The Dirt: Peony root auction, craft sale, fall lawn and garden care

Fall is the best time to dig, divide and plant peonies. Members of the Minnesota Peony Society will demonstrate how to dig and clean roots prior to dividing them. You can use the roots to create new beds or share with other gardeners. Peony growers will also auction peony roots in a wide variety of colors and flower form, including some rare collectible peonies. The demonstration is at noon Sept. 29, followed by the auction fundraiser at 1 p.m., Bachman's, 6010 Lyndale Av. S., Mpls. Call 612-861-7600.

The Minnesota Landscape Arboretum's Snyder Building will be packed with crafts, dried floral arrangements, potpourri, wreaths, wool hats, purses and other accessories for the Arboretum Auxiliary Harvest Sale, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sept 28 and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sept. 29. You also can buy raffle tickets for a queen-sized handmade quilt, with the drawing at 2 p.m. Sept. 28. Other events that weekend: scarecrows in the Garden Exhibit, apple tastings and family activities. Admission: $12 for ages 13 and up; free for members and ages 12 and younger. 3675 Arboretum Dr., Chaska. Call 952-443-1400.

Get your lawn and gardens ready for winter with tips from Gertens. The free workshop explains fall landscape maintenance, which roses need protection, how to prepare tropicals for wintering indoors, insect control, fall pruning and tree and evergreen protection. The workshop will be offered three times at 11 a.m. Sept. 28, 6 p.m. Oct. 10 and 1 p.m. Oct. 12, Gertens, 5500 Blaine Av., Inver Grove Heights. Call 651-450-1501.