Summer garden festival

The Carver-Scott Master Gardeners' teaching gardens are in bloom and ready to inspire novice gardeners. Tour the small themed gardens to spark ideas for your own home garden during this event. Master Gardeners will lead a presentation on planting for pollinators. 6:30 p.m. June 12. Free. Scott County Fairgrounds Teaching Garden, 7151 W. 190th St., Jordan. carverscottmastergardeners.org.

Artist meet and greet

In recognition of 2018 being the centennial of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, photographer Paul Nelson will speak on his study of the migratory patterns of North American birds. Co-founder of retailer Wild Birds Flying, Nelson will discuss the specialized photography rig that allows him to capture images of birds. A representative from the Nature Conservancy will also be present to discuss the conservancy's work in Minnesota and bird habitat efforts throughout the state. 5:30 p.m. June 13. Free, RSVP requested at roomandboard.com. Room & Board, 7010 France Av. S., Edina.

Peonies in bloom

The region's largest peony show, "Majesty in Bloom," will be held in Bachman's Heritage Room. Hundreds of peonies, ranging from traditional to hybrids, will be featured. Minnesota Peony Society members will be on hand to answer peony-related questions. 1 to 5 p.m. June 9; 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. June 10. Free. 6010 Lyndale Av. S., Mpls. 612-861-7600.

Sustainable agriculture

Reduce your carbon footprint in an exploration of sustainable agriculture in the Land of 10,000 Lakes. "Farm Babies and Local Libations" invites guests to learn about sustainable clothing and beverages. Discuss wine grape production, local hops and make a felted beer koozie using wool from the sheep at Gale Woods Farm. Meet barn animals and enjoy a glass of wine from Sovereign Estates. 6 p.m. June 7. $20. 7210 W. County Road 110, Minnetrista. threeriversparks.org.

MELISSA WALKER

Fields of peonies

Peony lovers can stroll among 130 varieties of the popular showy blooms at Swenson Gardens' Peony Field Days. The Howard Lake grower hybridizes new intersectional (Itoh's) hybrids and Lactiflora peonies and has registered more than 60 new peony varieties with the American Peony Society. Admire the vast plantings of chemical-free grown peonies in various bloom times and get tips from expert growers, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. June 1-2 and June 8-9, Swenson Gardens, 10958 70th St. SW., Howard Lake, Minn. For details, go to swensongardens.com or call 763-350-2051.

West End gardens

A plant sale, garden tours and tips on feeding pollinators are all part of the West End Neighbors Garden and History Tour in St. Paul. A pollinator photography and presentation by naturalist Dave Crawford on the importance, care and feeding of native pollinators is at 7 p.m. June 7, North Garden Theater, 929 W. 7th St., St. Paul. The plant sale is at the Federation/District Council office, 974 W. 7th St., on June 9. The self-guided tour of 14 yards and gardens between Jefferson and Randolph avenues from W. 7th Street to Lexington Avenue in St. Paul is also on June 9. Both events are free from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Pick up garden tour guides and booklets on the history of the unique neighborhood at the Federation/District Council office. Information at gardens@fortroadfederation.org or call 651-298-5599.

LYNN UNDERWOOD