The Dirt: Koi auction, lily show, canning basics

Darting Japanese koi are the jewels of many back-yard ponds. The Upper Midwest Koi Club is auctioning off 50 Japanese koi on June 29 in the north parking lot of Bachman's, 6010 Lyndale Av. S., Minneapolis. Preview the fish at 11 a.m. and then start bidding on the various sizes and colors at 1 p.m. The Koi Club is also holding a free koi show at Bachman's on Aug. 10-11. Call 612-861-7311.

Lilies deliver pops of vibrant color in the midsummer perennial garden. Members of the North Star Lily Society show will display the best of their beds, including shade tolerant Martagons; up-, out- and down-facing Asiatic lilies in a myriad of colors; Trumpet lilies; Longiflorum Asiatics; Oriental Trumpets and species lilies. The free Lily Show also features floral design and a lily photograph contest. Hours are 1 to 5 p.m. July 13 and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. July 14, Bachman's, 6010 Lyndale Av. S., Minneapolis. Call 612-861-7311.

Learn how to preserve your fruit and veggies to savor during the long winter months at a Minnesota State Horticultural Society class from 6:30 to 8 p.m. July 23. "Preserving the Harvest: Canning, Freezing and Drying" covers home preservation techniques like water-bath canning, freezing and drying. There's also a step-by-step demonstration of canning pickles. Cost is $23; $18 members. The class is at 2705 Lincoln Dr., Roseville. To register. visit www.northerngardener.org or call 651-643-3601.