The dirt: Parade of ponds, Victory neighborhood garden tour

Twin Cities gardeners just added water to create picturesque falls, streams and ponds filled with aquatic plants and darting koi. This weekend, 13 private sites designed and maintained by members of the Minnesota Water Garden Society will be open for self-guided tours in Crystal, Maple Grove, Brooklyn Park, Champlin, Anoka, Blaine and Shoreview. Homeowners will offer tips and advice on design, choosing plants, installation and maintenance. The 16th annual Pond and Garden Tour is from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. this Saturday and Sunday. For more information or to buy advance tickets ($15), visit www.mwgs.org or call 612-803-7663. Tickets also available on-site on tour days for $20.

The butterfly gardens of Loring Elementary School is the starting point for a self-guided tour of private gardens in the Victory neighborhood of north Minneapolis. The free garden tour is from 1 to 4 p.m. Aug. 4, Loring Elementary School, 2600 44th Av. N., Mpls. Call 612-529-9558.