arboretum OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2020
magazine
U OF M APPL APP L E B R E E D I NG B L AC KG U M TREES OPOSSUMS I TASCA G RA RAPP E S PLUS: EVENTS, CLASSES & OUTDOOR FUN
arboretum.umn.edu
Photo by Roger Smallbeck
FROM THE DIRECTOR PETER C. MOE
In these troubled times, we’ve
been taking a lot of solace in nature at the Arboretum, and it has been a beautiful summer in the gardens. We greatly missed our garden volunteers (and in some areas, it really showed), but our horticulture staff worked hard to cultivate beauty and care for each of our gardens and plant collections (and that really showed, as well). As we settle into the cooler days of autumn, we look forward to watching
the spectacle of color brought on by the changing seasons. We often focus on maples when it comes to fall color, but the Arboretum’s Pillsbury Shade Tree exhibit is home to three beautiful blackgum trees, which turn blazing red this time of year (page 3). We’re also planning to continue a few beloved fall traditions with fresh Arboretum apples available in the AppleHouse (read about the history of apple research at the Arboretum on page 4), our
OCTOBER/NOVEMBERR 2020 * VOL 39, NO. 5
Minnesota Landscape Arboretum Magazine is published six times a year by the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum Foundation, 3675 Arboretum Drive, Chaska, MN 55318-9613, 612-624-2200. The magazine is a benefit of Arboretum membership. No portion may be reprinted without permission from the Arboretum. The information published in this magazine is not necessarily endorsed by the University of Minnesota. The Arboretum welcomes feedback from readers at arbinfo@umn.edu. To request a copy of this publication in alternate format, please call 612-301-1257. The Arboretum is part of The College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences at the University of Minnesota.
“Scarecrows in the Garden” and the popular Cucurbita display (page 8), highlighting hundreds of pumpkins, gourds and squash cultivated from around the world. At this time, it’s hard to know what this winter will bring, but we’re hoping to light up the long evenings with Winter Lights starting in November (page 9). One thing is certain: We are so very grateful for donors and members like you, who continue to support us through these trying times.
Patrick B. Petersen, Editor Brenda Drake Lesch, Art Director Peter C. Moe, Director, Minnesota Landscape Arboretum Alan Branhagen, Director of Operations Timothy S. Kenny, Director of Education Susan Taylor, Ph.D., Director of Development Matthew Clark, Director of Research Tony Baisley, Associate Director of Marketing, Communications and Public Relations Jenny Verner, President, Arboretum Foundation
Cover Photo by Don Olson
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NOW SHOWING:
AUTUMN SPLEN DOR
ALAN BRANHAGEN • DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS
Arb Blackgum tree in summer in the Pillsbury Shade Tree area
pollinating insects (tupelo honey is a real thing!) and our female trees are readily loaded with the beautiful blue-black fruits at the end of summer and into autumn. These fruits are high in fats and devoured by migrating songbirds as a great source of fuel. The fruit rarely hangs on to the tree into winter and there are many bird-planted seedling blackgums beneath the Arb’s trees too! Blackgums also have the title of oldest living non-conifer tree in eastern North America, with live trees cored at 580 years old! While the trees are very pyramidal in their youth, they gain more of an oval crown as they age, and their charcoal color bark takes on a unique, alligator hide-like blockiness at maturity. One wonders what these trees may look like in the year 2600? Blackgums turn ‘raging red’ in the fall when weather conditions are perfect and usually start their show on the earlier end of the season. When blackgum trees are at their peak color, they look positively on fire in the sunlight, with luminous foliage that may be more yellow on shaded leaves and redder on leaves directly in the sun. Be sure and look at our trees when you are on Three-Mile Walk this fall.
Blackgum tree in fall at Loose Park in Kansas City
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Photos by Alan Branhagen
An Eastern and Lower Midwestern native tree, blackgum, also known as tupelo (Nyssa sylvatica), is renowned for featuring some of the best fall color of any tree in the world. The tree is a widespread native in Lower Michigan and Indiana, as well as in southern Illinois and Missouri and westward to eastern Oklahoma. A few trees may also have been native in southeastern Wisconsin. Yes, the Arb has three very beautiful blackgum trees thanks to our founders testing every possible tree that might be hardy here. And yes, these trees had a challenging start, dying back after severely cold winters. But over the past 25 years, the trees have settled in and no longer show winter injury, displaying as classic blackgums found further south in the Midwest. The Arboretum’s blackgum trees are located in the Pillsbury Shade Tree exhibit, right along Three-Mile Walk, so are easily observable to all. Blackgums are in the dogwood family but unique in that they are dioecious: trees are either male or female. Luckily, the Arb has two female trees and one male tree and they do cross-pollinate each other. The flowers are not showy but rich in nectar, attracting many
HORTICULTURE AN D RESEARCH << U of MN Honeycrisp Apples
Photos by (left) Dave Hansen; (right) Courtesy of U of M Archives
Charles Haralson, Superintendent Minnesota State Fruit Breeding Farm at Excelsior
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Minnehaha Celebrates
as First Apple Variety at the U of M JAMES LUBY • PROFESSOR, UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA
AUTUMN AT THE ARBORETUM has a special connotation for visitors over the decades as a time to discover apples at the AppleHouse at the Horticultural Research Center (HRC), home of the University of Minnesota apple breeding program. Apple breeding at the U of M began as an effort to develop varieties of high quality fruit that could tolerate cold winters. In 1907, the Minnesota Legislature funded the purchase of land for a Fruit Breeding Farm at the current site of the HRC. The first farm superintendent was Charles Haralson, eventual namesake of the ‘Haralson’ apple. In 1908, Haralson and his staff began planting many thousands of apple seedlings at the Fruit Breeding Farm, most from openpollinated seeds collected from regional orchards. One of those seedlings, recorded as arising from an open-pollinated seed of the ‘Malinda’ variety collected at an orchard near Morristown, Minnesota, in 1907, became the first variety introduced by the breeding program in 1920. The variety was named ‘Minnehaha,’ which translates to “waterfall” or “rapid water” in Dakota. DNA fingerprinting now confirms that ‘Wealthy,’ rather than ‘Malinda,’ was the mother of ‘Minnehaha’ though the exact identity of the father remains a mystery. Shortly after its introduction, in 1926, William H.
