Metro Blooms Rain Garden Workshop

Although spring might seem far away, it is just around the corner. Now is a great time for you to register online for one of our popular Metro Blooms Rain Garden Workshops to learn how to install your own personal rain garden. Rain gardens are shallow basins planted with native perennials that catch and hold rainwater runoff, allowing it to soak into the ground. This replenishes groundwater and helps prevent pollutants from being washed into storm drains and carried to our lakes, rivers and streams. Rain gardens are beautiful areas that attract butterflies, birds and wildlife.  more....

Armatage Neighborhood Blue Sky Guide Fundraiser

On November 1st , we launched our Blue Sky Guide fundraiser to raise money for the Armatage Neighborhood Association! With over 300 local coupons + ideas for living well in the Twin Cities we’re excited about Blue Sky Guide. It will enable us to reach our fundraiser goal while promoting healthy living and supporting local businesses. Blue Sky Guide sells for $20 and the Armatage Neighborhood Association will keep $10 for each book sold. Blue Sky Guide pays for itself – most people save over $20 using just one to four coupons.

1. Available from Nov 1, 2007 through Jul 31 2008. 

2. Books will be available at every neighborhood meeting

3. Make out payment/checks to ANA

4. For more information, call Jennifer Swanson 929.5915 or sjnzo@usfamily.net.

Get a Compost Bin Dirt Cheap   

Get a Compost Bin Dirt Cheap for Earth Day 2008 Hennepin County has partnered with Bachman’s, Lakewinds Natural Foods and The Reuse Center to sell compost bins. Backyard composting is an easy way for residents to turn much of the waste from their yards and kitchens into a rich material that can be used to improve the soil. Using finished compost on lawns and gardens will provide an organic fertilizer, suppress weeds, and hold moisture in the soil. The bins are being sold at a reduced cost of only $35. The compost bin features a 13-cubic-foot capacity, a sturdy, easy-to-open lid, two harvesting doors, and is made of black recycled plastic. There is a limit of one bin per household. Residents must pre-order by April 1 online at www.hennepin.us/compostbinsale .

Payment will be made at the time of pick-up during regular store hours. Bins will be available for pick-up on April 19 through Earth Day, April 22. Residents can choose from the following locations: Bachman’s, 6010 Lyndale Ave S., Minneapolis Lakewinds Natural Foods 17501 Minnetonka Blvd., Minnetonka The Reuse Center, 2801 21st Ave S., Minneapolis If residents miss the pre-order deadline, a limited quantity of bins will also be available at Hennepin County’s Drop-off Facility in Brooklyn Park. Bins will be available for purchase on a first come, first serve basis on Wednesday evenings from 6 pm to 8 pm, beginning April 23. No pre-order is necessary. Bins are available while supplies last. For general questions about the compost bin sale, see www.hennepin.us  keyword search “compost bin” or call Hennepin County Environmental Services at 612-348-9266.