Watch a piece of art unfold from the ground up as internationally renowned artist Patrick Dougherty creates a large scale sculpture made entirely of sustainably-harvested, locally-grown willow on Scarecrow Hill at the Arboretum.

The Arboretum’s summer exhibit, “Monumental Stick Build,” starts construction May 6 and concludes May 24. The exhibit opens to the public on Saturday, May 25. Dougherty, known as “Stickman,” will work with his son and a team of volunteers on the yet-to-be-named work of art (he names the structure as he builds it), which will remain at the arboretum for the next couple years. Dougherty is available for interviews on the grounds, the building process is open to the public and for media photography, including drones.

Seasonal Highlights include:
- More than 38,000 tulips in bloom. This year’s theme, “Bright Sunshiny Day,” features red, yellow, orange and blue colors.
- Lavish brunches for Easter and Mother’s Day.
- An expanded Auxiliary Plant Sale on May 11-12. Don’t miss the sale in its new location at the Red Barn Farm—with FREE admission.
-May 18 blockbuster programming: The new Arboretum & Audubon Day and Worldwide Day of Botanical Art, plus opening reception for “Out of the Woods – Celebrating Trees in Public Gardens”.
- The new Three Mile Walk, which covers three miles of grounds starting and ending at the Oswald Visitor Center.
- The arboretum’s signature summer events: Solstice Soiree: Gala in the Gardens on June 20 and Taste & Toast in the Gardens on July 24.

Find a calendar of events below. Gate fees apply to non-members, $15 for ages 16 and up, kids always free. Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, 3675 Arboretum Dr., Chaska, arboretum.umn.edu, 612-624-2200.