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Alderman, long-time University of Minnesota professor and fruit breeder, described ‘Minnehaha’ as “…. a beautiful dark red apple, somewhat flattened in form, and is at its best in early winter. It never fails to attain a deep, rich color over the entire surface. In quality it is at least equal to Wealthy, which it far exceeds in color and keeping quality.” Unfortunately, ‘Minnehaha’ had some negative features such as a smaller fruit size, so by 1957 Alderman wrote that it was “not now available from nurseries nor recommended for planting,” having been surpassed by newer varieties such as ‘Haralson,’ which was introduced in 1922 and quickly became the number one Minnesota variety until the 1990s. Although ‘Minnehaha’ no longer grows in Minnesota orchards, you can find a tree in the first row (closest to Eastern Drive) at the Farm at the Arb Orchard in a new collection of historical University of Minnesota apple varieties. For a complete listing of apple introductions at the HRC and more information on the Fruit Breeding program: arb.umn.edu/research/fruit-breeding.
NATURE FOCUS MATT SCHUTH • NATURALIST
Make Good Neighbors “A FACE ONLY A MOTHER COULD LOVE”
Discovery Center
of the shortest-lived mammals in the world, with a female typically bearing two litters at most. Even though they have a prehensile tail, pictures showing them sleeping by hanging from it are a myth. They use the tail for grabbing and balancing themselves while moving through trees. “Playing possum” – faking as if they were dead – is not a conscious act but a genetically programmed reflex action when threatened, similar to humans having the hiccups. This comatose stage can last from one to four hours even after the threat is gone. When in this state, the opossum’s body emits a stinking odor hoping to present itself as unpalatable for the predator. While crawling through the woods, opossums become tick magnets. Fortunately, they are great groomers; a single opossum can consume 5,000 ticks annually. Opossums have been spotted recently at the Arb near the Andrus Learning Center and the Tashjian Bee and Pollinator Discovery Center. If an opossum should amble across your path just remember beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Opossums are omnivores and will eat mice, rats, cockroaches and harmful garden slugs as well as carrion and refuse.
Photos by (top) Laura Cogswell; (bottom) Norbert Lucas
is a fitting adage about the Virginia opossum. With its long snout, white face, pink nose and nearly hairless ears and tail it may more resemble a member of the rat family. Opossums are, in fact, the only marsupial (pouched mammal) in North America. With a warming climate, opossums have extended their range into northern Minnesota – and to the Arboretum! Opossums typically have 50 teeth, more than any North American land mammal. When cornered they will hiss and sass, baring their teeth, which is likely where the term ‘grinning like a possum’ came from. A female opossum has 13 nipples with twelve in a circle and one in the middle. When the young are born they are the size of raisins and crawl into the pouch and grab onto a nipple. They remain in the pouch for three months. At two months they are about the size of mice. With the babies remaining in the pouch, the mother is able to forage for food without having to go back to a den every night, making survival more likely. Young females can bear their first litter at six to nine months of age. With a life span of approximately two Opossum at the Ta years, for its size, shjian Bee and Pollinator the opossum is one
Opossum living behind the Children’s Garden at the Andrus Learning Center
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HORTICULTURE AN D RESEARCH A NEW ERA OF Photos courtesy of (top left and bottom) Wild Oaks Ranch Vineyard & Winery (top right) Schram Vineyards Winery & Brewery
WINE
ITASCA, THE UNIVERSITY’S LATEST COLD-HARDY WINE GRAPE RELEASE, IS SHOWING UP AT LOCAL WINERIES ACROSS THE STATE. LIZ POTASEK • ARBORETUM WRITER
IT TAKES ABOUT THREE YEARS for a newly planted
grape vine to bear enough fruit to start producing wine--which means the University of Minnesota’s 2017 cold-hardy wine grape introduction, Itasca, is starting to come of age. So it’s no surprise that Itasca wines have started popping up at wineries throughout the state, including Round Lake Winery, Indian Island Winery, Schram Vineyards Winery & Brewery, and Wild Oaks Ranch. Itasca makes a white wine, and the grape is characterized by its lower acidity and high sugar levels, which is sparking the interest of winemakers across the state. It also has a high resistance to downy and powdery mildew and the insect phylloxera, which makes it attractive to growers. “The possibilities to make very nice dry white wine are very exciting,” says Angie Netzke, winemaker at Indian Island Winery, which released its first vintage of Itasca in 2017. “I am still figuring out the best way to produce wine from these grapes, but the lower acidity has made it much easier.”
