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Last updated March 26, 2008 11:19 a.m. PT

Garden Calendar

Send calendar items four weeks before the event to Northwest Gardens, P.O. Box 1909, Seattle, WA 98111-1909; fax: 206-448-8216, Attn: Northwest Gardens; e-mail: nwgardens@seattlepi.com.

CLASSES

APRIL 5 Bainbridge Gardens: 9415 Miller Road N.E., Bainbridge Island. 206-842-5888; bainbridgegardens.com.

1 p.m. -- Underused Woody Plants for the Puget Landscape: Dan Hinkley will underscore the importance of planting structural elements in the garden. Free.

ONGOING Bellevue Botanical Garden: 12001 Main St., Bellevue. Free. 425-452-2750; bellevuebotanical.org.

Garden d'Lights: Learn to make flower lights the Bellevue Botanical Garden way. The classes are low-cost or free to members, but what is created stays at the garden to be enjoyed by others. Call or click for dates and times.

SUN Christianson's Nursery and Greenhouse: 15806 Best Road, Mount Vernon. Reservations required: 360-466-3821; christiansonsnursery.com.

1 p.m. -- Gardens in a Flowerpot: Joanne Romann from Yarrow and Thistle will demonstrate the ease of designing container gardens with the emphasis on the Color Wheel Technique to work with complementary and contrasting colors. $5 plus materials cost.

SAT/APRIL 5 City People's Garden Store: 2939 E. Madison St., 206-324-0737; citypeoples.com.

Saturday, 11 a.m. -- Natural Lawn Care: Learn how to make your lawn safe for children or pets with Ladd Smith of InHarmony Sustainable Landscapes. Free.

April 5, 11 a.m. -- Extraordinary Trees for Northwest Gardens: Arthur Lee Jacobsen, author of "Trees of Seattle," will discuss some uncommon but highly worthy trees for urban planting. Free.

SAT/APRIL 5 Dig: 19028 Vashon Highway S.W., Vashon Island. Dress for the weather. Workshops are free with a $10 plant purchase credit. Registration required: 206-463-5096; dignursery.com.

Saturday, 1 p.m. -- The No Maintenance Garden: Sylvia Matlock will divulge her secrets for creating a garden that can be beautiful all year long with minimal maintenance.

April 5, 1 p.m. -- Help! I've Got Five Acres, Where Do I Start?: Sylvia Matlock will help you to develop a focus for your outdoor space and direct you to the resources you will need to make an intelligent beginning.

APRIL 7/9 Edmonds Community College: 20000 68th Ave. W. Lynnwood. 425-640-1459.

Mondays, April 7-May 19, 6-8:50 p.m. -- Shade Gardening (HORT 255S): Field trips announced at first class session. Be prepared to arrive and depart from sites on your own. 2 credits, $148.60 plus admission fees.

Wednesdays, April 9-June 18, 9-11:50 a.m. -- Introduction to Garden Writing (HORT255A): Explore non-fiction garden writing with Steve Lorton, former northwest editor of Sunset Magazine. 3 credits, $222.90 plus admission fees.

SAT/SUN/WED/APRIL 5/6 Emery's Garden: 2829 164th St. S.W., Lynnwood, 425-743-4555; emerysgarden.com .

Saturday, 11 a.m. -- Gardening 101: Basic gardening principles: soils, watering fertilizing, plant selection will be discussed, as well as in introduction to basic tools and a demystification of common garden terminology.

Sunday, noon, Wednesday, 1 p.m. -- The Latest Dirt -- It's All About the Soil: Learn how to evaluate your soil type and condition and what techniques to employ to make it better.

April 5, 11 a.m. -- Natural Lawn Care: Join Gretchen Taylor from Kellogg Garden Products and learn how to develop a lush and healthy lawn free from a dependence on harmful and expensive chemical pesticides and fertilizers.

April 6, noon -- Lawn Alternatives: Discover some practical, attractive and more environmentally friendly alternatives to the traditional lawn.

THURS Floral Design Institute: 911 Western Ave., Suite 575; 800-819-8089; flowerschool.com. Cost includes all materials.

