Dirt-O-Rama preview at the Minn. Landscape Arboretum - KMSP-TV

Every summer, the MN Landscape Arboretum mounts a summer exhibition. This year, it's all about dirt. M.A. Rosko takes us to "Dirt-O-Rama: Intriguing Tales from the Underground" which explores the surprising world beneath your feet. Soil is a gift we take for granted. Rising human population and its increasing needs place growing demands on the land to produce food and feedstock, fiber, bioenergy and other crops. Development takes its toll. This exhibit will focus on ways we can all be wise stewards of our soil, to preserve its fertility now and for the future. It's on June 2-Oct. 14.

'Art of the Earth' Juried Outdoor Display. Five winning teams of a juried art competition dig into the mysteries of soil and present their whimsical, thought-provoking and decidedly unique perspectives. Step inside a sculpture of a giant anthill ("Ant Venture" by Albert Belleveau of Puposky, MN); view an awesome "Earthly Coat" of felted wool by Wendy Johnson of Crystal Bay; walk through a garden of sonic flowers and listen to the Earth's heartbeat ("Underground Sound" by Daniel Dean & Ryan Wurst of Minneapolis); check out the "Eco-Earthworms" by Paul Rieffer of St. Paul (and collaborators), huge worms surfacing from the Arboretum soil; and finally, there's the "Amazing Mother Earth Composter" by Seitu Jones of St. Paul, in collaboration with Gordon Parks High School students.

Compost: Gardener's Gold. Visit the Compost Corner to discover how to turn yard and kitchen organic waste into rich, valuable compost. Learn the environmental importance of removing yard waste and leftover kitchen organics from the landfill stream and how to compost these materials instead

Dirt Lab. Successful gardeners know that plants thrive when soil's alive. Stop by the Dirt Lab in the circular garden island fronting the Oswald Visitor Center to pick up tips on "growing" healthy soil.

www.arboretum.umn.edu