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Those who follow Minnesota wine have tasted the gradual evolution of wines made from other University introductions, including Marquette, Frontenac and La Crescent, as Minnesota’s winemaking pioneers continue to discover ways to coax the best wine from cold-hardy grapes. Many are excited to unlock the possibilities of Itasca grapes, noting that the grape’s flavor profile is wide-ranging. “I have gotten to taste some Itasca wine from other winemakers and have noticed differences in the flavor profiles, which shows how diverse this variety is,” Netzke says. “For example, while I might compare mine to a Sauvignon Blanc, I could compare another winemaker's Itasca to a Pinot Grigio. The possibilities with this variety are endless right now.” Grab a bottle of Itasca and taste the new frontier of Minnesota winemaking. Find out more about new Itasca wine releases from Minnesota wineries at z.umn.edu/itascawine.
Photo by Visiva Studio @ Shutterstock
LEARN AN D DO
COMPLETE “PROFESSIONAL HORTICULTURE” COURSE Learn what the professionals know, transform your home gardens into the envy of the neighborhood! $550 member/$590 non-member, advance registration required by Dec. 1, 2020. Register online at arboretum.umn.edu/OnlineClasses.aspx or call 612-301-1210.
14 MODULES
HOW IT WORKS
The complete ProHort Online series consists of 14 online learning modules that let you learn at your own pace with resources and guidance from the Arboretum & University of Minnesota Extension. The 14 modules include:
For your health and safety, the ProHort series will be offered in an all-online format this season. Your Arboretum course coordinator will email you login instructions for the online content, and will host weekly online Q&A sessions between mid-January and mid-April with the students and University professionals. Your course coordinator and guest experts will guide and answer questions throughout each module. Each module is self-paced; the content will be available through the end of 2021, and will take 40-60 hours to complete.
1. Introduction to Botany & Horticulture 2. Soils, Fertilizers & Compost 3. Growing Fruit in Minnesota 4. Herbaceous Plants 5. Woody Plants 6. Lawn Care 7. Weed Management 8. Growing Vegetables 9. Indoor Plants 10. Integrated Pest Management (IPM) 11. Plant Pathology 12. Plant Diagnostics 13. Entomology 14. Living with Wildlife
Participants receive a certificate upon completion of the course.
PROFESSIONAL KNOWLEDGE WITHOUT THE COMMITMENT Want the know-how of a Master Gardener Volunteer, but without the volunteer commitment? The ProHort Online series gives participants access to the same University-based foundational materials that are used to train Master Gardener Volunteers. Knowledge from the 14 modules has the power to transform your gardens, give your horticulture career a boost, or inspire friends to ask for your trusted garden advice! The ProHort series is for industry professionals, homeowners, hobbyists or anyone looking for in-depth horticulture education.
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Photo by Photographee.eu aat Shutterstock
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Due to ongoing effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and updated requirements from both the State and University of Minnesota, please find the latest calendar information at arb.umn.edu
WORLD OF PUMPKINS DISPLAY
Photo by H B Roberts
Daily through Oct., Arboretum Terraces The Arb’s terraces will be in full fall splendor with displays of popular, heirloom, unusual and international pumpkins and squash (both ornamental and edible categories) in a rainbow of colors! arb.umn.edu/world-pumpkins
SCARECROWS IN THE GARDENS AND SCARECROW VILLAGE
YOGA Fall sessions of the popular Yoga in the Gardens, held in conjunction with the sponsors listed, are scheduled on the following dates: • 10 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 4 Sensory Garden • 6 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 15 Sensory Garden by The Transformation Club • Noon Sunday, Oct. 25 Sensory Garden by Good Vibrations Yoga • Noon Sunday, Nov. 1 Offsite – By The Transformation Club • Noon Thursday, Nov. 12 Snyder Auditorium by Green Lotus Yoga • Noon Sunday, Nov. 22 MacMillan Auditorium by Good Vibrations Yoga Sessions are for all levels. Please bring your own mat and water bottle. The classes are always free for Arboretum members and studio partner members, and included with gate admission for non-members. arb.umn.edu/content/yoga-gardens.
®
Photo by Maggie Keith
Daily through Oct., Dahlberg Terrace and Scarecrow Hill. This year's theme is Welcome Back to Nature. Experts from Bachman's have created scarecrows to stand alongside creations from Arboretum staff and members. Visit the scarecrows and vote for your favorite! Arb.umn.edu/scarecrows
Photo by Lester Hughes-Seamans
Late Fall/Early Winter Activities & Events
Photo by Dave Hansen
APPLES!
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The Arboretum AppleHouse is open daily from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. through early November. Purchase apples from a changing inventory of 50 varieties throughout the season – from longtime favorites to recent University of Minnesota introductions, including First Kiss®, SweeTango®, Zestar!® and Honeycrisp – plus a variety of specialty food items and merchandise. The AppleHouse is located 1.5 miles west of the Arboretum entrance [7485 Rolling Acres Road, Victoria, MN 55386]. For a daily update of available apple varieties, call the AppleHouse information line at 612-301-3487. arb.umn.edu/apple-house
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Ar-BOO-Retum
ONE-STOP SHOP FOR ALL HORTICULTURE ENTHUSIASTS
SPOOKTACULAR CONCERT
PATRICK PETERSEN • EDITOR
3-4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 25, MacMillan Auditorium The Minnetonka Symphony Orchestra performs spooky favorites. Free with gate admission.
