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The Dirt: Nature photography, Champlin garden tour, author appearance

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    Nature photography by Chris Linder at the arboretum.

    Photo: Minnesota Landscape Arboretum,

    CameraStar Tribune photo galleries

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    Picture perfect

    Award-winning nature photographer Chris Linder gets up close and personal when he’s shooting images illustrating climate change around the world. Linder will share many of his photos and experiences from his travels during a photography symposium, “Conservation Through the Lens,” from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum’s Oswald Visitor Center. There will also be free time to shoot on the arboretum grounds and an opportunity to take a master class ($25) with Linder. Cost is $95, $80 for members; includes lunch. Go to http://bit.ly/109A41c or call 952-443-1422.

    Charming gardens

    This year, Champlin’s Father Hennepin Festival will pre­sent free self-guided tours of six public and private gardens featuring all different sizes and styles, including sun and shade beds, a train garden, gazebos, water gardens and a back yard modeled after the Canadian North Woods. The Champlin Garden Club-sponsored event kicks off at 9 p.m. Saturday with a “nightscape” tour highlighting lit waterfalls and garden accents along winding walkways. Other gardens will be open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday. Tour maps are available at Champlin City Hall, Fair’s Nursery, Lynde Garden Center and at www.fatherhennepinfestival.com. The Father Hennepin Festival is Fri.-Sun. and features a parade, rides, live music and family activities.

    Lawn chair gardening

    Environmentalist and author Dawn Pape will give a talk on her new book, “A Lawn Chair Gardener’s Guide,” share landscaping tips and answer questions, 10 a.m. to noon Saturday.Hedberg’s Landscape, 8400 60th St., Stillwater. Hedberg’s recently opened a new Outdoor Living Design Center at this location. Call 651-748-3158.

    Perennial knowledge

    Have you always wanted to start a perennial garden? The Gertens Perennial Fest will offer workshops on topics such as plant selection, rain gardens, attracting butterflies and birds and growing fruit. The festival is from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sat.-Sun., 5500 Blaine Av., Inver Grove Heights. Call 651-450-1501.

    Stop invasive species

    At PlayCleanGo Day on Saturday, volunteers will explain how to “Stop Invasive Species in Your Tracks” and hand out information at six state parks. Invasive plants and animals discussed will include earthworms, buckthorn, wild parsnip and emerald ash borers. For information, go to www.PlayCleanGo.org.

    LYNN UNDERWOOD

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    BHS Landscaping Class Gives some TLC to Margie Michael Learning Garden

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    Brownwood High School’s landscaping class recently worked on the Margie Michael Learning Garden at Woodland Heights Elementary.  The class is led by Mitzi Cockerham, Mrs. Michael’s daughter.

    The garden was dedicated to honor the memory of Woodland Heights Elementary teacher Margie Michael on May 12, 2011.

    Michael taught for 37 years, 7 of them at Woodland, and was a big part of the original learning gardens at the school.  Upon her sudden passing, coworkers Christy Wilson and Woodland Heights then principal Bob Turner came up with the idea of a memorial garden in her name.  Turner was instrumental in securing a $10,000 grant from the Goodies Corporation that, according to Roberts, made the idea turn into something so much bigger and better.

    Pictured above is the Brownwood High School Landscaping class at the garden.  Pictured below, Mitzi Cockerham’s landscaping class works on the Margie Michael Learning Garden at Woodland Heights Elementary.  Photos contributed.

    Radical design proposals floated for new Penn Station

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    Like many US railway stations, New York’s Penn Station is a shadow of its former self. With redevelopment of the station hindered by its location under Madison Square Garden, the Municipal Art Society (MAS) of New York hopes to relocate the gardens and rebuild the station for the 21st century. Last week, the MAS announced four possible designs for Penn Station and Madison Square Garden as part of its Design Challenge aimed at replacing or remodelling the current structure.

    • Park on top level of Penn Station by DS+R Design (Image: DS+R Design)
    • Madison Square Garden by SHoP Architects (Image: SHoP Architects)
    • Penn Station upper floor plan by DS+R Design (Image: DS+R Design)
    • Penn Station at night by DS+R Design (Image: DS+R Design)
    • View all

    The brief of the competition was to reimagine Pennsylvania or Penn Station as an “urban gateway” and move Madison Square Garden to a new location to allow for expansion. If realized, this redevelopment would be the most radical change to the station since the original building was controversially demolished in 1963 and rebuilt with the current Madison Square Garden on top of it.

    The competition was prompted by expiration of Madison Square Garden’s permit, which its owners wish to have renewed in perpetuity. However, the MAS, in partnership with the Regional Plan Association, formed the Alliance for a New Penn Station with the objective of renewing the permit for only ten years to prompt redevelopment of the site. The final decision on the permit will be made by the New York City Council in July and the Design Challenge is intended to help build the case for a limited permit and redevelopment.

    The Winning Designs

    Diller Scofidio + Renfro with Josh Sirefman

    Dubbed “Penn Station 3.0,” the Diller Scofidio + Renfro (DS+R) with Josh Sirefman design is presented as a city within a city and “a porous and light-­filled civic structure filled with diverse new programs that reflect the hybridity of contemporary urban life.” The designers see it as not only a transport hub, but as a destination in itself. It consists of layers divided into various activities based on time taken, from fast activities on top to slower ones below. The idea is that the structure will have a cascade effect as one descends to the trains and the layers “decelerate” in time. In this design, Madison Square Garden would be relocated to the west end of the Farley building on Ninth Avenue, with access to Eighth Avenue.

