Minnesota gardeners have a fun evening to look forward to at Beal Botanical Garden. Screen on the Green brings a movie under the stars surrounded by lush greenery.
Guests can relax on the lawn, enjoy the garden’s beauty, and watch a film in a unique outdoor setting. Bring a blanket, snacks, and good company for a memorable night.
It’s an easygoing way to enjoy gardens and movies at the same time.
1. Prairie Smoke
These feathery pink blooms transform into wispy seed heads that look like smoke rising from the ground. Native to Minnesota’s prairies, they’re a true crowd-pleaser in spring and early summer.
Look for them near the garden’s western edge where the prairie restoration project showcases the state’s natural heritage. Their fluffy appearance makes them perfect foreground elements for your movie night photos!
2. Japanese Maple
The garden’s specimen creates a dramatic silhouette against the movie screen when backlit. Its delicate, star-shaped leaves turn vibrant crimson in fall, making it a Minnesota garden standout.
Planted near the central viewing area, this maple provides a perfect frame for film watching. During intermission, notice how its intricate branches create natural art when illuminated by the garden’s subtle lighting.
3. Water Feature Pond
Gentle splashing sounds complement outdoor movie audio from this central garden feature. Minnesota’s summer evenings feel even cooler beside this tranquil spot lined with smooth river stones.
Golden lighting installed beneath the water’s surface creates a magical glow during evening screenings. Look for water lilies floating on the surface – they close their blooms at dusk, perfectly timed for the start of the film.
4. Lady’s Slipper Orchid
Minnesota’s state flower makes a special appearance in Beal’s native plant section. These rare pink and white blooms resemble delicate slippers and bloom just in time for early summer movie nights.
Protected by state law, these orchids are carefully tended by garden staff. Their presence represents Minnesota’s commitment to preserving natural heritage while providing magical moments for garden visitors during Screen on the Green events.
5. Moonlight Garden
White-flowering plants like phlox and clematis glow ethereally when evening falls at Screen on the Green events. This specially designed garden section enhances Minnesota’s magical summer nights with plants selected for nighttime viewing.
Silver-leaved plants like dusty miller reflect even the faintest light. The garden’s placement near the viewing area means moviegoers can enjoy this luminous display during film intermissions or while waiting for darkness to fall.
6. Butterfly Habitat
Native milkweed and coneflowers attract monarchs that flutter through the garden during twilight screenings. Minnesota’s butterfly populations find sanctuary here among carefully selected nectar plants.
The habitat’s strategic location near the refreshment area means you’ll spot colorful visitors while grabbing movie snacks. Garden staff have created special signage identifying butterfly species common to Minnesota, making this an educational stop during intermission.
7. Century-Old Oak
This majestic tree provides natural shade for daytime garden activities and frames the movie screen perfectly at night. Its massive trunk bears a plaque noting its planting date during Minnesota’s early settlement period.
Many moviegoers lean against its sturdy trunk during screenings. The oak’s spreading branches create a cathedral-like canopy that rustles gently during Minnesota’s summer evening breezes, adding natural soundtrack elements to outdoor films.
8. Herb Spiral
Fragrant herbs release their scents into the evening air, enhancing the sensory experience of outdoor movies. The spiral design maximizes growing space while creating a visually striking feature in Minnesota’s premier botanical garden.
Lavender, mint, and thyme cascade down the spiral’s edges. During intermission, garden staff sometimes offer herb-infused refreshments that highlight plants grown in this ingenious garden feature that demonstrates sustainable growing methods.
9. Rain Garden
This eco-friendly depression collects stormwater runoff while showcasing native Minnesota wetland plants like blue flag iris and swamp milkweed. During summer showers, it demonstrates sustainable water management in action.
Strategically placed benches nearby offer perfect viewing spots for both films and wildlife. The garden’s educational signage explains how Minnesota homeowners can create similar features, making this area both beautiful and instructional during Screen on the Green events.
10. Sculpture Path
Local Minnesota artists’ works line the garden’s main walkway, illuminated dramatically during evening film events. These sculptures incorporate natural materials and botanical themes that complement the surrounding plantings.
The path connects the main viewing area to restroom facilities, making it a practical yet beautiful feature. Each piece includes artist information and inspiration sources, creating thoughtful conversation starters for moviegoers strolling between the garden’s different viewing areas.