Sustainable Landscaping and Deep Ellum Arts Festival

Come learn about sustainable landscaping at Dallas Arboretum on Saturday, April 5th, 9-11am. We will discuss economic and ecological benefits of using native plants for conservation, preservation, restoration and celebration of natural resources. To register, go to http://dallasarboretum.org.

After class, drop by the Deep Ellum Arts Festival (http://www.meifestivals.com/deepspr.html.) Our longtime friend April Samuels will be performing with two of her bands (yes, she IS an overachiever!) Saturday catch her with Bullitt at 3pm on the Deep Ellum Stage. Sunday she and Rocket Girl take the same stage at 2pm. Following Rocket Girl, also on the Deep Ellum Stage, will be Jones at 3pm. These guys are like family to us. In fact, my brother Mick Tinsley is a founding member! Come check out these and other musicians, as well as plentiful artists' exhibits.

Dallas Blooms!

http://tinyurl.com/3dlvvs

Green Up Your Laundry

How green is your laundry? Take the quiz: http://www.sierraclub.org/howgreen/laundry/

Recommended Books

All the Wasowski books are excellent for learning about native Texas plants -- we have always promoted them as the "bibles" for responsible gardening/landscaping. Recently, a reader in Cedar Hill recommended Bringing Nature Home by Douglas W. Tallamy because it explains "WHY native plants are so important." I haven't checked it out yet, but I trust her knowledgeable opinion. (Thanks, Meg!)

Our good friend Jason Singhurst co-authored a text about rare Texas plants that was recently published by Texas A&M Press. Rare Plants of Texas is a thorough guide, complete with photos, botanical drawings, and distribution maps. Jason will be speaking to a local chapter of the Native Plant Society this spring; please check back for date and time.

Learn More

Texas Discovery Gardens is hosting a Play in the Dirt workshop as part of their ongoing "Organic in the City" series on Tuesday, March 4th, 6-8pm.

"Organic in the City is an urban environmental education and entertainment series at Texas Discovery Gardens. For the first program, participants will learn tips and tricks to a healthy container garden. We will make our own pots with a trio of plants to take home.After the talk, enjoy music by Fran and Angela as the upbeat duo sings their favorite songs. If you liked Fran's beautiful voice at the volunteer potluck, you won't want to miss this! You can also enjoy hors d'oeuvres, wine, coffee and tea.

Don't miss the April 1 Organic in the City ... Take Thyme to Taste the Rosemary, Basil and Sage with Dallas County Master Gardener and cookbook author Barbara Gollman. She will serve up a delicious talk on growing and cooking with herbs. Learn how easy it is to grow your favorite herbs, even if you only have space for a few pots!"

Cost is $15 per person, $13 for members. For more information, please see www.texasdiscoverygardens.org.

Smiling Sage

Here is our favorite species of Sage -- a very happy one, indeed. She's eager for spring!