Minneapolis Fling Preview: Minnesota Landscape Arboretum

The gardens at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum demonstrate a variety of design styles.

We'll be having our Garden Bloggers Fling dinner at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, one of the Midwest's largest public gardens. The arboretum features more than 1,100 acres of natural lands, plant collections and public gardens. The arboretum was created out of the University of Minnesota Horticultural Research Center and was the place where many northern-hardy plants were developed, including the Honeycrisp apple.

'Bridal Pink' rose

The arboretum is the home to many plant collections and specialty gardens. There are more than 5,000 species and varieties of plants at the arb—all beautifully and clearly labeled. It's a great place to photograph favorite plants. Collections around the arboretum include including tree and shrub collections, a grass collection, a hosta glade, a demonstration vegetable garden, a serene Japanese garden among others. Some areas are changed each season. (And, yes, the arboretum is heavily used in winter, too, with many visitors enjoying cross-country ski trails or snow-shoeing, or stopping to see the Timeless Beauty Orchid Show or other special events.)

Since we'll be there toward the end of the day, the light will be soft and there will be plenty of time to take photographs of the spaces and the plants. We should also mention that the arb's catering department is known for producing delicious fare. It should be a great evening of food, fun and gardens.

There are still spots available for the 2016 Garden Bloggers Fling in Minneapolis/St. Paul! Come Fling with us.

 Click here to register now!

This is the shady patio behind the Snyder Center, where our dinner will be held.