Thursday, March 31, 2011

2011 Spring Savvy Gardener Classes

Pre-registration is not required for these free classes, to be held at local nurseries. Please arrive early to make sure you get a space at these popular classes!

Easy Plants for Gorgeous, Carefree Gardens Taught by Peggy Campbell (two dates & locations)

Saturday, April 9 - 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Swansons
9701 15th Ave. NW, Seattle
(206) 782-2543

Saturday, April 23 - 12:30 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Molbak's
13625 NE 175th St., Woodinville
(425) 483-5000

Ready for a more leisurely summer? Tired of endless weeding and watering? Learn tips, proven techniques and plant suggestions from horticulturalist Peggy Campbell for year-round beauty and easy success. Gather lists of plants able to thrive in our dry summers, and tolerate our wet winters.

Edible Abundance - Essential Tips for the Northwest Organic Food Gardener
Taught by Marianne Binetti (two dates & locations)

Saturday, April 16 - 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Furney's Nursery
21215 International Boulevard, Des Moines
(206) 624-0634

Saturday, April 23 - 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Sky Nursery
18528 Aurora Ave. N., Shoreline
(206) 546-4851

Join local garden author and radio personality Marianne Binetti as she covers the basics of successful organic food gardening in the Pacific Northwest For novice and experienced food gardener alike, whether you garden in the back 40, your front parking strip, or in containers, Marianne will help you reap the most bounty from your soil, sustainably!

Drip Irrigation Basics for Home Gardeners
Taught by Amy Ockerlander, Seattle Tilth (two dates)

Saturday, April 9 - 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Saturday, May 28 - 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

This class is intended for the do-it-yourself home gardener. We will cover what you need to know to decide if drip irrigation is for you. We will also address how to plan and install a basic system, including design, materials selection, where to purchase; and how to install, operate and maintain your system. Applications for both ornamental and food gardens will be addressed.

Pre-registration required for this free class. To register and get directions contact the Garden Hotline at (206) 633-0224 or at help@gardenhotline.org.

Wednesday, March 30, 2011

Butterflies and Bees class at Woodland Park Zoo!

Thursday, March 31st from 7:00-9:00 p.m.

Join Woodland Park Zoo entomologist Erin Sullivan and horticulturist David Selk to discover how to attract and care for local butterflies and bees. You’ll learn about the importance of these backyard pollinators as well as the threats they face and what you can do to help, including insect-friendly gardening practices.

Want more information on how you can help bees?
* Join the hunt for bees with the Great Sunflower Project!

* Learn more about creating a Pollinator Pathway in your community!

Tuesday, March 29, 2011

The Importance of Snags in Your Neighborhood

Hard to believe, but trees can actually provide more habitats for wildlife dead than when they are alive. Standing dead and dying trees, called “snags” or “wildlife trees,” are important for wildlife in both natural and landscaped settings, occurring as a result of disease, lightning, fire, animal damage, too much shade, drought, root competition, as well as old age.

Birds, small mammals, and other wildlife use snags for nests, nurseries, storage areas, foraging, roosting, and perching. Live trees with snag-like features, such as hollow trunks, excavated cavities, and dead branches can provide similar wildlife value. Snags occurring along streams and shorelines eventually may fall into the water, adding important woody debris to aquatic habitat. Dead branches are often used as perches; snags that lack limbs are often more decayed and, may have more and larger cavities for shelter and nesting. Snags enhance local natural areas by attracting wildlife species that may not otherwise be found there.

All trees of all sizes are potential snags. Unfortunately, many wildlife trees are cut down without much thought to their wildlife value or of the potential management options that can safely prolong the existence of the tree. Wildlife trees offer a one-stop, natural habitat feature. In short, snags “live on” as excellent wildlife trees for all to enjoy!

For more information about wildlife that use snags as well as how to create a snag in your backyard habitat, please see Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife's website: http://wdfw.wa.gov/living/snags/