Backyard Getaways Discovers Gorgeous Gardens
This week’s Backyard Getaways discovered a couple gorgeous gardens where flowers, plants and trees are in abundance.
Gorgeous Gardens Tour in Plymouth
Garden enthusiasts can check out five back yards in Plymouth this weekend. The Friends of the Plymouth Library is hosting the Gorgeous Gardens of Plymouth tour from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday. One of those belongs to Matt Dunn who owns a 3.6 acre estate with a furnished livable treehouse.
The Bachman’s store in Plymouth is selling advance tickets to the Gorgeous Gardens of Plymouth self-guided tour for $10 during normal business hours. Tickets can also be purchased for $15 the day of the event at Dunn’s home, 4130 Juneau Ln. N. Ages 12 and under are free. Proceeds benefit the Hennepin County-Plymouth Library.
The tour will go on rain or shine.
Arboretum Turns Rush Hour into a Rumor
Perhaps Minnesota’s most famous garden is located in Chaska. The Minnesota Landscape Arboretum is the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city.
“There’s a great peacefulness here and so much beauty,” said Susie Eaton Hopper of the Arboretum. “You can come and take it at your own pace. This is an amazing getaway.”
There is no hassle factor at the Arboretum and rush hour is just a rumor.
“You are not rushed,” said Eaton Hopper. “You can take your time. You can meander, you can wander. There’s so much more than gardens here.”
“It’s great to get out of the city,” said Jana Freiband who recently visited the Arboretum. “To come out here and just be able to photograph and walk.”
The Arboretum is a 1,200-acre oasis that has been around for 60 years. There is plenty to see, including origami art. Origami is paper folding and there are 40 sculptures on display.
Of course, the Arboretum’s hallmark is lush gardens that attract plenty of visitors. Everywhere you look there is an explosion of color. Flower power is at its peak.
“They are in full bloom,” said Eaton Hopper. “They are gorgeous, colorful, inspiring.”
A handful of paid gardeners and more than 900 volunteers spend countless hours in the gardens.
“Every time you come to the arboretum you will see something new and different,” said Eaton Hopper. “All of of our gardens change constantly.”
The Arboretum has 16 miles of trails, giving visitors a chance to soak up nature. There’s also cascading man-made waterfalls.
“On a hot day it’s so refreshing,” Eaton Hopper said. “Just to be around the water and sit here and listen to this magical sound.”
