![Bees flew from flower to flower gathering pollen int he rain garden that receives rainwater runoff from part of the Mall parking lot. Clifton Aichinger, is the force behind the new stormwater management system at Maplewood Mall. ] GLEN STUBBE * gstubbe@startribune.com ORG XMIT: MIN1209191641190239](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/ULWK3F4FTWXYPDTRDQLE7IMPKM.jpg?&w=1080)
Rainy day gardens
Is planting a rain garden on your to-do list this spring? Metro Blooms workshops will teach gardeners how to design, choose plants, install and maintain the environmentally friendly garden, which captures and absorbs polluted water from roofs, driveways and yards reducing runoff to lakes and streams. Rain gardens typically look like perennial gardens and include easy-care deep-rooted native plants.
The workshops cost $10 and $15 and are scheduled throughout the metro area from mid-April to June. To register, go to www.metroblooms.org or call 651-699-2426.
Artful flowers
Bachman's will offer a special floral design workshop to benefit Art in Bloom at the Minneapolis Institute of Arts at the end of April. Learn how to create a floral arrangement inspired by this year's featured work of art, which is a video installation by Jennifer Steinkamp of brightly colored Fuji chrysanthemums. The workshop is from 6 to 8 p.m. April 10 at Bachman's, 6010 Lyndale Av. S., Mpls. Cost is $50. Register at www.bachmans.com or call 612-861-7311.
Passage to India
Just step on the elevator to Macy's eighth-floor auditorium to be transported to the colors, scents and botanical beauty of India. "The Painted Garden" features a giant Indian elephant sculpture holding a carriage of blooming tropical plants, variety of trees and shrubs, exotic orchids and a "Bouquet of the Day" by Bachman's designers.
The free event continues through Sunday during store hours, 700 Nicollet Mall, Mpls. Go to www.macys.com/flowershow.
