I don’t generally post things like this, but the MN Landscape Arboretum is an absolute gem. I have been visiting these gardens since 1990 and have been a member off and on since that time. I’ve traipsed through nearly every part and discover new things all the time. Their plant sale was a must for me when I lived closer… If you ever have the opportunity to go, please don’t hesitate! It’s beautiful at every season. You’ll also be able to view mature trees/shrubs/perennials/natives and some wonderful annuals! Teri
Vote to Help Arboretum Defend ‘Best Botanical Garden’ Title
Largest public garden in Upper Midwest celebrates 60 years, vies to stay the reigning champion
Chanhassen, Minn. (April 18, 2018) ? Last year, the entire nation learned what a gem the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum is as it was crowned ‘Best Botanical Garden’ in the United States, and this year, it is once again a finalist for ‘Best Botanical Garden’ in USA Today’s 2018 10Best Readers’ Choice contest. To defend its title, the largest public garden in the Upper Midwest is asking all Minnesotans to take a few seconds each day and vote for the 1,200-acre treasured attraction. The contest is open now until Monday, April 30, at noon, and people can vote once per day.
Established in 1958 as an extension of the University of Minnesota Horticultural Research Center, the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum is celebrating its 60thanniversary in 2018. Along with meandering the 12.5 miles of walkable trails and paths to enjoy Arboretum staples like the Japanese Garden, Wilson Rose Garden, Kitchen Herb Garden, Maze Garden and Peony Walk, there are several new and exciting attractions for visitors to celebrate the garden’s diamond anniversary.
“We can’t think of a better way to celebrate our 60th anniversary than having our fans name us ‘Best Botanical Garden’ for a second consecutive year,” said Arboretum director Pete Moe. “And to thank everyone, we invite you to come explore the fun things we have planned for our big anniversary year.”
While the winter-like weather this spring is causing delayed blooms, it will also produce a horticultural burst when warm weather does arrive, creating a vibrant display as plants that typically blossom at separate times will come to life all at the same time. The Arboretum will be the perfect place to see all of nature’s beauty when this happens. Here is a snapshot of what else Arboretum visitors can enjoy in 2018:
- ‘60’ Design Tulip Garden
Experience “tulip fever” throughout the Arboretum with 38,000 diamond-themed tulips in blue, silvery white, lavender, violet and complements of pink. Along with the special 60th anniversary themed garden, acclaimed landscape gardener Duane Otto has artfully designed nine other tulip gardens for visitors to marvel at, as he’s done for three decades.
- Origami in the Garden | April 28-October 21, 2018
Origami in the Garden is a monumental outdoor sculpture exhibition that captures the delicate nature of the paper art form in museum-quality metal. Free with gate admission, the exhibit features compositions and collaborations with world-renowned origami artists Tim Armijo, Te Jui Fu, Beth Johnson, Michael G. LaFosse and Robert J. Lang. Featured are 40 bronze, aluminum or steel sculptures outdoors in 25 displays, placed throughout the gardens near the Oswald Visitor Center. Sculptures represent cranes, bison, horses, butterflies and more outdoors. In Reedy Gallery, 24 pieces illustrate the intricacies of the exhibit’s folding and processes.
- Diamond Anniversary Free Open House | Monday, July 16, 2-5 p.m.
The public is invited to stop in and celebrate the Arboretum’s Diamond Anniversary and to leave their experiences on memory boards. Refreshments include cake, cupcakes and cookies. Explore the Arboretum gardens, trails and exhibits with family and friends.
The 10Best Botanical Gardens will be announced Friday, May 4. The top 10 botanical gardens with the most votes will be published on the 10Best’s website that day and will also be announced in USA TODAY.