Reasons To Come To The Eco Experience Front Yard

This year's Eco Experience at the Minnesota State Fair has a revamped and sustainable front yard. Meet expert straw bale gardener Joel Karsten, hear from local beekeepers, and more!

1. Mademoiselle Miel, local beekeeping and honey making expert, will present on backyard bee keeping.

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Come hear her unique experiences keeping bees on skyscrapers in Minneapolis and St. Paul.

Sunday, August 25th at Noon.

Friday, August 30th at Noon.

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If you can't make the two presentations, we will have sample apiaries (empty bee hives) in the front yard every day.

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There won't be any live bees as part of our exhibit.

2. Can you have chickens in the city? Yes you can!

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Egg/Plant Urban Farm Supply will demonstrate how you can raise chickens in the city.

Friday, August 23rd at Noon.

Saturday, August 31st at Noon.

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There will be sample chicken coops on display in the front yard each day in case you miss the presentations.

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Imagine having fresh eggs from your own backyard!

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3. Learn more about rain barrels.

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See sample rain barrels in a garden, and picture them in yours. You can even head inside to enter to win one like this from Barrel Depot.

4. Figure out how to grow veggies in your backyard.

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Harvest Moon Backyard Farmers will present on ways to grow all the veggies you need to make delicious salsa, and more.

Monday, August 26th at Noon.

Sunday, September 1st at Noon.

5. Get tips from an expert strawbale gardener.

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Expert author Joel Karsten will be demostrating how you can make a strawbale garden that requires less weeding and will help you plants grow faster.

Saturday, August 24th at Noon.

Thursday, August 29th at Noon.

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6. Learn how to save space by growing up.

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Bachman's will present on ways you can incorporate beautiful, space saving vertical container gardening in your yard, small or large.

Thursday, August 22nd at Noon.

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7. Determine your perfect backyard design.

Via fieldoutdoorspaces.com

Learn how to get the most of your outdoor space from Field Outdoor Spaces. They'll talk about how to incorporate vegetables, bees and chickens into a backyard, plus how to use design to add structure, interest and organization.

All of this, plus lounge seating to take a break from the sun, water features and more in the Eco Experience front yard.

Via MPCA

You won't want to miss this! August 22 - September 2, 2013.