennial Plant of the Year by the Perennial Plant Association.
This variety of false forget-me-not, a popular common name, grows 12 to 15 inches tall and boasts blue blossoms in spring and attractive frosty-silver leaves with green veins the rest of the growing season. Browsing deer tend to leave the plant's rough-textured foliage alone. Plant Jack Frost brunnera along the front of the shade garden border, combining it with other shade-loving perennials such as hosta and ferns.
Pruning workshop Learn when and how to prune trees and shrubs from Minnesota Landscape Arboretum experts, 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Sat. This outdoor demonstration class covers fruit production, tree longevity optimization, ease of harvest and pesticide applications. Be prepared to work with hand pruners, pole saws, loppers and spreaders. Cost is $35 members; $45 nonmembers. 3675 Arboretum Dr., Chaska. Visit www.arboretum.umn.edu/learn.aspx or call 952-443-1400.
Dabble in dahlias Buy dahlia tubers from some of the state's best growers -- members of the Minnesota Dahlia Society. Learn how to cultivate and care for these big-bloomed beauties from the experts. The tuber sale is from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sat. at Bachman's Heritage Room, 6010 Lyndale Av. S., Mpls. Call 612-861-7311.
Yard and Garden Expo Get motivated for upcoming lawn and garden improvements with expert tips, products and services, a farmers market, build-a-bouquet booth and eco-footprint learning center at the Plymouth Yard and Garden Expo. Hours are 6 to 9 p.m. Fri. and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sat. A plant sale will be held at 1 p.m. Sat. Admission $5; ages 16 and under admitted free. Plymouth Creek Center Fieldhouse, 14800 34th Av. N., Plymouth. Call 763-509-5200.
