Attend workshops at Metro Blooms to learn how to make rain gardens and use native plants. Check the site for monthly sales on rain barrels or ask at the ReUse Center (2801 21st Ave S, Suite 180), which sometimes has barrels at half-off.

Seasonal classes are held Saturdays at the University of Minnesota Landscape Arboretum including fall gardening, how to grow apples, grafting trees and plants, and more. For tips on how to attract native birds, such as providing drinking and bathing water, visit Audubon of Minnesota. For free gardening advice and to answer those tougher questions, contact the Hennepin County Master Gardener Hotline (612-596-2118) or Ramsey County’s “Ask a Master Gardener” Line (651-704-2071). The Minnesota Native Plant Society often needs volunteers for plant surveys, and offers field trips with master botanists including a search for our native orchids, which are beautiful enough to remind anyone why we live here.