Field Trip to the University of Minnesota Landscape Arboretum – Waterosity and Scarecrows – Ski-U-Mah! | Rocks With Soul: Hedberg Landscape & Masonry Supplies

What’s fantastic about having July weather in September is getting out and enjoying it. The Hedberg Marketing Team (Tina, Gail and Angel) journeyed west to the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum to catch the Waterosity exhibit and learn how to “go green with a splash.” Thirteen original exhibits illustrate fresh thinking about people, plants and water. Bringing together the voices of artists, scientists and horticulturalists, “Waterosity” celebrates our most precious resource through thought-provoking and playful installations. Hurry out to Chaska to see it, though, as it closes October 4th!

Blue Thumb created one of the Waterosity exhibits, showing various native plants and how they mitigate storm water runoff by absorbing rainwater through their deep root systems. The display also incorporates metalcraft sculptures. It’s located by the permanent permeable pavement exhibit (try saying that five times fast).

While you’re there, you can listen to an audio tour on your cell phone to learn more about the exhibit. Hedberg is a Blue Thumb Partner and we’re particularly proud of what the group is doing to raise awareness of Clean Water Through Planting. Fact is, 78% of land in Minnesota is privately owned, so it’s up to each of us to do our part to protect our waterways. What you do in your yard has an impact near and far.

The Arboretum features more than 1,000 acres of magnificent gardens, model landscapes, and natural areas-from woodlands and wetlands to prairie-with extensive collections of northern-hardy plants. You can walk its 12.5 miles of garden paths and hiking trails, or drive Three-Mile Drive to see gardens and collections. Waterosity displays are scattered throughout the Arboretum, making it a fun activity to spot them all.

Hedberg Landscape & Masonry Supplies has been a supporter of the Arboretum for years, and on our way through the grounds we came upon a series of stone wall segments. Being true stone nerds, we had to stop and investigate, and to our delight we found that our company had helped sponsor the display. We’ve also helped build ponds and waterfalls at the Arboretum, and we look forward to many future collaborations.

We found a lot of stone used in walls, steps and pathways winding through glorious gardens with bright flowers, bees and people enjoying a perfect autumn day.

Did I mention the scarecrows? We’re not talking Oz type straw fellows. There are many to find, including a Golden Gopher in the garden. These are our favorites.