6:30 p.m. -- Basics of European Floral Design: Learn the techniques of basing, pav�, pillowing and terracing, as well as the botanical design concept of multiple binding points. $40.

THURS King County: Residents can learn how to create a low-maintenance landscape that is healthier for both people and wildlife at a free "naturescaping" workshop. Register: 206-296-8349; marie.alvardo@kingcounty.gov.

6:30 p.m. -- Land Trust Building, 10014 Bank Road S.W., Vashon.

TUES Lake Wilderness Arboretum: 253-631-0565; lakewildernessarboretum.org.

7 p.m. -- Vexing Garden Problems: Ciscoe Morris will discuss the environmentally friendly techniques that he used to earn Seattle University the EPA's highest national environmental award. Tahoma Junior High School, 25600 S.E. Summitt-Landsburg Road, Ravensdale. Free.

SAT/APRIL 3-6 Molbak's: 13625 N.E. 175th St., Woodinville. 425-483-5000; molbaks.com.

Saturday, 1 p.m. -- Create Garden Tiles: Alternate uses, sizes, shapes and color additions are discussed as part of this creative, fun class. $30.

April 3, 4 p.m. or 6 p.m. -- The Latest on Clematis for Small Spaces: Raymond Evison internationally renowned clematis breeder and RHS Gold Medal winner, will autograph his new book "Clematis for Small Spaces" after each talk.

April 4, 6 p.m. -- Springtime Container Gardening Kick-Off: Award-winning container designer Tina Dixon will show you how to create beautiful spring and summer container gardens.

April 5, 11 a.m. -- A Pattern Garden - The Essential Elements of Garden-Making: Val Easton, Horticulture Magazine regional editor and author, will explore the 14 essential design elements, including enclosure, exposure, destination, focal points, water and scale that help gardeners design individual and compelling outdoor spaces.

April 6, 1 p.m. -- Ciscoe's Favorite Perennials of All Time!: See the newest and trendiest perennials that Ciscoe Morris recommends and his all-time favorites.

APRIL 5 Rosedale Gardens: 7311 Rosedale St. N.W., Gig Harbor. 253-851-7333; rosedalegardens.com.

11 a.m. -- Maximizing Small Space Gardens: Tips and Inspirations for a Small Space Garden with Sue Goetz. $10.

TUES/APRIL 6 Seattle Tilth: Good Shepherd Center in Wallingford, 4649 Sunnyside Ave. N. Must register for all classes: 206-633-0451 ext. 1 or seattletilth.org.

Tuesday, 7 p.m. -- The Little Garden that Could: How Growing Food Can Help Save the Planet. Join Seattle Tilth and friends for a potluck and educational presentation by Seattle Tilth garden program manager and acting food policy council member Laura Niemi. Free.

April 6, 10 a.m. -- Choosing the Right Home Composting System for You: Learn the differences between food and yard waste composting and the dos and don'ts of each method. $15; $20 for nonmembers.

SAT Sky Nursery: 18528 Aurora Ave. N. Shoreline, 206-546-4851, skynursery.com.

11 a.m. -- Bamboo -- An Age of Possibilities: Jackie Heinricher from Boo-Shoot Gardens will present everything you wanted to know about choosing, cultivating and containing these beautiful grasses. Free.

ONGOING Sogetsu Ikebana: Nobuko Relnick offers flower-arrangement classes Tuesdays, 1-3 p.m. and 6:30-8:30 p.m., at 19112 152nd Ave. N.E., Woodinville, and Thursdays at 5 p.m. at Pottery Northwest, 226 First Ave. N. $20, plus $7 materials fee. 425-489-1992; nrelnick@comcast.net.

SAT/APRIL 5 Squak Mt. Greenhouses and Nursery: 7600 Renton-Issaquah Road S.E., Issaquah. Register: 425-392-1025; squakmtnursery.com.

Saturday, 10:30 a.m. -- Dahlias and More: Join Master Gardener and expert dahlia grower Betty Burton as she shares tips on growing dahlias and other summer blooming bulbs.

April 5, 10 a.m. -- Perennial Fever: Join Jacquie, certified professional horticulturalist, as she shares hot new perennials for 2008 with you.

