Do you have plants that dwindle in the shade? Are your plants burnt in the sun?

From mid-April through May, Furney’s, Sky and Swanson’s nurseries are teaming up with the Saving Water Partnership to help you select the right plants that will thrive naturally in dry sun and dry shade (right place). Look for signs, plant displays and factsheets at these participating nurseries. By making the right choices, your plants will flourish without excessive watering, pesticides and fertilizers. Ask nursery staff for plant ideas if you have other types of sun, shade and soil conditions.

Learn more about dry shade, dry sun and plant selection.

FREE classes, no registration required. Sponsored by Seattle Public Utilities and the Saving Water Partnership.

Favorite NW Natives for Sun and Shade
Saturday, April 12 - 10:00am to 11:30am
Swanson’s Nursery, 9701 15th Ave NW, Seattle
Add beautiful color and texture to your garden by incorporating Northwest native plants. During this 90 minute class, Peggy Campbell will show you different Washington plants that will thrive in sunny hot spots or shady corners. Learn how good soil preparation, mulching and proper watering will help your plants grow and reduce summer maintenance.

Drought Tolerant Beauties for Dry Soil
Saturday, April 26 - 10:00am to 11:30am Swanson’s Nursery, 9701 15th Ave NW, Seattle
Our winters may be wet, but our summers are dry. Peggy Campbell will show you some of her favorite plants that tough it out with little water once they’re established. In this 90 minute class, she'll also explain what it takes for these plants to succeed and how to make the right plant matches for your garden's soil, sun and shade.

Natural Lawn Care for Healthy Pets, Family and the Environment
Saturday, May 3 - 11:00am to noon
Molbak’s, 13625 NE 175th in Woodinville
Join Ladd Smith from In Harmony Sustainable Landscapes to learn how you can have a thick, green lawn that uses less water, fertilizer, and pesticides and is safer for children and pets. Ladd's use of eco-friendly techniques have led to a five-star rating from the Envirostars program. Be ready to laugh and remember to bring your questions for the end.

Climate Proofing Your Garden
Saturday, May 17, 10:00am - noon OR 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Jennifer Carlson’s garden in Seattle
Join landscape designer, Jennifer Carlson as she explains how to make your garden more resilient to climate change. In the future, we may have drier summers, wetter winters or some unpredictable mix. Jennifer will share her garden and her insights about creating a beautiful garden that can better withstand nature’s uncertainty. Learn about how soil building, plant selection and stormwater catchment can make a difference. Jennifer’s garden has been featured in local garden tours, national magazines and public television shows.

Pre-registration required. Attendees must reside in the Saving Water Partnership service area.

Register via the Garden Hotline by calling (206) 633-0224 or emailing help@gardenhotline.org. Please provide your address, email and phone number to receive the class location and confirmation.

Spring Garden Fair
Saturday, April 26 - 9:00am to 3:30pm
New location: Redmond City Hall Campus, 15670 NE 85th Redmond
Hear from garden celebrities (Dan Hinkley, Ciscoe Morris, Marianne Binetti and others) on how to create beautiful garden spaces that work with nature, buy a rainbarrel, compost bin and plants, see a demonstration of grasscycling and talk with experts from gardening organizations. Admission is free. See thefull schedule on the 2008 Spring Garden Fair website.