Open now through March 15, the Arboretum's annual Spring Flower Show offers visitors a much-needed dose of spring and an opportunity to rest, restore and connect with nature. The show features thousands of plants — including spring bulbs, green plants, orchids and tropicals — and explores the theme of “water,” drawing inspiration from Minnesota’s lakes, rivers and wetlands and the life they support.
Visitors will find ever-changing blooms and creative water-themed vignettes throughout the show — including a real running stream in the Oswald Visitor Center; vibrant and educational displays throughout the visitor center and Rootstock; more floral exhibits in the Snyder Building and Andersen Horticultural Library and a finale of tropical plants in the balmy Meyer-Deats Conservatory.
In addition to lending visitors an escape from the chill of winter, the flower show’s fragrant blooms, lush textures and calming nature sounds create a multi-sensory experience that allows visitors to cultivate a sense of calm by tapping into the physiological benefits associated with nature connection.
A planter of succulents soaks up the sun at the Spring Flower Show in 2025. Photo by Jason Boudreau-Landis
“Right now, many of us are living in a state of high alert,” said Jean Larson, PhD, Manager of Nature-Based Therapeutic Services at the Arboretum and Assistant Professor at the Earl Bakken Center for Spirituality & Healing, where she serves as the Faculty Lead in Nature-Based Therapeutic Studies. “Our nervous systems are stuck in a fight or flight mode. We call this resulting exhaustion 'directed attention fatigue.' It’s that feeling when you just can’t focus, plan or be patient anymore because your brain is tired of being vigilant.”
But spending time in nature, or even just observing nature scenes through a window, helps the body reset.
“Experiencing nature isn't just a way to 'escape' reality; it is a biological necessity for resetting that system. Research shows that nature provides something called 'soft fascination.' When you watch the wind in the trees or look at a wide horizon line, it demands nothing from you. It allows the 'worrying' part of your brain to go offline and rest.”
This year’s flower show explores the theme of “water” and features a trickling stream in the Oswald Visitor Center. Photo by Lily Smith
Visit the Spring Flower Show now through March 15 to rest, reset and find rejuvenation among the blooms. The flower show is included with general daily admission (free for members, $20 in advance for non-members/$25 at the gate).
For a more curated experience, check out special flower show events, including After Hours With the Flowers, which features live music, specialty beverages and entertainment. Please note that registration is required for some special events.
Cover photo by Lily Smith