SAT Sunnyside Nursery: 3915 Sunnyside Blvd., Marysville, 425-334-2002; sunnysidenursery.net.

10:30 a.m. -- Planning Your Vegetable Garden: Steve Smith, CPH, will discuss the fundamentals of vegetable gardening. Free.

SAT/APRIL 4-6 Swanson's Nursery: Classes are free unless otherwise noted. 9701 15th Ave. N.W. 206-782-2543; www.swansonsnursery.com.

Saturday, 10 a.m. -- Gardening on the Wing - Bats, Bees, Birds and Butterflies: Using examples from his Whidbey Island wildlife sanctuary, author and biologist Russell Link will provide tried-and-true ways to design and maintain wildlife habitat around homes and properties.

Fridays, April 4-25, 9:15 a.m. -- Master Ikebana artist, Megumi Schacher, will provide all the plant material you will need to create a beautiful arrangement for your home. Participants must call by the Tuesday before their first class to reserve a place and ensure materials will be available for them, 425-744-9751. $25 per session.

SAT Wight's Home and Garden: 5026 196th St. S.W. Lynnwood. 425-775-3636; wights.com.

Saturday, 11 a.m. -- Great Plant Picks 2008: With Richie Steffen, director of horticulture at the Miller Botanic Garden.

APRIL 5 Windmill Gardens: 5823 160th Ave. E., Sumner. Register: 253-863-5843; windmillgarden.com. Classes are free unless otherwise noted.

1 p.m. -- Spring Gardening in the Pacific Northwest: Ed Hume will share what's best to plant in our mild climate, how to draw birds and butterflies into your yards and how to keep your landscape healthy without using harsh chemicals. Free.

ETC.

APRIL 5 21 Acres: 13701 N.E. 171st St., Woodinville. 425-788-9846; 21Acres.org.

10 a.m. -- Parsley, Sage, Rosemary and Thyme - 21 Acres Community Garden Open House. Visit, meander, and interact with experienced gardeners who will be in their gardens preparing for the spring season.

SAT Northwest Horticulture Society: 206-527-1794; northwesthort.org .

9 a.m.-4 p.m. -- The Ornamental Plant -- From Third Century Athens to Your Garden: This symposium will follow the plants you have in your garden from historical times to modern day collecting in the wild, through propagation, to the retail nursery. Bastyr University Auditorium, 14500 Juanita Drive, N.E., Kenmore. $45; $65 for nonmembers.

APRIL 5/6 Swanson's Nursery: 9701 15th Ave. N.W. 206-782-2543; www.swansonsnursery.com.

April 5 and 6 -- Sogetsu Ikebana Display: An exhibition of stunning floral arrangements using local plant material, in the Sogetsu Ikebana style by Megumi Schacher and her students.

April 5, 2 p.m. -- Megumi Schacher will demonstrate the art of Sogetsu Ikebana floral arrangement.

April 6, 11 a.m. -- Dan Hinkley, author and horticultural consultant, will talk about exciting plants worthy of inclusion in the Northwest urban garden.

APRIL 4/5 UW Botanic Gardens: Merrill Hall Commons, Center for Urban Horticulture, 3501 N.E. 41st St., Seattle, 206-685-8033; depts.washington.edu/urbhort .

April 4, 5-8 p.m. -- Wine and Cheese Party and Book Sale: Be among the first to hunt for that special book at a wine and cheese preview party. Tickets are available at the Miller Library, $15.

April 5, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. -- Book Sale: You'll find a wide range of topics on all things horticultural. Free.

FRI-SUN Home and Garden Show: 40,000 square feet of display gardens, exhibits, seminars and many other features. March 28, 10 a.m.-7 p.m., March 29, 10 a.m.-6 p.m., March 30, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Yard Birds Mall, 2100 N. National Ave., Chehalis. chamberway.com.

MASTER GARDENERS

SAT/APRIL 5 King County Master Gardener Foundation Talk: Master Gardener Demonstration Garden, 15500 S.E. 16th St. Bellevue. Information: Mary Osborne, 425-485-5942.

Saturday, 10:30 a.m. -- Asian Vegetables. Free.

