Events
“How to Grow Tomatoes Successfully in the Pacific Northwest”: Master gardener Jeff Thomson of Edmonds, 1 p.m. April 16, Camano Country Club, 1243 Beach Drive, Camano Island. Hosted by Camano Garden Club. Open to the public for $5; no charge for garden club members.
Welcome the Whales Festival: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. April 18, downtown Langley, featuring speaker James Sumich, author of E. robustus: The Biology and Human History of Gray Whales, in addition to children’s activities, a parade, music, and a beach celebration.
Greenback Garden Club Plant Sale: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 18, Greenbank Farm, 765 Wonn Road, Greenbank, Whidbey Island. Hundreds of locally-grown plants: perennials, grasses, vegetable starts, herbs, garden art, garden flea market, raffle, baked goods. For more, visit greenbankfarm.biz.
Create a Certified Wildlife Backyard Habitat: 2 p.m. April 18, Stanwood Library 9701 271st St. NW, Stanwood. Whether you have a balcony or 20 acre farm, you can create a garden that attracts wildlife and helps restore habitat. For more, visit www.sno-isle.org.
Plant Swap and Sale: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., April 20, Everett Community College, 2000 Tower St., Whitehorse Hall second floor. Bring plants to trade, take free plants and/or purchase window box succulents and herbs. All proceeds benefit the EvCC plant swap.
Gardening with Ciscoe: Noon to 1 p.m. April 22, Everett Community College, 2000 Tower St., in the Gray Wolf Hall courtyard. Garden guru Ciscoe Morris will share tips and answer questions about Northwest gardening.
Beach clean: The Washington State Coast Clean-up Day is April 25. More than 50 beaches are included, from the Strait of Juan de Fuca to the Pacific Ocean. You’ll spend a few hours collecting trash. A barbecue follows. To sign up, check out the website at www.coastsavers.org.
Rain Garden Walking Tour: 10 a.m. to noon April 25. Stroll seven rain gardens in north Everett. On this guided walking tour you can talk to the designers and landscapers, see which plants work well and attract birds, meet the homeowners, learn tips to plan your rain garden. Dress accordingly for outside. Brief presentation at Washington Oakes with coffee and light refreshments. Meet at Washington Oakes Retirement Community, 1717 Rockefeller Ave., Everett. For more, call Kate Riley at 425-377-7004 or email kate@snohomishcd.org. Free. For ticket, go to www.eventbrite.com/e/rain-garden-tour-registration-15999263227?aff=erellivorg.
Earth Day Festival at Greenbank Farm: April 25, featuring keynote speaker Kristin Ohlson, author of “The Soil Will Save Us,” in addition to walking tours, solar farm tours, kid’s activities, music, networking displays from local environmental groups, and an evening community dance.
Floretum Garden Club Offers: $1,500 scholarship to a high school graduate, a community college student, or an individual planning a career in a horticultural field. Deadline for applications is May 11. For more, email joycejohnson310@comcast.net or go to www.edmondsfloretum gardenclub.org.
Plea for plants: The Carmelite Institute in Stanwood is having their first Plant Sale on May 2 to benefit the Meditation Gardens. To donate garden plants or garden art, contact Pam Barden 360-941-4303 or email swbarden@netzero.com. The club will supply pots and will pick up donations.
Evergreen Arboretum Gardens of Merit Tour: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. June 20. Gardens from small cottage gardens to large formal gardens. Get ideas for landscaping small city yards and see how two garden owners have successfully dealt with steeply-sloped properties. Musicians featured in several gardens. Tickets are $12. Advance tickets available at Sunnyside Nursery, J. Matheson Gifts, Pacific Stone Company, Stadium Flowers and Sorticulture or buy ticket the day of the tour at the Evergreen Arboretum. Event supports the Evergreen Arboretum &Gardens.
Classes
Snohomish Conservation District Spring Classes: 10:30 a.m. April 18, 25 and May 2, Stanwood Country Store, Skagit Farmers Supply, Country Store, 8815 272nd St. NW., Stanwood. The first 30 people get a 5-gallon bucket. The classes are free. April 18: “Manure: Containing and Composting It.” Learn how to properly store and apply manure for your specific needs, simple bin designs and manure management methods. April 25: “Rainwater Cisterns for Farm and Home.” Extend your rainy season with a rainwater cistern. Reduce mud and make use of the free rain from your home, garage, and barn roofs to water your gardens, wash your tools, and keep your compost pile moist. May 2: “Livestock Fencing and Off-stream Watering.” Give your livestock and horses fresh stream water to drink while keeping it clean at the same time. Options for fencing and off-stream watering that protect your animals as well as keep streams clean and healthy. For more, visit snohomishcd.org.
Evergreen Arboretum &Gardens: 145 Alverson Blvd., Everett. “Hardy Fuchsias,” Frankie Dennison, master gardener, noon to 1 p.m. April 18. “Incorporate Perennial Edibles Into Your Landscape,” Mary Ann &Andy Sudkamp, noon to 1 p.m. May 16. Generally limited to 25 participants. RSVP at www.evergreenarboretum.com; call 425-257-8597; or email: contactus@evergreen arboretum.com.
Nursery classes
These local nurseries feature gardening classes, guest speakers and special events throughout the year, often for no charge. Check their websites or call for details.
Christianson’s Nursery and Greenhouse: 15806 Best Road, Mount Vernon; 360-466-3821; www.christiansonsnursery.com.
Falling Water Gardens: Free classes in creating and caring for a pond, 17516 Highway 203, Monroe; 360-863-1400, www.fallingwatergardens.com.
McAuliffe’s Valley Nursery: 11910 Springhetti Road, Snohomish; 360-862-1323; www.mcauliffesvalleynursery.com.
Molbak’s Garden &Home: 13625 NE 175th St., Woodinville; 425-483-5000; www.molbaks.com.
Li’l Sprout Nursery: 17414 Bothell-Everett Highway, Mill Creek; 425-482-5276; www.lilsproutnursery.com.
Pine Creek Nursery: 23225 Sofie Road, Monroe; 360-863-8866; www.pinecreeknursery.com.
Sky Nursery: 18528 Aurora Ave. N., Shoreline; 206-546-4851; www.skynursery.com.
Sunnyside Nursery: 3915 Sunnyside Blvd., Marysville; 425-334-2002; www.sunnysidenursery.net. Classes are free.
Wight’s Home &Garden: 5026 196th St. SW, Lynnwood; 425-775-3636; www.wights.com.
To submit an item for the Home &Garden calendar, e-mail features@heraldnet.com.
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