Featured Gardens: Chickens and Rain Gardens

The 7th annual Master Gardener Learning Garden Tour is this Saturday. You can purchase your tickets online at www.hennepinmastergardeners.org or call the University of Minnesota Extension office in Eden Prairie at 612.596.2130.

All proceeds benefit Hennepin County Master Gardener community programs. The admission is $15 in advance, $20 on site. Reduced group rates are available at 10 tickets for $125 or 20 tickets at $250.

One of the featured gardens includes edible landscapes, urban chickens, and growing hops for beer making. What’s not to like about that combination! In addition, this garden located on Garfield Street NE, features plants to attract beneficial pollinators. You will find a wide range of perennials, natives, and ornamental plants that you could use in your own yard. Last year this master gardener dealt with some drainage issues by installing a rain garden. What does a rain garden look like after a year? Come see to find out!

Another featured garden on this educational tour is located on Stinson Boulevard. This master gardener recently added raised beds built with stone for her vegetables and herbs. When you visit this fantastic garden you can learn how to rotate your vegetables to minimize insect damage and plant diseases. There is a prairie-like garden on the boulevard for curb-appeal. And, throughout the day, you will see master gardeners build and complete a rain garden. Watch them work! Ask them questions! Watch and learn without getting your hands messy!!

When: This Saturday, the 12th, from 09:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., rain or shine.

Where: Northeast, Southeast, and the Longfellow neighborhoods of Minneapolis, including a bonus community garden site!

Advanced admission is only $15 to tour all 8 gardens.

Order online at: www.hennepinmastergardeners.org or call the Extension office in Eden Prairie at 612.596.2130.