FALL COLOR TRAIL RUN
AUXILIARY HOLIDAY SALE Friday & Saturday, Dec. 4-5, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.; Sunday, Dec. 6, 11 a.m. - 3 p.m., Snyder Auditorium Kick off the season with wonderful gifts handmade by Auxiliary volunteers.More details in the Dec/Jan Arboretum Magazine and at arb.umn.edu.
Nov. 20-Jan. 3; 4-9 p.m. Tuesdays & Wednesdays; 4-10 p.m. Thursdays-Sundays (with special Monday openings Dec. 21 & 28) Head to the Arboretum as the indoor spaces and nearby gardens are lit up through the dark days of winter. Stroll at your leisure and marvel at the magic! Special senior nights, photography nights and family nights. arbwinter.umn.edu
Photo by Roger Pavelle
Oct. 10-17 (Participants choose start time during Arb open hours via sign-up) Run when it’s convenient for you on the marked trail at the Arb – then submit your time! arb.umn.edu/fall-trail-run
Photos by Patrick Petersen
Photo by Mark MacLennan
10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 31, Oswald Visitor Center Between the scarecrows and pumpkin displays, photo opportunities abound for costumed kids at the Arb. There will also be four trick-or-treat stations around the Oswald Visitor Center.
You already know the Arboretum Gift & Garden store as the place to shop for nature-related books (including children’s books), horticulture-themed casual wear, botanic-styled jewelry, bird houses, gardening equipment, honey, jams and jellies, maple syrup and items for giftgiving. However, new this fall are face masks in beautiful floral and botanical prints made by local artisans and the Arb Auxiliary! All proceeds from mask sales go back to support the work of the Auxiliary and the Arboretum. Do you want your home garden to make a real difference in the world? Choose plants native to our Midwest region. Purchase Alan Branhagen’s newest book “The Midwest Native Plant Primer” for ideas. Signed copies are available now for $24.95. Perfect for days stuck inside the house, check out the new line of beautiful vintage collection puzzles in 500 and 1,000 pieces, with titles: Bees and Honey, House Plants, Butterflies, Botanical Garden, Wildflowers, Arboretum, National Parks, Herbarium and Celestial … all perfect themes for Arb members and visitors. The Gift & Garden Store has a wide variety of bird feeders from thistle and sunflower seed to hummingbird feeders – even squirrel-proof feeders! You’ll also find cute bird-seed shaped animals the birds will love…and many bird identifying books to aid you in documenting all the species in your yard. Members always receive a 10 percent discount on purchases in the store, and don’t forget, “Double Discount Days” run Nov. 19-Dec. 6. Members save an additional 10 percent (total discount 20 percent). Make a stop at the Gift & Garden Store part of your routine every Arb visit!
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THE JOY OF GIVING
Photo by Norbert Lucas
JEFF ISEMINGER • CONTRIBUTING WRITER
As calamity and chaos have penetrated our lives in the form of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Arboretum celebrated news that it had won a national award to do something both positive and practical: deliver food to those who need it and provide people new job skills. The Arb was one of 28 public gardens across the nation receiving funds to sustain urban agriculture and community food growing. The awards came from the U.S. Botanic Garden
(USBG) and American Public Gardens Association (APGA) through their Urban Agriculture Resilience Program. Led by Tim Wilson, farm education manager, the Arboretum has deployed its $15,000 award as part of a pilot program in sustainable agriculture. The pilot, which Wilson hopes to expand next year, enhances the Arboretum’s 30-yearold Growing Good Urban Program. The funding was used to purchase plant materials
for five vegetable garden sites in low-income neighborhoods in the Twin Cities and hire 10 paid staff from the community to maintain those gardens. “We produced more food from our sites,” says Wilson, “and we offered training to our garden staff in community food systems.” The ultimate goal of training staff, he says, “is employment in food-related jobs or creating their own farms.” In other words, growing peppers can be parlayed into a better-paying job. “One of the joys I get from my work is finding community members excited about becoming farmers and feeding people,” says Wilson. The Arboretum’s Growing Good program was a natural match for the national award. “Especially now, during this unprecedented health and economic crisis, communities need access to healthy, fresh foods,” says Saharah Moon Chapotin, USBG’s executive director. At such a challenging time, says APGA Executive Director Case Sclar, “we appreciate the fantastic work public gardens are doing every day to provide horticultural knowledge and food security.” Before joining the Arboretum staff two years ago, Wilson worked with the Chicago Botanic Garden and spent 15 years supporting community-scale farm systems. He gets great satisfaction from his profession, he says, because it’s got a trident of goals with an even sharper edge this year: Food, jobs and health.
Supporters of the Arboretum rose to the challenge of covering its financial losses from the pandemic during FY20 with a resounding $350,000 in support: Thank you! Since close to 90 percent of the Arboretum’s budget comes from philanthropy and sales, the Arboretum’s still-limited capacity for admission, restaurant and gift store earnings will continue to affect the budget in the coming year. You can support our mission to get people back to nature by donating online at arb.umn.edu. Questions? Contact Susan Taylor, Director of Development, at arbgiving@umn.edu.
