Bachman's Spring Ideas House
The historic Bachman family home is headed for the country. Designed with the theme "Country Weekend," the home seeks to inspire guests with new ways to put a little spring into their decor. The house is decorated with bright colors, green and blooming plants and florals. Key trends for 2018 include natural woods, white and gray-washed furniture and subtle pinks, blues and grays. March 14-April 15, $5. 5936 Lyndale Av. S., Mpls. For hours and to purchase tickets, go to bachmans.com.
Rock gardens
Author and editor of "Rock Garden Quarterly," Joseph Tychonievich will speak at the annual banquet of the Minnesota Chapter of the North American Rock Garden Society. The topic of his talk is "Rock Gardening – Re-imagining a Classic Style." He will describe his visits to various rock gardens and present his views on the next generation of rock-garden enthusiasts. 5 p.m. March 24. $40. Sheraton Hotel, 12201 Ridgedale Dr., Minnetonka. To register, call 651-697-9183.
Rain gardens
Create a weather-resilient landscape that can thrive despite whatever curveballs Mother Nature throws during the changing seasons. At "Blue Thumb Resilient Yard Workshop," learn how to foster resilience with a variety of practices, including installing a rain garden. Each participant will receive one-on-one design assistance from landscape designers and Master Gardeners. 6 p.m. March 29. $15 per household, free to St. Louis Park residents. St. Louis Park City Hall, 5005 Minnetonka Blvd., St. Louis Park. To register go to metroblooms.org/workshops.
MELISSA WALKER
Eco-friendly bins and barrels
Is composting and collecting rainwater at the top of your to-do list this year? Well, you're in luck. The Minnesota Recycling Association is selling low-cost home compost bins and rain barrels at pickup events in cities ranging from Blaine to Rochester this spring. The 17-cubic-foot compost bin is made of recycled plastic and has a lockable lid; cost is $64. The recycled polyethylene rain barrels catch water pouring from your home's downspouts. The 45-gallon barrels include a debris screen, garden hose, shut-off valve, hose clip, overflow hose and linking kit; cost is $79. Order online at recycleminnesota.org.
LYNN UNDERWOOD
