The man behind Southdale
In an evening dedicated to the Austrian architect who designed Southdale Center in Edina, the Minnesota Design Center hosts "Victor Gruen: Visionary Urban Designer." The event pays homage to the late mastermind who designed the first fully enclosed climate-controlled shopping center in the United States. The evening includes a film screening of "The Gruen Effect: Victor Gruen and the Shopping Mall" and an open discussion and reception and book-signing of "Shopping Town: Designing the City in Suburban America," edited and translated by Anette Baldauf. 5:15 p.m. Mon. Free. 100 Rapson Hall, 89 SE. Church St., Mpls. designcenter.umn.edu.
Gardening in a cold climate
The Minnesota State Horticultural Society will host a book-release event for "The Northern Gardener: From Apples to Zinnias" by Mary Lahr Schier. A presentation will highlight gardening in a northern climate and its challenges. The book, which offers tips and tricks on growing heirloom vegetables and more, will be available for sale. 7 p.m. Nov. 30. $5. Lakewood Cemetery Mausoleum and Reception Center, 3600 Hennepin Av. S., Mpls. To register, go to northerngardener.org.
MELISSA WALKER
