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.
Private Garden Tours
Private Garden Tours
We regret to announce that the Arboretum Auxiliary Summer Private Garden Tours have been canceled for 2020.
We look forward to seeing you at the garden tours in 2021; the tour dates will be July 18, 19, 20, 2021.
Holiday Sale
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.
Fall Harvest Sale
Fall Harvest Sale
Join members in creating seasonal floral arrangements, greeting cards, botanical
roducts, 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.
Auxiliary Quilt Raffle drawing also takes place at 2 p.m.
All proceeds go to support the work of the Arboretum.
Spring Plant Sale
Spring Plant Sale
**This event is canceled for 2020**
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.
Knit & Stitch
Knit & Stitch
**This event is currently cancelled until further notice**
Spend a winter morning chatting, knitting, crocheting or hand-sewing with designers and crafters of the Arboretum's Auxiliary. Bring your relatives, friends, neighbors - all levels of experience from beginners to advance are welcome. Auxiliary members can help you get started with a handiwork project such as embroidery, answer a knitting question, share patterns, etc. Bring your project and materials to the Oswald Azalea Classroom (down the hall from the balcony) from 10 a.m. to noon, and meet the crafters who bring you the Quilt Raffle, as well as the Spring, Harvest and Holiday sales. For further information, call: (612) 625-9865.
Knit and Stitch Dates
January: 3rd, 8th, 17th, 22nd and 31st
February: 7th, 12th, 21st and 26th
March: 6th, 11th, 20th and 25th
April: 3rd, 8th, 17th and 22nd
Quilt Raffle
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. The raffle drawing will be held at 2 p.m. in the Oswald Visitor Center on the Saturday of the Fall Harvest Sale in September.
This year’s quilt sewn by 8 accomplished Auxiliary volunteers will be on display in the Great Hall of the Oswald Building beginning Mother’s Day weekend. The quilt raffle begins May 12 with the drawing taking place on September 21 at 2:00 p.m. All money from the sale of raffle tickets supports the Arboretum.
The queen size quilt, “Arboretum Gardens”, will capture the essence of what a guest might encounter as they stroll through the gardens in the summer. There will be many shades of green and blue plus over 45 colors that will represent flowers in full bloom.
For more details or call 612-625-9865.
All proceeds go to support the work of the Arboretum.