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Photo by Norbert Lucas
ARBDRIVE
MEMBERSHIP
MEMBER PHOTO HIGHLIGHTS
“Sunset on the Harrison Sculpture Garden” is the name Minneapolis’ Scott Monge gave his photo submission. According to Monge, “The Arboretum has endless wonderful photo opportunities throughout the year, day and night! I cannot Thank You enough for creating such a beautiful place to celebrate the wonders of nature.” Norwood’s Layton Lemke also sent this beautiful spring image called “After The Petals Have Fallen.” This gorgeous image depicts one of the Arboretum’s walkways nearly covered in petals dropped from several of our Prairifire Crabapple trees, making the path appear a stunning pink and providing visitors with a carpeted feeling underfoot.
Photo by Jason Albers
Photo by Layton Lemke
“Artist in the Chinese Garden” was submitted by member Layton Lemke of Norwood. “Through the years we have enjoyed all the seasons of the year with opportunities to experience fantastic beauty and nature displayed at its best through the hard work of staff and volunteers. The special exhibits at various times have been great. My wife Melba and I have found that the Arboretum is a place to relax and refresh, and of course, to capture memorable images,” Lemke says.
Jason Albers submitted this photo taken in the Fall of 2019. “The prairie area at the Arb is one of my favorites due to the seasonal changes that occur throughout the year. I have this same picture taken in the winter and will take one this spring and summer to showcase the changes,” says Albers. Please do, Jason!
Do you have a favorite photo you have taken at the Arb? Send a high-resolution jpeg and let us know your name, home city, a brief description of the photo(s) submitted – and tell us why the Arboretum is important to you. The editorial staff is looking to feature more of what makes the Arb special to you through various communication channels like our Magazine, Facebook, Instagram, Nature Notes blog and more. Please submit photo and details to arbpr@umn.edu.
Arboretum Membership – A Gift For All Seasons! Give the gift of an Arboretum membership! Allow your friends and family to see Winter Lights FREE this season, and enjoy the beauty of the Arboretum year-round. Each gift membership comes with an Arboretum calendar depicting the Arb in all four seasons. Offer valid Oct. 1 through Dec. 31, 2020, or until supplies last. Call 612-301-1257 or visit arb.umn.edu/support/membership to claim your calendar today.
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Photo by Don Olson
Photo by Layton Lemke
Photo by Scott Monge
Thank you to all who have shared photos with us! Every member seems to have a favorite tree, season, collection or get-away-from-it-all hiding place. That is part of the reason the Arb is a place for everyone.
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Calendar At-A-Glance Due to ongoing effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and updated requirements from both the State and University of Minnesota, please find the latest calendar information at arb.umn.edu
FIELD TRIP IN A BOX
MINDFULNESS WALK THURSDAY, OCT. 8
ONGOING EXHIBITS REEDY AND CAFE GALLERIES Join us in the Reedy Gallery and Cafe Gallery for rotating art exhibitions. In 2020-2021 you will see graffiti art by Peyton Scott Russell, "Birds of a Feather" featuring oils and watercolors by Kim Russell and Emily Donovan along with the ever popular Minnesota Watercolor Society show. Make the art galleries at the Arboretum part of every visit. All art is for sale with proceeds going to fund the Arboretum and the local artist community!
ANDERSEN HORTICULTURAL LIBRARY Visit the library to enjoy ceramic artist Susan Feigenbaum’s whimsical bird creations. “Flights of Fantasy: Birds, Nature and Art at Play” has been extended through October. All art is for sale, proceeds benefit the library.
RECURRING OCTOBERNOVEMBER PROGRAMS & EVENTS EVERY THURSDAY
STORYTIME AT HOME
New StoryTime recording every Thursday: arb.umn.edu/storytime.
EVERY SATURDAY AND SUNDAY PLANT-MAKER STUDIO: CATTAIL CREATIONS
Noon-4 p.m., included with gate admission, Marion Andrus Learning Center
FIELD TRIPS IN A BOX FOR SCHOOLS
In response to school challenges because of Covid-19, the Arboretum Youth Education team has converted popular Fall-season Arboretum school Field Trips to new, convenient, mailed-to-you Field Trip in-a-Box Classroom Activity Sets. Sets provide Arboretumstyle, hands-on plant experiences no matter whether you are in-person, on-line or in a hybrid-learning model. Options with shipping dates in Nov. and Dec. include Apples & Pollinators (Grades 1-6), Minnesota Harvest (Grades 1-3), or Bulbs (Grades K-2). Sets are $175; price includes supplies for 32 students plus a teacher and includes shipping. Add-on an optional 30-minute "Live" virtual session with an Arboretum Educator for $50. arboretum.umn.edu/FieldTripInABox.aspx
SATURDAY, OCT. 3
ARBORETUM INSPIRED DRAWING: PUMPKIN STILL LIFE IN DRAWING PENCIL
10 a.m.-2 p.m., $49/$64, Tashjian Bee and Pollinator Discovery Center Develop your observation skills and drawing ability as you render shape, tone, pattern and texture using a 4-step process. Watch live demonstrations and practice skills with drawing materials provided.