    Food court at Penn Station by DS+R Design (Image: DS+R Design)

    H3 Hardy Collaboration Architecture

    The H3 Hardy design sees itself as a way to improve New York’s essential systems. In this case, these systems are seen as public spaces, entertainment, environment, transportation, education and economic development. The key to this is relocating Madison Square Garden to a 16-acre (6.4 ha) site on the west side waterfront. The project would not only involve a new Penn Station, but also an eight-track high-speed rail expansion going south, improved amenities and three-acre (1.2 ha) public park, retail complex, and two-­acre (0.8 ha) roof garden, a new Center of Education and 24 million feet (222.9 ha) of private development.

    Train Hall by H3 Design (Image: H3 Design)

    SHoP Architects

    SHoP Architects plan to expand the main hall of Penn Station to turn it into a bright, airy space that the designers see as the center of a new destination district called Gotham Gateway. Security and rail capacity would be improved and there would be new parks and amenities with a view to attracting private investment to help pay for the project, as well as a new High Line to connect with the relocated Madison Square Garden.

    Train platform by SHoP Architects (Image: SHoP Architects)

    SOM

    The SOM design wants to expand Penn Station over two more blocks with high-speed rail lines for the Northeast corridor for better commuter rail service and direct rail connections to John F. Kennedy, LaGuardia, and Newark Liberty International airports. The main focus would be a ticketing hall dominated by a dramatic oval skylight. A dedicated vehicular drop-off and pedestrian connections to the surrounding area would also be included. Retail spaces would be integrated into traffic areas, so that the station blends seamlessly into the city itself. Expanded train platforms would make up the lowest level.

    Cutaway view of Penn Station by SOM Design (Image: SOM Design)

    Source: MAS via The Verge

    Serpentine Gallery Pavilion 2011 / Peter Zumthor

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    Pavilion 2011, designed by Peter Zumthor. Photo by John Offenbach

    The 2011 Serpentine Gallery Pavilion by Pritzker laureate Peter Zumthor was unveiled today. A design that ‘aims to help its audience take the time to relax, to observe and then, perhaps, start to talk again – maybe not’, the materials are significant in aiding the design which emphasizes the role the senses and emotions play in our experience of architecture.

    Zumthor added that ‘the concept for this year’s Pavilion is the hortus conclusus, a contemplative room, a garden within a garden. The planted garden enclosed by this dark structure was conceived by the influential Dutch designer Piet Oudolf.

    The building acts as a stage, a backdrop for the interior garden of flowers and light. Through blackness and shadow one enters the building from the lawn and begins the transition into the central garden, a place abstracted from the world of noise and traffic and the smells of London – an interior space within which to sit, to walk, to observe the flowers. This experience will be intense and memorable, as will the materials themselves – full of memory and time.’

    More info after the break:

    2011, designed by Peter Zumthor. Photo by Walter Herfst

    “I am very pleased to be collaborating with Peter Zumthor and the Serpentine Gallery on this year’s Pavilion and to be part of this exciting project. My work aims to bring nature back into human surroundings and this Pavilion provides the perfect opportunity for people to reflect and relax in a contemplative garden away from the busy metropolis.”

    – Piet Oudolf

    The pavilion will be open to the public between Jul 1st and Oct 16, 2011.


    JO_MG_7808aSerpentineZumthor press page Serpentine Gallery Pavilion 2011, designed by Peter Zumthor. Photo by John Offenbach

    Serpentine Gallery Pavilion 2011, designed by Peter Zumthor. Photo by John Offenbach

    JO_MG_7808SerpentineZumthor press page Serpentine Gallery Pavilion 2011, designed by Peter Zumthor. Photo by John Offenbach

    Serpentine Gallery Pavilion 2011, designed by Peter Zumthor. Photo by John Offenbach

    wh_IMG_0017 press page Serpentine Gallery Pavilion 2011, designed by Peter Zumthor. Photo by Walter Herfst

    Serpentine Gallery Pavilion 2011, designed by Peter Zumthor. Photo by Walter Herfst

    wh_IMG_0090 press page Serpentine Gallery Pavilion 2011, designed by Peter Zumthor. Photo by Walter Herfst

    Serpentine Gallery Pavilion 2011, designed by Peter Zumthor. Photo by Walter Herfst

    wh_IMG_0123 press page Serpentine Gallery Pavilion 2011, designed by Peter Zumthor. Photo by Walter Herfst

    Serpentine Gallery Pavilion 2011, designed by Peter Zumthor. Photo by Walter Herfst

    wh_IMG_9970 press page Serpentine Gallery Pavilion 2011, designed by Peter Zumthor. Photo by Walter Herfst

    Serpentine Gallery Pavilion 2011, designed by Peter Zumthor. Photo by Walter Herfst

    wh_IMG_9990 press page Serpentine Gallery Pavilion 2011, designed by Peter Zumthor. Photo by Walter Herfst