April 5, 10:30 a.m. -- You Can Grow Figs in Puget Sound Country. Free.

APRIL 5 Squak Mt. Greenhouses and Nursery: 7600 Renton-Issaquah Road S.E., Issaquah. Register: 425-392-1025; squakmtnursery.com.

Saturdays, April 5-July, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. -- Return of the Master Gardeners: Trained by horticultural experts from WSU, King County Cooperative Extension

and the USDA, master gardeners will offer advice on insects, disease, pruning, gardening techniques, soil building and more.

ANSWER LINES

ONGOING Food and Yard Waste: Eggshells, potato peels and other fruits and vegetables, along with bread, pasta, grains, napkins, pizza boxes and other food-soiled paper can be made into compost instead of being sent to the landfill. You either can place them in your food and yard waste cart or dispose of food waste through home composting. To learn more about home composting, call or e-mail the Natural Lawn and Garden Hotline. 206-633-0224 or info@lawnandgardenhotline.org.

ONGOING Natural Lawn and Garden Hot Line: Educators help with gardening and composting questions. Sponsored by Seattle Public Utilities. 206-633-0224; info@lawnandgardenhotline.org.

ONGOING King County: : Your questions answered. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Friday, except holidays. 206-296-3440. Information: king.wsu.edu.

PLANT SALES

SAT/SUN Chase Garden: 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Featuring native wildflowers, spring bulbs, early blooming perennials groundcovers and free admission to the garden. 16015 264th St. E., Orting. 206-242-4040; www.chasegarden.org.

SAT Evergreen Chrysanthemum Society: 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Furney's Nursery, 21215 International Blvd., Des Moines. Seminar at 1 p.m. on mum culture; door prizes. Information: mumsandboxers@comcast.net; 206-243-2907.

APRIL 5 Farmers Market Faire: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Red Barn, Stanwood Camano Fairgrounds, Pioneer Highway, Stanwood. Specialty nurseries and fair fun. 360-698-0123; kitsapdahlias.org.

APRIL 4/5 Kitsap Dahlia Society : 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Crystal Grange, 2160 Paulson Road, Poulsbo. Tubers from the demo garden at Silverdale Post Office. 360-652-5708; gardenfaire.com.

ONGOING Pat Calvert Greenhouse: Plants propagated from the Washington Park Arboretum are for sale Tuesdays, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., at the Graham Visitors Center east entrance, 2300 Arboretum Drive E. 206-325-4510; arboretumfoundation.org.

SAT/SUN/APRIL 4/5 Puget Sound Dahlia Association: The largest selection of locally grown, exhibition dahlia tubers will be available at these tuber sales. 425-836-4487; pugetsounddahlias.org.

Saturday, 11 a.m.-7 p.m., Sunday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. -- Northlake Lutheran Church, 6620 N.E. 185th, Kenmore.

April 4, 11 a.m.-7 p.m., April 5, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. -- Faith Lutheran Church, 8208 18th Ave. N.E., Seattle.

APRIL 5/6 Rhododendron Species Botanical Garden : 10 a.m.-3 p.m., 10 a.m.-2 p.m. 2525 S. 336th St., Federal Way. Uncommon and fabulous species rhodies. Information: 253-838-4646; rhodygarden.org.

TOURS

ONGOING Bastyr University: Medicinal Herb Garden and Reflexology Path. Features botanicals used in both Western and Asian natural medicine. Free self-guided tours anytime, always open. Guided tours also available. 14500 Juanita Drive N.E., behind the campus. 425-602-3272; bastyr.edu.

ONGOING Bellevue Botanical Garden: Perennials, Japanese-style garden, alpine rock garden, woodland trees and native Northwest plants in a 36-acre destination garden. Dawn to dusk. 12001 Main St., Bellevue. Free. 425-452-2750; bellevuebotanical.org.

ONGOING Bloedel Reserve: Reservations are required to tour the 150-acre reserve, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Wednesday-Sunday year-round, except federal holidays. 7571 N.E. Dolphin Drive, Bainbridge Island. 206-842-7631; bloedelreserve.org.