Learn how cattails thrive with wet feet and try using their fibrous leaves to make cordage or a mat. Discover the differences between native and invasive cattails.
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SHINRIN-YOKU AT THE ARBORETUM 10 a.m-12:30 p.m., $19/$34, Ordway Picnic Shelter
Enjoy the tranquility and well-being of Shinrinyoku (forest bathing), a Japanese mindfulness practice that will nourish your mind, body and spirit as you connect with nature.
SUNDAY, OCT. 4
YOGA IN THE GARDENS:
10-11 a.m., included with gate admission, Sensory Garden
THURSDAY, OCT. 8
MINDFULNESS IN NATURE WALK 9-11 a.m., $19/$35, Oswald Visitor Center
Spending time in nature can decrease stress, increase creativity and improve overall health and well-being. Learn to become fully present and aware of your mind, body and surroundings to get the most out of your time outside.
NATURE JOURNAL ACADEMY: FALL LEAVES 10-11 a.m., $20/family
Engage kids ages 5-12 (together with an adult) in scientific and artistic discoveries inspired by nature! Active learning and outdoor exploration with a “Fall” theme includes a live Zoom program, and before and after class activities. arboretum.umn.edu/TogetherTime.aspx
FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT:
Arboretum.umn.edu/learn.aspx CLASS REGISTRATION: 612-301-1210 EVENTS, EXHIBITS, GENERAL INFO: 612-624-2200
PHOTOGRAPHING FALL COLOR SUNDAY,OCT. 11
MINNESOTA APPLE PIE MAKING SATURDAY, OCT. 17
SATURDAY, OCT. 10
THURSDAY, OCT. 15
SATURDAY, OCT. 17
4-6 p.m., online via Zoom, $35/$40
10 a.m.-4 p.m., $69/$84, MacMillan Auditorium
9-11 a.m., $35/$40, online via Zoom
LIVE WEBINAR: LANDSCAPE PHOTOGRAPHY NIGHTSCAPES
Learn camera settings and other techniques for night photography! Class covers setting up your night photography gear, planning, capturing images combining starry skies with foregrounds, and editing your images for the best effect.
NATURE SKETCHBOOKS WORKSHOP: GARDEN’S LAST HARVEST WITH PAM LUER 10 a.m.-2 p.m., $64/$84, Marion Andrus Learning Center
Learn tools and tips to help you observe, explore and discover the natural world more mindfully and capture the world around you through simple sketches.
Photos by (middle) Laura Cogswell; (right) TYSB at Shutterstock
SPECIAL ACCESS: HONEY HARVEST EXPERIENCE FRIDAY, OCT. 16
ECO-PRINT SCARF: WEAR THE ARBORETUM
10 a.m.-1 p.m., $89/$109, Marion Andrus Learning Center Explore the elements of composition and color as you lay out your scarf design with leaves, flowers and other botanicals. Your silk scarf will be bundled and steamed to extract the pigment.
SUNDAY, OCT. 11
PHOTOGRAPHING FALL COLOR 9 a.m.-1 p.m., $102/$117, Marion Andrus Learning Center
Explore techniques for capturing the changing leaves, including camera settings, composition, coping with the elements, the hyperfocal point and post processing.
WATERCOLOR NOTE CARDS: CRABAPPLES IN WATERCOLOR Enjoy live step-by-step demonstrations and practice new techniques for paint handling and composition. Create four notecard-sized paintings. Add $20 for all supplies included.
WALKS WITH ALAN: FALL IN THE BIG WOODS 3-4:30 p.m., $14/$29, Sensory Garden Parking Lot
Walk through the Dayton Wildflower Garden and surrounding native woodland to experience the trees, shrubs and unique flora in their height of fall color. With Arboretum Director of Operations Alan Branhagen.
YOGA IN THE GARDENS
6-7 p.m., included with gate admission, Sensory Garden Taught by The Transformation Club.
FRIDAY, OCT. 16
SPECIAL ACCESS: HONEY HARVEST EXPERIENCE
10:30–11 a.m. OR 11:15–11:45 a.m. OR 12:30–1 p.m. OR 1:15–1:45 p.m. OR 2–2:30 p.m., $4/$6, Tashjian Bee and Pollinator Discovery Center Ages 6 to adult. Watch as honey is extracted from the Arboretum’s hives and see how wax is “uncapped” from frames of the honeycomb. Take a spin on the honey-extractor bicycle!
LIVE WEBINAR - CREATIVE IPHONE PHOTOGRAPHY: LIGHT Take a deep dive into the qualities of light and learn how you can modify it to make better photos. Add an optional Post-Process Editing Session (online via Zoom) 12-2 p.m., same day, $20 to learn photo editing techniques to adjust brightness, contrast and saturation, crop images, correct perspective, remove objects and more.
COOKING CLASS: MINNESOTA APPLE PIE MAKING
9-11 a.m., $42/$57, Marion Andrus Learning Center Sample apple varieties, discover the best uses for each type, and make several hand-held apple pies. Learn how to store apples and get a recipe for the perfect pie crust.
MINDFULNESS IN NATURE: JOURNALING WORKSHOP 9 a.m.-noon, $29/$45, Oswald Visitor Center
Spending time in nature can decrease stress, increase creativity and improve overall health and well-being. Explore how journaling in nature can be used as a mindfulness technique.
