Free film screening
What was the Minnesota Experimental City (MXC)? A futuristic attempt to solve urban issues by creating a full-size city — from scratch — in Minnesota's northern woods. It was the vision of urban planner, geophysicist, University of Minnesota dean and comic book author Athelstan Spilhaus, whose efforts are documented in a film, "The Experimental City," by Chad Freidrichs. Using retro film clips and archival material, Freidrichs' film takes viewers back to the 1960s, when Spilhaus' predictions of home computers and remote banking seemed more fantasy than reality.
A free screening of the film will be offered by the Minnesota chapter of Docomomo, a nonprofit organization devoted to the documentation and conservation of the modern movement. A free reception with snacks and beverages begins at 6 p.m. April 16, with screening of the 90-minute film at 6:30. A Q&A with curators from the Northwest Architectural Archives will follow the film. RSVP requested at: experimental-city.eventbrite.com. The event will be held at the Holden Center, Dunwoody College, 818 Dunwoody Av., Mpls.
What's new in plants?
Learn about "New Shrubs and Perennials" at this week's meeting of the Minnesota Water Garden Society. Deb Lonnee of Bailey Nurseries will present new plant introductions from 2 to 4 p.m. April 14 at Bachman's, 6010 Lyndale Av. S., Mpls.
Lonnee also will discuss "New Perennials Trees and Shrubs" at this week's meeting of Dakota Gardeners, 7 p.m. April 17, South St. Paul High School, 700 N. 2nd St., South St. Paul.
Gail Soens of Bailey will discuss "The Newest Trees, Shrubs and Perennials" at a free program presented by Diggers Garden Club at 7 p.m. April 16, Faith Lilac Way Lutheran Church, 5530 42nd Av. N., Robbinsdale.
Earth Day at Lakewood
Celebrate Earth Day at Lakewood Cemetery with a tour of its grounds and greenhouses, including one of the oldest operating greenhouses in the state, built in 1886. Go behind the scenes to see where Lakewood's grounds crew is growing thousands of flowers to plant this spring. After the tour, visitors can pot their own perennial to plant in memory of a loved one. Greenhouse tours will be offered every half-hour from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on April 20. The planting activity will take place in the greenhouse following each tour. $10 in advance online at lakewoodcemetery.org; $15 at the door. Lakewood is at 3600 Hennepin Av. S., Mpls.
Vote for the Arb
After placing second in 2018, the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum is pulling out all the stops to regain the "Best Botanical Garden" title it won in 2017. The USA Today 10 Best Readers' Choice Contest features 20 gardens in the United States, Canada and Mexico, nominated by horticulture and travel experts. Then fans vote on Facebook for their favorite garden until April 22, with the winner announced May 3. You can cast your vote on the Arb's voting page, 10best.com/awards/travel/best-botanical-garden-2019/minnesota-landscape-arboretum-chaska-minn/
Helping pollinators
Native bees need habitat for nesting and overwintering. Learn how to create and manage habitat at home, including dead wood, stems, brush, rock piles, bare ground, leaf litter and more, during a class at Maplewood Nature Center. After the class, participants will go outside to search for active nests of stem-nesting bees. 1 to 4 p.m. April 27. Space is limited; preregister by April 24 at maplewoodaturecenter.com, or call 651-249-2170. $5 per person. Maplewood Nature Center is located at 2659 E. 7th St., Maplewood.
KIM PALMER