ONGOING Highline SeaTac Botanical Garden: Four acres of gardens includes cottage, Japanese and rose gardens, and displays of iris and day lilies. Open daily during daylight hours. Free. Private guided group tours available; North SeaTac Community Center, 13735 24th Ave. S. 206-824-7222; highlinegarden.org.

ONGOING Lake Wilderness Arboretum: A 40-acre arboretum with formal gardens and trails for walking, jogging and bicycling. Ongoing lectures and workshops open to the public. Open daily during daylight hours. 22520 S.E. 248th St., Maple Valley. 425-413-2572; lakewildernessarboretum.org.

ONGOING Lakewold Gardens: The 10-acre garden estate offers a haven of gardening delights, historical features, statuary, landscape architecture by Thomas Church and a Georgian-style mansion. 10 a.m.-3 p.m., $5 general, $3 seniors, students, military and groups (10+), members of the Friends of Lakewold and children under 12 are free. 12317 Gravelly Lake Drive S.W., Lakewood. 253-584-4106; lakewoldgardens.org.

ONGOING PowellsWood: This 40-acre private garden is open to the public Tuesday-Thursday, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Also open for special events and by appointment. 430 S. Dash Point Road, Federal Way. $5. 253-529-1620; powellswood.org.

ONGOING Rhododendron Species Botanical Garden: This 22-acre garden features trees, shrubs, perennials and bulbs, plus a gift shop and plant sales. Friday-Wednesday, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. $3.50, $2.50 for seniors and students 12 and older, free under 12; guided tours and group rates are available. Weyerhaeuser corporate campus, 2525 S. 336th St., Federal Way. 253-838-4646 (from Seattle), 253-927-6960 (from Tacoma), 253-661-9377 (gift shop); www.rhodygarden.org.

ONGOING Seattle Chinese Garden: Free guided tours the second Saturday of every month beginning at 10 a.m. at the Chan Education Center with a slide presentation and discussion of the significance of gardens in Chinese culture. South Seattle Community College, 6000 16th Ave. S.W., north parking lot entrance. 206-282-8040; seattlechinesegarden.org.

ONGOING Volunteer Park Conservatory: Open daily, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., on holidays, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Docents lead 30- to 60-minute group tours that cover conservatory plant collections, architectural history, plant acquisition, production and more, Tuesdays-Thursdays and Saturdays, at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.; 1400 E. Galer St. $25 per group; free for K-12 students; Reservations required. 206-322-4112; volunteerparkconservatory.org.

ONGOING Washington Park Arboretum: Weekend Walks. The 60- to 90-minute walks are on the first and third Sundays of each month at 1 p.m. and are led by trained guides focusing on seasonal interest in the Arboretum, native plants or Foster Island ecology. Departs from the Graham Visitors Center. Dress for the weather. Free. 2300 Arboretum Drive E. 206-685-8033; www.uwbotanicgardens.org.

ONGOING Weyerhaeuser's Pacific Rim Bonsai Collection: Guided Tour, Sundays at noon. Learn the history of the collection and the horticultural and artist elements for creating and maintaining these pieces of living art. 33663 Weyerhaeuser Way S., Federal Way. Free. 253-924-5206; weyerhaeuser.com/bonsai.

VOLUNTEERING

SUN PlantAmnesty: Building 30, Warren G. Magnuson Park, 7400 Sand Point Way N.E. Information: 206-783-9813; plantamnesty.org.

10 a.m. to 3 p.m. -- Fix it Count it Day: Work includes refiling, moving furniture and boxes, counting literature, making and repairing signs, and other odd jobs.

TUES/ONGOING Seattle Tilth: Volunteers needed for many different positions, including to lead the Earth Steward Garden Tours in the Children's Garden, a fun, hands-on garden field trip for preschool through sixth grade at the Good Shepherd Center, 4649 Sunnyside Ave. N. Training is free. 206-633-0451 ext. 2; seattletilth.org.

Tuesday, 6 p.m. -- Volunteer Orientation: Learn about the organization and ways to get involved including working with the Children's Garden, adult demonstration garden crew, edible plant sale, super volunteer positions and more.