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Calendar At-A-Glance WALKS WITH ALAN THURSDAY, NOV. 5
MAKE A MUG RUG: INTRO TO RUG HOOKING!
SATURDAY, OCT. 31
Learn the history of rug hooking, as well as design and transfer methods to create a mini rug of your own design.
10 a.m.-3 p.m., $74/$89, Tashjian Bee and Pollinator Discovery Center
9 a.m.-3 p.m., $79/$99, Marion Andrus Learning Center
THURSDAY, OCT. 22
APPLE BREEDING IN MINNESOTA 6:30-8 p.m., $10/$25, MacMillan Auditorium
Meet one of the creators on the team who developed the Honeycrisp apple! Learn about the past, present and future of apples in Minnesota … including a quick history of apple evolution and domestication, the current apple breeding process and how new varieties are developed.
SATURDAY, OCT. 24
LEARN WOOL APPLIQUÉ: MAKE A NATURE INSPIRED JOURNAL COVER 9 a.m.-3 p.m., $74/$94, Marion Andrus Learning Center
Choose from a colorful selection of threads and wool fabrics to design and embellish your own journal cover (journal provided).
SUNDAY, OCT. 25
YOGA IN THE GARDENS
Noon-1 p.m., included with gate admission, Sensory Garden Taught by Good Vibrations.
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WATERCOLOR PAINTING FROM PHOTOGRAPHS: WORKSHOP WITH JIM TURNER Improve your compositional skills and experiment with a variety of techniques. Learn to create worthwhile photographs and translate them into works of art. Discover how to combine multiple photos into one image.
COOKING CLASS: WINTER SQUASH MAGIC
9-11 a.m., $42/$57, Marion Andrus Learning Center Learn to select the right squash for the recipe and how to prepare them for recipes such as squash risotto, Moroccan stuffed squash, roasted squash with spinach, onions and craisins, and pumpkin pancakes.
SUNDAY, NOV. 1
YOGA IN THE GARDENS
Noon-1 p.m., offsite/Chanhassen Taught by The Transformation Club.
THURSDAY, NOV. 5
WALKS WITH ALAN: SMOKY GOLD IN THE BOG 3-4:30 p.m., $14/$29, Snyder Building Lobby
The “smoky gold” of tamarack trees and the brilliant reds of winterberry holly and native highbush cranberry are among the unique native bog plants you’ll discover. With Arboretum Director of Operations Alan Branhagen.
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SAORI WEAVING SATURDAY, NOV. 7
SATURDAY, NOV. 7 LIGHTROOM 101
8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., $77/$92, Tashjian Bee and Pollinator Discovery Center Learn techniques for library organization, editing, lens and camera profile corrections, and other adjustments to improve your images.
LIGHTROOM 201
1:30-5:30 p.m., $77/$92, Tashjian Bee and Pollinator Discovery Center Learn to manage photo metadata, correct distortion issues, use the photo merge function, filter and brush tools. Prerequisite: Lightroom 101.
CONTEMPORARY JAPANESE WEAVING: SAORI 10 a.m.-1 p.m., $94/$124, Marion Andrus Learning Center
This contemporary weaving method is considered a meditative art form. The end result is a unique handmade textile inspired by nature. All supplies included.
SUNDAY, NOV. 8 LIGHTROOM 301
1:30-5:30 p.m., $77/$92, Tashjian Bee and Pollinator Discovery Center Learn to use the radial filter tool and various external editing plug-ins, plus how to do presets, photo stacking, split toning images and more. Prerequisite: Lightroom 101.
Photos by (left to right) Halfpoint at Shutterstock; Yulia Grigoryeva at Shutterstock
WINTER SQUASH MAGIC SATURDAY, OCT. 31
FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT:
Arboretum.umn.edu/learn.aspx CLASS REGISTRATION: 612-301-1210 EVENTS, EXHIBITS, GENERAL INFO: 612-624-2200
GIFTS FROM THE HIVE - BEESWAX LUMINARY FRIDAY, NOV. 13
THURSDAY, NOV. 12
NATURE JOURNAL ACADEMY: TREE BARK ART
Photos by (left) Laura Cogswell; (middle) Africa Studio at Shutterstock; (right) Painting by Catherine Hearding
10-11 a.m., $20/family
Engage kids ages 5-12 (together with an adult) in scientific and artistic discoveries inspired by nature! Active learning and outdoor exploration with a “Tree” theme includes a live Zoom program, and before and after class activities. arboretum.umn.edu/TogetherTime.aspx
YOGA IN THE GARDENS
12-1 p.m., included with gate admission, Snyder Auditorium Taught by Green Lotus.
KALEIDOSCOPE DISCOVERY: CREATE YOUR OWN HEIRLOOM 6-8 p.m., $109/$129, Tashjian Bee and Pollinator Discovery Center Learn about kaleidoscope history, technology, science, reflection and refraction. Watch demonstrations explaining design elements, then assemble parts to make your own.
