Finding your perfect summer spot is no easy task. Ideally, you want an outdoor setting that can please all the senses. Such a paradise isn’t far away. The Minnesota Landscape Arboretum (3675 Arboretum Drive, Chaska) has the key ingredients you’ll need—fine art, music, food and flowers—for the perfect summer. Those prone to sensory overload, beware!
The following events were provided by the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum:
See
"Steelroots: Touching Earth & Sky" Exhibition. Now through Jan. 31, 2012. Enjoy this engaging outdoor exhibition of 16 root-shaped metal sculptures by sculptor Steve Tobin. Is it nature framed by art or art framed by nature?
"Here Comes the Sun" Exhibit. Reedy Gallery. Now through Aug 14. Works by 20 artists celebrate the sun.
Hear
Roots Rhythms Summer Music Series -Traveled Ground. Sunday, July 17, 6-7:30 p.m. Trex Deck. Folk, country, blues and rock in the fresh evening air. Free with gate admission.
Tarnished Brass in Concert. Saturday, July 30, 2-3 p.m. Trex Deck. Enjoy the delightful sounds of this brass septet comprised of three trumpets, horn trombone, euphonium and tuba. Free with gate admission.
Taste
Weekend Family Fun: Root Roast. Saturdays and Sundays in June, Noon-4 p.m. Learning Center. Free with gate admission. Bake a delicious roasted root snack in the Harvest Kitchen and enjoy other root-related activities.
Saturday in the Kitchen: Flat Out Fabulous Flat Breads. Saturday, June 25, 2011, 9-11 a.m. $30 member/$40 non-member. Learning Center Flatbreads from around the world are a tasty and intriguing addition to any meal or picnic!
Complementing the Grape II with Michael Grabner. Thursday, July 7, 6:30-8:30 p.m. $45 member/$55 non-member. Century Wine & Spirits wine buyer and gourmand demos Cajun coconut ham fritters; pork ragu with pasta; pork tenderloin with shiitake mushrooms; puff pastry w/cherries, chocolate and bacon grenache. Wine tastings.
Saturdays in the Kitchen: Pestos with Pizazz! Saturday, July 9, 9-11 a.m. $30 member/$40 non-member, Learning Center. Learn how to make a plethora of pestos beyond basic basil.
Third Thursday Happy Hour! Thursday, July 21, 4:30-6 p.m. Arboretum Restaurant. Enjoy wine flights, beer and non-alcoholic beverages, plus a variety of appetizers. (Arboretum admission is free every third Thursday after 4:30 p.m.)
Smell/Touch
Weekend Family Fun: Hummingbirds and Flowers. Saturdays and Sundays in July, Noon-4 p.m. Learning Center. Learn all about hummingbirds like best, and plant flower favorites to feed them.
'Gardens of Eatin'. Home Demo Garden Area. Check out our gourmet veggie gardens! Throughout summer.
Auxiliary Private Garden Tours. 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Sun., July 10, Tues. & Wed., July 12, 13. Enjoy tours of private gardens, via bus, and relax over brunch at the Arb. $50-$55. Call 612-625-9865 or visit arboretum.umn.edu/auxiliary.aspx.
The Japanese Garden. Saturday, July 16, 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. $35 member/$45 non-member, Snyder Building. Learn about the elements of the Japanese garden from its curator Mary Bigelow.
