It might as well be spring Where can you find more than 7,000 blooming tulips and floral replicas of national monuments in March? At two free flower shows opening this weekend in St. Paul and Minneapolis. The Marjorie McNeely Conservatory Sunken Garden will overflow with masses of tulips, daffodils, hyacinth, bearded iris, lilies and more, beginning Saturday and continuing through May 1 at the Como Park Zoo and Conservatory, 1225 Estabrook Dr., St. Paul Go to www. comozooconservatory.org or call 651-487-8200.
Macy's annual flower show always is a spring treat for winter-weary Minnesotans. This year's theme, "Towers of Flowers," showcases lavish floral versions of skyscrapers and monuments as well as a rotating Bouquet of the Day, all designed by Bachman's. The free show opens Sunday in the store's eighth-floor auditorium and continues through April 10, Macy's, 8th St. and Nicollet Mall, Mpls. For hours, call 612-375-2200.
For lily lovers Mike Heger of Ambergate Gardens will give tips on his favorite perennials to pair with lilies at a free North Star Lily Society seminar, 2 p.m. Sunday, Bachman's, 6010 Lyndale Av. S., Mpls. The society's membership meeting, which is open to the public, begins at 1 p.m. Call 612-861-7600.
Planting parties Get an early start on your container gardens at Buell's planting parties, held at various times on March 26, 27, 31, April 2 and 3 at Buell's garden center, 7077 Manning Av. S., Hastings. Bring your own containers or buy new ones there. Buell's will offer expert advice, design ideas, beverages, snacks and two-month container storage. Cost is $15. To register, call 651-459-9331, ext. 1.
