gardening/farming

Learn the life cycle and management of mason bees with expert Ron Spendal.  Did you know that while mason bees are considered solitary bees, they are also highly gregarious? A nesting mason bee female makes approximately 1,875 flower visits to collect enough pollen and nectar to provision just one nesting cell for one egg. Are you ready to raise mason bees?  Come and gain a solid knowledge of these docile bees. Free. Call 503-681-6283 to reserve a spot.

Learn how to build your own rain garden! We'll explore the critical role rain gardens can play in urban stream restoration, and how they add beautiful landscaping to your yard at the same time. You will learn how to assess your site to determine the best location and size, calculate impervious surfaces, determine soil suitability, choose appropriate plants, and how to maintain your new rain garden. You will also receive a comprehensive manual that guides you through all the steps in constructing your rain garden. Where possible, workshop includes a short tour of a nearby rain garden.

Register online at http://emswcd.org/workshops-and-events/upcoming-workshops/.

Explore the benefits of gardening with Native plants! We will introduce you to common native plant communities in Portland, show examples of species that do well in similar growing conditions, share successful planting tips that will help them thrive and more! A native plant slideshow will highlight characteristics and desired growing conditions of many local favorite native groundcovers, shrubs and trees. You'll walk away with loads of information so you can decide which native plants will work well in your yard.

Register online at http://emswcd.org/workshops-and-events/upcoming-workshops/.

Weeds--we all have them. Come learn how to identify the most common garden and landscape weeds along with some of the other more notorious plant invaders of the region. We will walk you through how these aggressive plants take over in your yard and provide some simple yet effective tips that will help you get the upper hand without turning to synthetic herbicides.

Register online at http://emswcd.org/workshops-and-events/upcoming-workshops/. Information: 503.222.7645.

Less water + Less Work = More time to enjoy your yard! Learn how to design a low-maintenance, chemical-free landscape that conserves water and minimizes pollution, all while saving you time, money and energy! You'll get natural gardening and landscape design tips, take a field trip to a nearby naturescaped garden, and receive a comprehensive workbook and a native plant to get started! Space is limited and advanced registration is required.

Register online at http://emswcd.org/workshops-and-events/upcoming-workshops/. Information: 503-222-7645.