    Serpentine Gallery Pavilion 2011, designed by Peter Zumthor. Photo by Walter Herfst

    wh_IMG_9993 press page Serpentine Gallery Pavilion 2011, designed by Peter Zumthor. Photo by Walter Herfst

    Serpentine Gallery Pavilion 2011, designed by Peter Zumthor. Photo by Walter Herfst

    wh_IMG_0156 press page Serpentine Gallery Pavilion 2011, designed by Peter Zumthor. Photo by Walter Herfst

    Serpentine Gallery Pavilion 2011, designed by Peter Zumthor. Photo by Walter Herfst

    wh_MG_0305 press page Serpentine Gallery Pavilion 2011, designed by Peter Zumthor. Photo by Walter Herfst

    Serpentine Gallery Pavilion 2011, designed by Peter Zumthor. Photo by Walter Herfst

    Olive Garden Opens in Rosemead

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    Olive Garden Opens in Rosemead

    Christine Cho is named general manager of new restaurant

    Olive Garden Opens in RosemeadOrlando, FL  (RestaurantNews.com)  Olive Garden opened at 1866 Montebello Town Center Dr. in Rosemead, Calif. on Monday, May 6 at 11 a.m. — creating approximately 200 new jobs. The Olive Garden in Rosemead is the newest Olive Garden in the family of more than 800 local restaurants committed to providing every guest with a genuine Italian dining experience.

    The 7,441 square-foot restaurant can host up to 257 guests and features a design that is inspired by traditional farmhouses found in Tuscany, Italy.  Olive Garden design teams traveled to Italy to work with Italian architects Fabio and Lucia Zingarelli and the result is a restaurant design that recreates the warmth and simple beauty of a Tuscan farmhouse.

    The Rosemead Olive Garden has a rustic stone exterior, typical of the buildings in the Italian countryside, and an interior accented by Italian imports designed to make the dining experience here a tribute to the restaurant’s Italian inspiration.  Ceilings supported by exposed wood beams, stone and wood accents throughout, and terra cotta tile highlight the interior.

    In addition, the bar top is crafted from lava stone and hand-painted by artisans in Italy with a design created exclusively for Olive Garden.  Vibrant imported fabrics decorate windows and dining seats, while hand-painted plates, adorn rustic stone and stucco walls.

    The restaurant also features a number of sustainable design elements, including recycled building materials, enlarged windows to increase natural light, low-water landscaping and energy-efficient equipment.  These enhancements are part of the Sustainable Restaurant Design initiative launched by Darden Restaurants, Olive Garden’s parent company.

    “I’m honored to have the opportunity to lead the Rosemead restaurant and a great team at Olive Garden,” said Christine Cho, newly named general manager.  “In addition to our Italian specialties, including signature items like our homemade soups, garden fresh salad and warm, garlic breadsticks, the menu at the Rosemead Olive Garden will feature limited time offers such as our 3-Course Italian Dinner. Guests can enjoy an abundant and delicious three-course meal for only $12.95. Guests choose from five delicious entrées, along with unlimited soup or salad, and one of three decadent desserts.”

    Cho brings extensive restaurant industry experience to her new position.  She has been with Olive Garden for seven years, most recently as general manager of the Olive Garden located at 430 E. Huntington Dr. in Arcadia.  Cho received a bachelor’s degree in hotel and restaurant management from Boston University in Boston, Mass.

    Cho is one of more than 1,400 managers who have visited Olive Garden’s Culinary Institute of Tuscany in the Tuscan village of Riserva di Fizzano, which serves as the source of inspiration for some dishes on Olive Garden’s menu.  Each year, more than 100 managers visit CIT and learn about Italy, its food, wine, culture and people.  This includes learning the time-honored traditions of Italian cooking and working side-by-side with Italian master chefs.  The CIT is designed to inspire attendees to share the Italian culture of hospitality and passion with their restaurant teams and guests back home.

    To recognize Cho’s role as head of the Olive Garden family in Rosemead and to emphasize the importance the company places on its general managers, Olive Garden honored Cho by setting her name in stone.  Travertine marble imported from Tuscany was chiseled with Cho’s name and placed prominently by the restaurant’s front door.

    Olive Garden is now accepting applications for employment.  To be considered for an interview, please apply online at www.OliveGarden.com/Careers.

    About Olive Garden

    Olive Garden is the leading restaurant in the Italian dining segment with more than 800 restaurants, more than 90,000 employees and more than $3.5 billion in annual sales. Olive Garden is a division of Darden Restaurants, Inc. (NYSE:DRI), the world’s largest full-service restaurant operating company. In 2013, Darden was named to the FORTUNE “100 Best Companies to Work For” list for the third year in a row and is the only full-service restaurant company to ever appear on the list. Olive Garden is committed to making a difference in the lives of others in the local community. As part of this commitment, the Rosemead Olive Garden will participate in the Darden Harvest program, which has donated more than 60 million pounds of food to local community food banks across the country. For more information, visit www.olivegarden.com.

    Rosemead Olive Garden at a glance:

    Contact:
    Catie Jackson
    Pierson Grant Public Relations
    954-776-1999, x236
    or
    Tara Gray
    Olive Garden
    407-245-5642

    Boys and Girls Clubs of Canada and AstraZeneca Canada Working…

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    TORONTO, ON, Jun. 04 /CSRwire/ – On Friday, June 7, AstraZeneca Canada employees will roll up their sleeves at 18 local Boys and Girls Clubs across Canada and take on facility improvement projects as part of their annual Community Connection Day. 