ONGOING NPA Borders at the Bellevue Botanical Garden: People with all gardening skill levels are welcome to learn hands-on perennial care. Bring your small hand tools. The first Thursday of every month, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. and every second and fourth Sunday, 11 a.m.-4 p.m., 12001 Main St. Information: 425-647-6004; info@northwestperennialalliance.org.

ONGOING Highline Botanical Rose Garden: Work with consulting rosarians from local societies and learn how to grow roses organically. Lori White, 206-248-5372.

ONGOING Waterwise Demonstration Garden: Adults are needed to care for the garden at the Bellevue Botanical Garden. Learn natural gardening techniques you can apply at home. Get hands-on experience soil building, composting and caring for a wide variety of plants. Volunteer days are held spring through fall on the first and third Wednesday of each month 1-3 p.m. Training provided. Bellevue Utilities, 425-452-4127; or pburgess@bellevuewa.gov.

ONGOING Dunn Gardens docent program: Trains docents to lead small public tours through the historic gardens. 206-362-0933; info@dunngardens.org or dunngardens.org.

ONGOING Washington Park Arboretum: Guides are needed to lead educational tours. Guides are asked to commit to one three-hour shift a week for 10 weeks in the fall or spring. Information: 206-543-8801; www.uwbotanicgardens.org, or uwbgeduc@u.Washington.edu. Also, volunteers are needed for weeding, mulching, planting, pruning and other horticulture activities, Tuesdays, 12:30-3:30 p.m., year-round. Hand tools and work gloves provided. Contact David Zuckerman, grounds supervisor, 206-616-4050.

ONGOING Rhododendron Species Botanical Garden: Training provided and work shifts flexible to accommodate personal schedules. Opportunities include gift shop sales, tour guides, gardening, grant writing, clerical, building maintenance and more. 253-838-4646 (from Seattle), 253-927-6960 (from Tacoma); rhodygarden.org.

ONGOING Bellevue Botanical Garden Society: Volunteers needed for special events, cashiering in the gift shop, data entry, docents (guiding tours), and to work with kids and assist staff teachers for the Living Lab Youth Education Program. Training provided. 425-451-3755; bellevuebotanical.org.

ONGOING Evergreen Arboretum and Gardens: Volunteers needed for scheduled work parties, garden maintenance at the Arboretum, Legion Park, 145 Alverson Blvd., Everett. 425-257-8597; evergreenarboretum.com.

ONGOING Kruckeberg Botanic Garden: Volunteers needed to help in various ways, including hospitality, garden maintenance and docents. 20312 15th Ave. N.W., Shoreline. kruckeberg.org; 206-542-4777.

ONGOING Columbia Lutheran Home: Now recruiting volunteers to help with gardening at Columbia Lutheran Home, 4700 Phinney Ave. N. Ellen Murray, 206-632-7400; columbialutheranhome.com.

ONGOING Lake Wilderness Arboretum: Learn gardening skills and meet like-minded people. Volunteer days are held every Wednesday, Thursday and the first Saturday of the month, 9 a.m.-noon, at 22520 S.E. 248th St., Maple Valley. Advance contact not required. 425-413-2572; lakewildernessarboretum.org.

ONGOING Volunteer Park Conservatory: Opportunities to help in the Gift Shop and Resource Center; horticultural knowledge helpful but not necessary. Volunteers commit to a three-hour shift once or twice a month, after two to three training sessions. 206-322-4112; foc@volunteerparkconservatory.org.

ONGOING King County Greenhouse and Nursery: Pot native trees and shrubs, and move soil and plants into the nursery for future restoration projects. All ages, no experience necessary. Every Saturday 9 a.m.-1 p.m. in Renton/Maple Valley area. Tina Miller, tina.miller@metrokc.gov or 206-296-2990.

ONGOING Volunteers for Outdoor Washington: Help restore Iron Goat Trail. Times and dates vary. Bring lunch, rain gear, long-sleeved shirts, and water. trailvolunteers.org/calendar.asp.

ONGOING Chase Garden: Help work in the garden. Volunteers meet the second and fourth Saturdays of the month in the morning. 16015 264th St. E., Orting. 253-847-5629; chasegarden.org.

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