Eames documentary, air plants, garden gala, home improvement expo and more

Charles and Ray Eames have become household names linked to midcentury modern design thanks to their iconic Eames chairs. Fans can get an in-depth look at the pioneering husband-wife team in the documentary "Eames: The Architect and the Painter," which explores their creative collaborations, emotional inner lives and influence on postwar modernism in America. The 2011 documentary is narrated by James Franco and draws extensively from a cache of archival material, films, interviews, love letters, photographs and artifacts. The free screening, presented by the Minnesota Chapter of Docomomo, is at 6 p.m. March 23, Room 100, Rapson Hall, 89 SE. Church St., Mpls. To RSVP, go to docomomo-us-mn.org/events.html.

Wispy tillandsia, or air plants, are the current hot houseplant. Learn about their native habitat, growth habits and care at a hands-on workshop showing how to design a tillandsia planter using natural materials such as driftwood, moss, mushrooms and branches, from 2 to 4 p.m. March 26, Bachman's 6010 Lyndale Av. S., Mpls. Cost is $50; includes materials. Register at bachmans.com.

Need help with your home-improvement to-do list? At the Home Improvement & Design Expo, more than 150 painters, remodelers, interior designers, contractors, financial and landscape pros will offer expertise and services. Bring your ideas and blueprints for free interior design consultations. Programs on yard and garden pests, flooring and interior design trends are scheduled throughout the day. The expo is from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. March 25, National Sports Center, 1700 105th Av. NE., Blaine. Admission is $6, or free with a nonperishable food item. For details, go to mediamaxevents.com.

Itching to dig in the dirt? Tonkadale is holding a Pansy Party Workshop at 10 a.m. March 25, 3739 Tonkawood Rd., Minnetonka. Bring a container or buy one at the garden center to plant a pansy pot. For gardeners of all ages. Fee of $10 includes soil; materials extra. Register at tonkadale.com or call 952-938-6480.

Cheese, honey and dried beans are all for sale at Bachman's last Winter Farmers Market, 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. March 25, 6010 Lyndale Av. S., Mpls. Bring a shopping bag to fill with fresh bread, apples, root veggies, jams, meat and other local products offered inside the cozy greenhouse. The event also features beer and wine sold by the glass and live music. Call 612-861-7600.

LYNN UNDERWOOD

If you plan to plant trees or shrubs this growing season, consider native species that improve habitat and forage for bees and birds. The Twin Cities Chapter of Wild Ones will host a free presentation during its chapter meeting on "Selecting Native Trees and Shrubs that Support Pollinators." Landscape designer Heather Holm, author of "Bees: An Identification and Native Plant Forage Guide," will discuss natural ecosystems — how native trees and shrubs fulfill specific needs, and how those plants depend upon their native bird and bee visitors. The meeting will be March 21, with a social at 6:30 p.m. followed by the presentation at 7, at Wood Lake Nature Center, 6710 Lakeshore Dr., Richfield.

KIM PALMER

Elizabeth Ries of KSTP's "Twin Cities Live" is the emcee of the Spring Garden Gala, the Minnesota State Horticultural Society's annual fundraiser on April 1. The event is from 5 to 10 p.m. and includes a dinner of Champagne chicken and wine and silent auction at Envision Event Center, 484 Inwood Av. N., Oakdale. Tickets are $85; $75 for MSHS members. Go to northerngardener.org and click on "Classes and events" or call 651-643-3601.