    Now in its third year, this company-wide initiative enables AstraZeneca Canada employees to undertake projects such as landscaping, cleaning, painting, building and gardening at their local Boys and Girls Club, while spending the day learning more about the Club’s services and the young people they serve.   

    Since Community Connection Day’s inception, AstraZeneca employees have contributed over 4,000 volunteer hours to Boys and Girls Clubs, representing an in-kind donation of almost $200,000 with local Boys and Girls Clubs in Canadian communities.* In addition to their volunteer workforce, the company has provided close to $100,000 in financial funding to Boys and Girls Clubs to cover the cost of materials and event organization.

    The annual Community Connection Day is linked to AstraZeneca’s Young Health Program (www.younghealth.ca), of which Boys and Girls Clubs of Canada is a proud national partner.

    “AstraZeneca Canada’s commitment to young people is truly remarkable,” said Pam Jolliffe, Boys and Girls Clubs of Canada President and CEO. “Through their Young Health Program, they are committed towards working collaboratively to design programs that help youth strengthen their mental and emotional resilience. This expansion of our partnership, beyond the direct Young Health Program delivery, by providing this opportunity for their employees to dedicate a full work day toward improving our Clubs and communities reflects a great commitment to improving the lives of the young people we serve.”

    Together, Boys and Girls Clubs of Canada, AstraZeneca Canada and its dedicated employees are making a significant impact in the lives of young people across the country and building stronger local communities in the process.

    “Community Connection Day is something our employees look forward to each year.  The day offers an opportunity for employees to work closely with their local Boys and Girls Club and deepen their understanding of the programs and services they provide,” says Elaine Campbell, President, AstraZeneca Canada.

    “Last year, I spent Community Connection Day painting the upper deck of a swimming pool at a Club in West Scarborough alongside my colleagues,” Elaine continues. “It was hard work.  It also reinforced a belief we have at AstraZeneca:  we need to work closely with our community -with Canadians – to understand the challenges and perspectives they have and how we can combine our skills, our strengths and our resources to build a healthier and more connected world.”

    * AstraZeneca Canada’s community investment contributions, both monetary and non-monetary, are audited and verified by LBG Canada.

    About Boys and Girls Clubs of Canada

    Boys and Girls Clubs of Canada is dedicated to supporting and encouraging children and youth as they grow and develop. We are a national charity serving 200,000 young people in more than 650 locations across Canada. We listen to their opinions and ideas, applaud their accomplishments, lend support during their struggles and provide ways to explore their interests and talents.  With this encouragement they develop the confidence and sense of belonging that helps them succeed in school, form positive relationships and mature into responsible, caring adults. For over 110 years we have welcomed children, youth and their families into clubs that reflect the diversity of Canada in small and large cities, rural communities and First Nations Reserves. Visit www.bgccan.com and follow us at www.facebook.com/bgccan and www.twitter.com/bgccan.

    About AstraZeneca Canada

    AstraZeneca is a global, innovation-driven biopharmaceutical business with a primary focus on the discovery, development and commercialization of prescription medicines for gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, neuroscience, respiratory and inflammation, oncology and infectious disease. AstraZeneca operates in over 100 countries and its innovative medicines are used by millions of patients worldwide. AstraZeneca’s Canadian headquarters are located in Mississauga, Ontario. For more information, please visit the company’s website at www.astrazeneca.ca.

    Calendar of Events

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    June 4
    SENIOR ACTIVITIES: High Country Lifelong Learning
    offers lectures and activities for free to adults in the area. Most activities are held at the
    Lois E. Harrill Senior Center located on Poplar Grove Connector in the Watauga Human Services
    Building in Boone. There will be a ranger-led hike at Mt. Jefferson State Natural Area in Ashe
    County from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. June 4. Participants should wear sturdy shoes and bring water to
    drink, as well as bring a bag lunch for a picnic after the hike. Email (high.country.lifelong@gmail.com) to request the current catalog and be placed on the email
    list.

    June 5
    SENIOR SCHOLARS: High Country Lifelong Learning offers lectures and
    activities for free to adults in the area. Most activities are held at the Lois E. Harrill Senior
    Center, located on Poplar Grove Connector in the Watauga Human Services Building in Boone. HCLL
    will feature a session with JoAnn Pippin, watercolor artist, who welcomes those interested in
    informal sessions on painting and inspiration. Just bring your paints and equipment. The event
    takes place from 9 a.m. to noon June 5 in Classroom 3 at the senior center. Email (high.country.lifelong@gmail.com) to request the current catalog and be placed on the email
    list.

    PHOTO WORKSHOP: An Outdoor Photo Stroll and Workshop will be held from 9 to 11 a.m.
    June 5 at the Daniel Boone Native Gardens in Boone. It is a nontechnical event stressing
    methods and techniques over equipment and specifically designed for flower and plant
    enthusiasts who would like to take better pictures. Participants need only bring whatever camera
    they currently use, and wear comfortable outdoor clothing appropriate to the morning’s weather
    conditions. After 30 minutes of group instruction and discussion, the strolling begins, at which
    time personalized help is available. There is no charge, although a donation or membership in
    Friends of the Garden is encouraged. There is a handout, plus two 5- by 7-inch photo prints
    made from images participants capture during the class. These pairs of prints will
    be displayed and judged, with two selected shots made into 11- by 16-inch prints,
    framed and used by the gardens until presented formally to the winners at a later date.

