The Auxiliary is a group of Arboretum enthusiasts who volunteer time and talent to support the work of the Arboretum. Volunteer and educational opportunities exist on many levels for our members. The Auxiliary presents fundraising events which include: Spring Plant Sale, Summer Garden Tours, Fall Harvest Sale, Quilt Raffle, and Holiday Sale.
Auxiliary memberships are available to existing Arboretum volunteers only. Visit arbvol.umn.edu for step-by-step instructions on becoming an Arboretum volunteer.
Spring Plant Sale
Share your interest in gardening and participate in one of Minnesota’s largest and finest plant sales. Volunteers start at the end of March potting and caring for plants in the Arb greenhouse. During set-up week many volunteers are needed. On sale days, volunteers work as plant selection helpers, checkers, and cashiers.
Saturday, May 8 and Sunday, May 9, 2021
8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Farm at the Arb
Private Garden Tours 2021
The Auxiliary Private Garden Tours feature beautiful gardens, each with its own history and distinct beauty. Guests travel in air-conditioned motor coaches and tours are followed by a brunch, luncheon or hors d'oeuvres, depending on the day and time of the tour. To ensure our guests have a memorable experience, volunteers help as bus escorts, garden hosts, and luncheon hospitality. All proceeds go to support the work of the Arboretum.
Sunday, July 18 | 9:00, 9:45. and 10:30 a.m.
Brunch on Morgan Terrace
Sunday, July 18 | 3:00 p.m.
Wine & Hors d’oeuvres on Morgan Terrace
Monday, July 19 | 9:00, 9:45 and 10:30 a.m.
Lunch on Morgan Terrace
Tuesday, July 20 | 9:00, 9:45 and 10:30 a.m.
Lunch on Morgan Terrace
Fall Harvest Sale
Join members in creating seasonal floral arrangements, greeting cards, botanical products, knitted wearable accessories, gifts for the home and both functional and whimsical wood-crafted items. Volunteers help set-up, assist shoppers with their purchases and assist with take down at the end of sale. All proceeds go to support the work of the Arboretum.
September 24 - 25 | 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
September 26 | 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Snyder Auditorium
Auxiliary Quilt Raffle drawing also takes place at 2:00 p.m.
Quilt Raffle
Each year, the Auxiliary creates a show-stopping, handmade quilt for the popular Quilt Raffle Fundraiser. Tickets can be purchased in the Visitor Center for $2.00 each. All proceeds go to support the work of the Arboretum.
The raffle drawing will be held at 2:00 p.m. in the Snyder Auditorium on the Saturday of the Fall Harvest Sale in September. For more details, call 612-625-9865.
Holiday Sale
Be creative in using natural and faux materials to create wreaths and arrangements, craft
items, knit and felted wearable art, ornaments, gift cards, scented potpourri and soaps, wood-crafted game boards. All for the home and gift giving. Volunteers help set up, assist shoppers with their purchases and assist with take down at the end of sale. All proceeds go to support the work of the Arboretum.
December 3-4 - 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
December 5 - 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Snyder Auditorium
