Springtime events at the Flagstaff Arboretum

Learn successful gardening techniques in a series of half-day classes

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. - The Arboretum at Flagstaff will host a series of four half-day gardening classes during the month of May. Each class entails time in the gardens with a hands-on project, as well as classroom lessons. Participants will leave with a new skill and reference materials.

On Saturday, May 16, "Gardening to Attract Wildlife" with Dr. Gwen Waring is offered from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Participants will explore The Arboretum grounds and identify plants that are just right for their gardens. They will leave with a list of suggested plants and resources.

"Beginning Plant Propagation" with Research Botanist Sheila Murray will take place from 1:30 pm to 4:30 p.m. In this class, participants will learn native seed collection techniques and how to grow plants sexually and asexually. Participants in this hands-on workshop will leave with several "starts" for use in their home garden.

On Saturday, May 30, The Arboretum will offer two gardening classes: Harvesting Rainwater for Gardening from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and Dry Stack Rock Walls from 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. In the morning class, participants will learn about the basics of collecting rainwater in their own backyards for gardening and irrigation uses. The classroom presentation is followed by a tour of buildings with a variety of existing rainwater systems at The Arboretum. The afternoon class will focus on techniques used to create beautiful retaining walls using native rocks. The course will include a hands-on project where participants can learn first hand from the instructor.

The fee for each class is $25 for members and $30 for non-members. Participants will receive a 10 percent discount if they enroll in all four classes.

Audubon Society members lead bird-watching tours in the gardens

During the months of May, June, and July, volunteers from the local chapter of the Audubon Society will lead bird-watching tours through The Arboretum's gardens every Saturday from 7:30 to 9 a.m. With over 2,000 species of plants and a permanent water source, the gardens provide an ideal refuge for migrating birds. The wide diversity of plant species attracts a wonderful array of birds to The Arboretum. Binoculars and guidebooks may be borrowed during the tours and checklists are available for all participants. The guided bird walks are free and open to all ages.

Enjoy the spring gardens with your loved ones on Mother's Day

Mother's Day is a wonderful time to visit the gardens at The Arboretum at Flagstaff. Bring your family out for a tour of the flowering trees, shrubs, and other early bloomers. To celebrate the special day, all mothers will be admitted at no charge and will receive a special gift. There will be regularly scheduled garden tours at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. and the Live Birds of Prey program will be offered at 12 p.m. and 2 p.m.

The Arboretum is a botanical garden, research center, and nature preserve dedicated to educating the public about the plants and plant communities of the Colorado Plateau. It is located four miles south of Route 66 on scenic Woody Mountain Road in west Flagstaff. The Arboretum is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., April through October. General admission is $6 for adults, $3 for children 6-17, and free for children under the age of 6.

To register for the gardening classes or for more information, call (928) 774-1442, ext. 110 or e-mail Rachel.Edelstein@nau.edu. You may also visit the Arboretum's Web site at www.thearb.org.