    PANCAKE SUPPER: A fundraiser for Casting Bread Food Pantry will be held from 4 to 8:30
    p.m. June 5 at FaithBridge United Methodist Church. Adult tickets are $6 and tickets for children
    ages 4 to 10 are $3. Those younger than 3 eat free. Tickets are being sold at the church and will
    also be available at the door.  Door prizes will be given away. The church is located at the
    corner of Aho Road and U.S. 321 at 196 Aho Road.

    WELLNESS: A free “Community Wellness
    Jumpstart” will be held from 6 to 7:30 p.m. June 5 at the Watauga County Public Library, 140 Queen
    St., Boone. Area wellness professionals will be providing health
    information.

    DEMONSTRATIONS: The Parkway Craft Center at Flat Top Manor at the Moses
    Cone Estate on the Blue Ridge Parkway near Blowing Rock will offer craft demonstrations on the
    porch through November. Demonstrations take place from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. and are closed for
    lunch at the demonstrator’s discretion. The roster of craftspeople scheduled to appear this year
    includes potter Rose Mueller (June 5-7). For more information, call the Parkway Craft Center at
    (828) 295-7938.

     
    June 6
    HORSE SHOW: The Blowing Rock Charity Horse Show
    Foundation and the Rotary Club of Blowing Rock will sponsor the 2013 Blowing Rock Charity Horse
    Show this summer. The saddlebred competition will take place at the L.M. Tate Horse Show Grounds
    at the Blowing Rock Equestrian Preserve June 6-9. Hunter-Jumper I takes place July 23-28 and
    Hunter-Jumper II takes place July 30-Aug. 4.

    QUILTERS: The Mountain Laurel Quilt Guild
    will hold its monthly meeting at 1:30 p.m. June 6 in the conference room on the second floor of
    the Lois E. Harrill Senior Center on Poplar Grove Connector in Boone. The guild’s new officers
    will be installed, and then the group will have a reception. For more information, call Dolores at
    (828) 295-6148.

    AUTHOR SERIES: Elizabeth Hudson, editor-in-chief of Our State magazine,
    will speak   June 6 at ASU’S Belk Library and Information Commons as part of the
    library’s summer author series. Her presentation begins at 3:30 p.m. in Room 421. An informal
    reception will follow. Parking will be available in the College Street deck next to the library.
    For more information, call Lynn Patterson at (828) 262-2087.

    June 7
    CIRCLE OF COURAGE:
    The children of Grandfather Home in Banner Elk invite the public to a Circle of Courage lunch and
    tour from noon to 1:30 p.m. June 7.  The event is for anyone who would like to learn more
    about the children and families that Grandfather Home serves. The program is free, but organizers
    need to order lunch, meaning those interested should RSVP by June 5. For more information or to
    RSVP, call April Miller at (828) 898-5465 or visit http://www.grandfatherhome.org.

    OPEN HOUSE:
    The Foscoe Volunteer Fire Department will hold an open house from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. June 7. “If you
    own property in the Foscoe Fire District, you are cordially invited to attend at the main fire
    station on N.C. 105 South. Come and enjoy the free food — hamburgers, hot dogs, potato salad,
    coleslaw, chips and more,” a VFD spokesperson said. “For a small fee, you may vote for the
    department’s board of directors. Come and see our new members and equipment.”

    June
    8
    WHS GRADUATION: Graduation ceremonies for the Class of 2013 for Watauga High School will be
    held beginning at 9 a.m. June 8 at the ASU Holmes Convocation Center.

    HORTICULTURE: The
    inaugural High Country Horticultural symposium will be held from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. June 8 at ASU’s
    Plemmons Student Union and at the Daniel Boone Native Gardens. The symposium, “Harnessing the
    Beauty … Wildflowers and Native Plants,” features four speakers and an opportunity to tour the
    Daniel Boone Native Gardens, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. The daylong
    event is designed to provide ideas from experts on plantings for landscaping gardens and homes.
    Registration is $70 a person. Registration includes a continental breakfast, catered lunch,
    parking and transportation and a walking tour of the gardens. Seating is limited to 100
    participants. Preregistration is required and the registration deadline is May 23. Register online
    at  conferences-camps.appstate.edu.

    DEMONSTRATIONS: The Parkway Craft Center at
    Flat Top Manor at the Moses Cone Estate on the Blue Ridge Parkway near Blowing Rock will offer
    craft demonstrations on the porch through November. Demonstrations take place from 10 a.m. until 4
    p.m. and are closed for lunch at the demonstrator’s discretion. The roster of craftspeople
    scheduled to appear this year includes drum maker Judi Harwood (June 8-13).

    WIND
    ENERGY: A distributed wind energy workshop will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.  June 8. The
    workshop will include a visit to a 100kW Northwind 100 turbine on the ASU campus. Cost is $200,
    with lunch included; $160 for students. For more information, visit
    energy.appstate.edu/workshops/287.