FRIDAY, NOV. 13
GIFTS FROM THE HIVE: BEESWAX LUMINARY AND CANDLE
10:30 a.m.-noon OR 1:30-3 p.m., $23/$38, Tashjian Bee and Pollinator Discovery Center
SEASONAL WREATH MAKING SATURDAY, NOV. 14
SATURDAY, NOV. 14
SEASONAL EVERGREEN MAKE-AND-TAKE: WINTER WONDERS WREATH
9-11 a.m., $75/$90, Horticulture & Operations Multipurpose Room
WINTER WATERCOLOR WORKSHOP SATURDAY, NOV. 21
COLORS OF WINTER: WATERCOLOR WORKSHOP WITH CATHERINE HEARDING
10 a.m.-3 p.m., $99/$114, Tashjian Bee and Pollinator Discovery Center
Create a beautiful wreath on a wire frame and add unique botanical touches such as cones, pods and fruit for a special touch. All supplies included.
Focus on shapes, values and color to create a snow-covered landscape. Find color solutions while learning a three-step wash approach to watercolor painting. Add $40 to include all supplies.
FELTED LUMINARIAS
SUNDAY, NOV. 22
10 a.m.-3:30 p.m., $79/$109, Marion Andrus Learning Center Add a warm glow to any room with pretty, felted luminarias. Learn traditional wet felting techniques and add texture with a variety of natural materials.
SATURDAY, NOV. 21
KILN GLASS DISCOVERY: HOLIDAY ORNAMENTS
10 a.m.-noon OR 1-3 p.m., $69/$89, Marion Andrus Learning Center Learn about the various forms of glass including frit, stringers and sheet glass. Select from a variety of provided patterns or use your designs to create 2-3 unique ornaments.
YOGA IN THE GARDENS
12-1 p.m., included with gate admission, MacMillan Auditorium Taught by Good Vibrations.
THURSDAY, NOV. 26
THANKSGIVING DAY – ARBORETUM IS CLOSED
SUNDAY, NOV. 29
LIVE WEBINAR: FULL MOON PHOTOGRAPHY
1-3 p.m., online via Zoom, $35/$40 Learn techniques for full moon photography so you can practice on tonight's full moon! Class covers the best times and places to capture that big moon shot, how to use camera settings for night sky exposures, proper lenses for moon compositions, and techniques for detailed sharp moon pictures.
Create your own beeswax luminary and matching tealight candle – a unique gift or centerpiece. Embed pressed leaves and flower petals to enhance your final product.
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TELEPHONE DIRECTORY
General Information . . . . . . . . 612-624-2200 Andersen Horticultural Library. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 612-301-1239 Auxiliary Event & Membership Info . . . . . . . . . 612-625-9865 Seasonal Alerts . . . . . . . . . . . 612-625-9791 Contributions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 612-301-1263 Education. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 612-301-1210 Gift and Garden Store . . . . . . . 612-301-7619 Facility Rentals . . . . . . . . . . . . . 612-301-7600 Membership . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 612-301-1257 Memorials. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 612-301-1263 Volunteering. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 612-301-1203 Yard & Garden Help Desk. . . 612-301-7590 or extension.umn.edu Fax . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 612-301-1274 Website . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . arboretum.umn.edu
Due to ongoing limited operations because of COVID-19, please visit arb.umn.edu for hours and programming updates.
3675 Arboretum Drive Chaska, Minnesota 55318-9613
A publication for members and friends of the Arboretum
Printed with Agri Based Inks
HOURS
OSWALD VISITOR CENTER OCTOBER HOURS: 9 a.m.-4 p.m. NOVEMBER HOURS: 9 a.m.-4 p.m. GIFT & GARDEN STORE OCTOBER HOURS: 9 a.m.-4 p.m. NOVEMBER HOURS: 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
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The University of Minnesota is an equal opportunity educator and employer. ©2020 Minnesota Landscape Arboretum.
ART AT THE ARBORETUM
Delight in the beauty found indoors in the Oswald Visitor Center. Art is available for sale through the Gift & Garden Store, with a portion of proceeds benefiting the Arboretum. PLEASE NOTE: Due to ongoing limited operations because of COVID-19, please visit arb.umn.edu for Art Gallery exhibit updates.
ARBORETUM CAFE OCTOBER HOURS: TBD—Check Website NOVEMBER HOURS: TBD—Check Website APPLEHOUSE 10 a.m.-6 p.m. daily, into early Nov. (harvest dependent) AppleHouse Info Line: 612-301-3487
Photo by Christopher Hall
ADMISSION Visitors: $15 for ages 16 and up Members: Free Children 15 & under: Free Arboretum memberships start at $60 (arb.umn.edu/support/membership)
Join us in the Reedy Gallery and Cafe Gallery for rotating art exhibitions. In 2020-2021 you will see graffiti art by Peyton Scott Russell, "Birds of a Feather" featuring oils and watercolors by Kim Russell and Emily Donovan along with the ever popular Minnesota Watercolor Society show. Make the art galleries at the Arboretum part of every visit. All art is for sale through the Gift and Garden Store with proceeds going to fund the Arboretum and the local artist community! arb.umn.edu/art-galleries/reedy-gallery.
Have a gardening question? Get research-based answers from local Master Gardener volunteers. extension.umn.edu/master-gardener/ask-master-gardener
L to R; Pileated Pair by Kim Russell; Emily Donovan; In Harmony by Kim Russell
Grounds open Oct: 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Grounds open Nov: 9 a.m.-4 p.m. *The Arboretum is closed Thanksgiving Day (Nov. 26)