Peony power

Swenson Gardens’ peony growing fields in Howard Lake, Minn., are bursting with blossoms in a wide variety of hues. Owners Keith and Becky Swenson will open the peony fields for tours from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday. They’ll also give tips on growing these popular perennials without chemicals and synthetic fertilizers. Fresh-cut peony blooms will be for sale. The fields are at 10958 70th St. SW., Howard Lake. The Swensons recommend using Mapquest for directions. Call 763-350-2051 or go to .

Share a garden

Do you know about an incredible garden? Well, we want to know about it, too.

Every year, Home+Garden sponsors the Beautiful Gardens Contest to discover great private gardens in the Twin Cities. The winning gardens and gardeners will be featured in a cover story in the Home+Garden section and online.

To nominate a garden, send a letter briefly describing the garden and the people who tend it. Dig up some snapshots of the garden in its glory or take some new ones this spring. Include the gardener’s name, address and phone number, as well as your own. If you have a great garden, don’t be shy about nominating yourself.

Nominations are due June 24. Mail them to: Beautiful Gardens Contest, Home+Garden, Star Tribune, 425 Portland Av. S., Minneapolis, MN 55488. Electronic submissions can be sent to Beautifulgardens @startribune.com.

Incredible edibles

A Como Zoo exhibit opening Friday shows how to grow the ingredients for your favorite dishes. The Roots, Shoots and Fruits edible gardens feature hanging baskets filled with peppers, tomatoes and cilantro to make salsa. There are containers of strawberries, nasturtium and lettuce for fresh salads. Garden plots will produce blueberries, beans, corn, broccoli, watermelon and many other edible treats throughout the summer.

At 11 a.m. daily, guest experts will talk about growing techniques, ways to harvest and prepare food from your garden, natural pest control and creative edible landscape design. The garden display covers more than 8,000 square feet and is south of the Visitor Center in the old butterfly house. Free. Call 651-487-8200 or go to www.comozoo conservatory.org.

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