    FLY FISHING: The Blue Ridge Mountain Club will host
    a “Fly-Fishing 101” event at Chetola Resort beginning at 4 p.m. on June 8. Orvis-endorsed staff
    will teach participants the basics of fly-fishing in the mountains. The BRMC will then host a
    Dining Series Supper Club dinner prepared by Timberlake’s Restaurant at 6:30 p.m. at the Watson
    Gap Pavilion. Adult beverages are BYOB. For more information, call (828) 295-8667.

    CRESTON SINGING: A Saturday night singing will be held at 7 p.m. June 8 at Mountain
    View Baptist Church in Creston. Featured will be New Vision from Bellville,
    Ohio.

    CARNIVAL: Deerfield Ridge Assisted Living will be hosting its first Community
    Carnival on June 8at 287 Bamboo Road, Boone. There will be games, a bouncy house, an inflatable
    bull ride, carnival foods, music and more. The event is free, along with all the games, food and
    prizes. Contact Jen Teague for additional information at (828) 264-0336.

    June
    9
    NATURE PROGRAM: Join an Elk Knob State Park ranger at 2 p.m. June 9 to learn about
    salamanders and how they are great indicators of the state of the environment. Through a
    PowerPoint program, those attending will learn about the native salamanders found at Elk Knob
    State Park. Afterwards, the group will see if they can find any in the park. Meet at the Elk Knob
    State Park Office. For more information, call (828) 297-7261.

    June 10
    HEALTHY
    LIVING: The Living Healthy Program is a six-week education group designed to help people learn how
    to live a healthier life with a chronic condition. The free program will be held at the Lois E.
    Harrill Senior Center in Boone from 9:30 a.m. to noon Mondays, beginning June 10.  Call (828)
    265-8090 to register.

    CLUB MEETING: The High Country Torch Club will meet at noon June
    10 at the Golden Corral in Boone. The program will feature John McNeely on “Energy Options.” For
    more information, contact Bettie Bond at (828) 264-4275.

    JUNE IN BLOOM: Blowing Rock
    will host a number of events for plant enthusiasts as part of its “June in Bloom” celebration. On
    June 10, the “Herbs for the Fun of It” luncheon and presentation will take place at the Green Park
    Inn with Pat Collins, president of the Blowing Rock Garden Club. The event starts at 10:30 a.m.
    and costs $25 per person. On June 17, the “Tea Leaves and Bloomers” event, a tea, talk and garden
    tour, will take place at the Gideon Ridge Inn. It starts at 2 p.m. and the cost is $20. On June
    18, Roger Robertson, owner of The Last Straw, will present “Creating Designs for Outdoor Living”
    at his store on Main Street. The event takes place at 1 p.m. and the cost is $5. The “Hostas of
    Blowing Rock” brunch and home garden tour will meet at 9:45 a.m. at Timberlake’s Restaurant at
    Chetola Resort on June 24. Susan Sweet, co-chairwoman of the Mile of Flowers, will lead the tour.
    The cost is $18. For more information on the events, call (828) 295-7851.

    BENEFIT GOLF:
    A Centennial Golf Tee Off to benefit Grandfather Home will be held June 10 at Hound Ears Club,
    located of N.C. 105. The format will be a captain’s choice and participants will be able to
    participate in the “On Course Activities” during the day’s event. Cost is $175 per player and $650
    per team. For reservations, call Melynda Martin Pepple at (828) 898-5465 or email (m.pepple@grandfatherhome.org)

     
    June 11
    SENIOR SCHOLARS: High Country Lifelong
    Learning offers lectures and activities for free to adults in the area. Most activities are held
    at the Lois E. Harrill Senior Center, located on Poplar Grove Connector in the Watauga Human
    Services Building in Boone. There will be a bird walk with the High Country Audubon Society from
    8:30 to 10 a.m. June 11 at the Daniel Boone Native Gardens in Boone. Beginners are welcome.
    Participants will meet at the stone gatehouse and should wear comfortable shoes, as there will be
    a hike to the summit of Strawberry Arboretum. Email (high.country.lifelong@gmail.com) to request the
    current catalog and be placed on the email list.

    SENIOR SCHOLARS: High Country Lifelong
    Learning offers lectures and activities for free to adults in the area. Most activities are held
    at the Lois E. Harrill Senior Center, located on Poplar Grove Connector in the Watauga Human
    Services Building in Boone. HCLL welcomes JoAnn Pippin, watercolor artist, who will present the
    program, “Watercolor Just for Fun” (session 1), from 9 a.m. to noon June 11 at the senior center.
    The class will be limited to 12 participants. The first session’s topic is “Color and Creativity.”
    The fee for materials is $10. Email (high.country.lifelong@gmail.com) to request the current catalog
    and be placed on the email list.

    SENIOR SCHOLARS: High Country Lifelong Learning offers
    lectures and activities for free to adults in the area. Most activities are held at the Lois E.
    Harrill Senior Center, located on Poplar Grove Connector in the Watauga Human Services Building in
    Boone. HCLL welcomes Sandie Gravett who will present the program, “Changing Religious Landscape in
    America,” from 2 to 3:30 p.m. June 11 at the senior center. Email (high.country.lifelong@gmail.com) to request the current catalog and be placed on the email list.

    June 13
    SENIOR
    SCHOLARS: High Country Lifelong Learning offers lectures and activities for free to adults in the
    area. Most activities are held at the Lois E. Harrill Senior Center, located on Poplar Grove
    Connector in the Watauga Human Services Building in Boone. HCLL welcomes Gwen Robbins-Schug from
    the anthropology department at Appalachian State University. Robbins-Schug will present the
    program, “Harappa — Indus Civilization,” from 10 to 11:30 a.m. June 13 at the senior center.
    Email (high.country.lifelong@gmail.com) to request the current catalog and be placed on the email
    list.

    SENIOR SCHOLARS: High Country Lifelong Learning offers lectures and activities
    for free to adults in the area. Most activities are held at the Lois E. Harrill Senior
    Center,  located on Poplar Grove Connector in the Watauga Human Services Building in Boone.
    HCLL welcomes Lynne Getz, who will present the program, “Prior to the Pilgrims: European Activity
    in North America Before Plymouth,” from 2 to 3:30 p.m. June 13 in the senior center. Email (high.country.lifelong@gmail.com) to request the current catalog and be placed on the email
    list.

    HIGH COUNTRY WRITERS: High Country Writers will host author, Albert A. Bell Jr.,
    as program speaker from 10 a.m. to noon June 13 at the Watauga County Public Library in Boone.
    Bell’s writing career spans the decades since 1972 and genres from mystery novels, historical
    novels, children’s books, the New Testament and baseball. High Country Writers is an organization
    which fosters the growth and creativity of writers of all genres. Guests are welcome. For more
    information, visit highcountrywriters.tripod.com.

    June 14
    DEMONSTRATIONS: The
    Parkway Craft Center at Flat Top Manor at the Moses Cone Estate on the Blue Ridge Parkway near
    Blowing Rock will offer craft demonstrations on the porch through November. Demonstrations take
    place from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. and are closed for lunch at the demonstrator’s discretion. The
    roster of craftspeople scheduled to appear this year includes woodworker David Crandall (June
    14-16). For more information, call the Parkway Craft Center at (828) 295-7938.

    June
    15
    JUNALUSKA JUBILLE: Boone’s historic Junaluska community will hold its second annual
    Junaluska Jubilee on June 15 at the Boone Mennonite Brethren Church on Church Street in Boone.
    Junaluska is one of Western North Carolina’s oldest continuously occupied African-American
    settlements. At 11 a.m., there will be a celebration  of the life and leadership of the Rev.
    Morris Rockford “Rock” Hatton Sr.  Hatton served during the 1930s to the 1960s as a 
    pastor of the 11 Mennonite Brethren churches in the North Carolina District of Mennonite Brethren
    Churches. Entertainment scheduled to begin at 1:30 p.m. in the church will include storytelling, a
    magic show and a performance by the Boone Mennonite Brethren Gospel Choir. Admission is free. The
    Junaluska neighborhood and the church are located off Queen Street, where parking for the event
    will be available. For further information, call (828) 264-6578.

    FUNDRAISING CONCERT:
    Violinist Gil Morgenstern and flutist Akal Dev Sharonne will perform at 8 p.m. June 15 for a
    fundraising concert at the Temple of the High Country, which is located at 1043 King St., Boone.
    The fundraiser will help provide funds for the temple. Tax-deductible tickets are $40 and are
    available at the Temple of the High Country, (828) 266-9777 or by calling Erika Siegel at (828)
    783-8090.

    CRAFTS FAIR: A Beech Mountain Arts and Crafts Fair will be held from 9 a.m.
    to 3 p.m. June 15 at the Buckeye Recreation Center at Beech. For more information, visit
    http://www.beechrecreation.org or call (828) 387-3003.

    TRAIL WORK: Volunteer trail workdays at
    Grandfather Mountain State Park will be held each month through October. Times will be 9:30 a.m.
    to 3 p.m. Join park rangers and help fix sections of the park. No experience or tools are needed.
    Wear sturdy closed-toe shoes (no flip flops or sandal style shoes are permitted) and bring work
    gloves (leather preferred), comfortable work clothes, snacks and beverage (nonalcoholic). For more
    information, call (828) 963-9522. Volunteer Work Days are scheduled for the third Saturday of each
    month through October. Meeting destinations to be determined. Workdays are June 15, July 20, Aug.
    17, Sept. 21 and Oct. 19.

    SUMMER THEATER: Ensemble Stage Company has announced its
    schedule of summer theater events for 2013. The summer season opens with the funny and
    heartwarming “Searching for Eden,” on stage June 15-23. Next is the psychological thriller
    “Mindgame,” on stage July 6-14. The dramatic comedy “A Bench in the Sun” is presented July 27-Aug.
    4. The season closes with the comedy “Bedside Manners,” Aug. 24-Sept. 1. All shows are presented
    at the Blowing Rock School Auditorium. Tickets are $19 for adults, $17 for students, and $10 for
    children 16 and younger. Adult season tickets are available for $68 per person or $60 for seniors,
    students and military personnel. For more information, call (828) 414-1844, or visit
    http://www.ensemblestage.com.

    BENEFIT AUCTION: The second annual “Hungry Hearts” Live and Silent
    Auction will be held from 4:30 to 7 p.m. June 15 at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Boone. The live
    auction will begin at 5:45 p.m. A $5 donation is requested at the entrance. The auction includes
    art from area artists. Beer, wine and soft drinks available for purchase.All proceeds benefit the
    nonprofit restaurant, FARM Cafe. Cullie Tarleton will lead the live auction. For more information,
    contact Tracey Thompson at (828) 963-6511, extension 243.

    June 16
    HIKE: Elk Knob State
    Park will offer a free wildflower hike at 2 p.m. on June 16; meet at the Elk Knob Summit
    Trailhead. Boots are recommended. The hike is weather dependent. Call the park office if the
    weather is questionable at (828) 297-7261.

    VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL: Perkinsville Baptist
    Church’s Vacation Bible School, “God’s Backyard Bible Camp,” is scheduled for June 16-20. Register
    online at perkinsvillebaptistchurch.com or call (828) 264-8605 for more information.

    June
    17
    DEMONSTRATIONS: The Parkway Craft Center at Flat Top Manor at the Moses Cone Estate on the
    Blue Ridge Parkway near Blowing Rock will offer craft demonstrations on the porch through
    November. Demonstrations take place from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. and are closed for lunch at the
    demonstrator’s discretion. The roster of craftspeople scheduled to appear this year includes
    engraving artist Jay Pfeil (June 17-19). For more information, call the Parkway Craft Center at
    (828) 295-7938.

    June 20
    FUNDRAISER: Imaginary Friends Ensemble, in conjunction with
    the Hunger and Health Coalition, will present a concert to benefit Boone’s hungry at 7:30 p.m.
    June 20 at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, 170 Councill St., Boone. Canned food donations are
    requested for admission. For more information, visit (clarinetcouture@gmail.com) or
    musicimagination.com.

    June 21
    DEMONSTRATIONS: The Parkway Craft Center at Flat Top
    Manor at the Moses Cone Estate on the Blue Ridge Parkway near Blowing Rock will offer craft
    demonstrations on the porch through November. Demonstrations take place from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m.
    and are closed for lunch at the demonstrator’s discretion. The roster of craftspeople scheduled to
    appear this year includes tapestry weaver Sandy Adair (June 21-23) and block printer Ellie Kirby
    (June 21-23). For more information, call the Parkway Craft Center at (828) 295-7938.

    GROUNDBREAKING: Lees-McRae College in Banner Elk will break ground on the May School
    of Nursing and Allied Health at 11 a.m. on June 20 at the Stinson parking lot on on West Main
    Street, across from Tate Lawn. The community is welcome to attend the ceremony. Designed by
    McMillian Pazdan Smith, the 18,000-square-foot facility will soon be the cornerstone of the
    college’s expanded science and health-related programs. For more information on nursing and allied
    health at LMC, visit go.lmc.edu/nursing-allied-health or contact the Admissions Department at
    (800) 280-4LMC or (admissions@lmc.edu)

    June 21
    WRITER’S WORKSHOP: A Writer’s Workshop
    for both beginner and experienced writers will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. June 21 at the
    Watauga County Public Library will be of interest to both experienced and beginning authors who
    want to hone their skills. The workshop highlights a range of topics from writing for young
    readers, screen writing and tips on developing a story’s setting.  Presenters include
    award-winning authors and publishers. The event is sponsored by Friends of the Watauga County
    Public Library in connection with the second annual High Country Festival of the
    Book.  A light breakfast plus lunch is included in the price of the workshop.
    Tickets may be purchased at the library or online at  http://www.highcountryfestivalofthebook for $40
    ($20 of which is tax deductible). For more information, visit
    http://www.highcountryfestivalofthebook.com or the display at the Watauga County
    Library.

     
    RUMMAGE SALE: The 32nd annual Watauga Humane Society Rummage Sale will
    be held June 21 and 22 at the National Guard Armory in Boone. The two-day sale is open to the
    public from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. For those who would like to give donations of antiques, working
    appliances, books, computers, crafts, furniture, jewelry or more, take your donations to Blue
    Skies Storage, 482 State Farm Road in Boone, from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. on Mondays. After
    pulling into the Blue Skies parking lot, make an immediate right and continue around the building
    to Door No. 5. Signs will be posted to mark the door where volunteers will help you. Those who
    would like to take items to the National Guard Armory the week of the sale, drop off donations
    between the hours of 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday through Wednesday. For more information, phone Dee
    at 264-9116 or email (deedundon@bellsouth.net)

    June 22
    GEOLOGY HIKE: Mount Jefferson
    State Natural Area in Ashe County will hold a geology hike at 2 p.m. June 22; meet at the picnic
    shelter. Several types of geological formations will be seen on this mountain hike. Metamorphic
    formations and intrusive quartz are located on the trail. Wear appropriate shoes or boots. The
    program is free. For more information, call (336) 246-9653.
    PARK CAMPOUT: Families who have
    never experienced the joys of camping are invited to join the staff at Elk Knob State Park for an
    evening under the stars on   Saturday, June 22, through Sunday morning, June 23.
    Participants may come no earlier than 3 p.m. to start setting up, and activities begin at 4 p.m.
    The park will provide tents (if needed), a dinner of hot dogs chips and s’mores that participants
    will cook over a campfire, and activities and learning experiences throughout the night.
    Participants should bring snacks, nonalcoholic drinks, breakfast for Sunday morning and blankets
    or sleeping bags. All campers must be 6 years or older and children must be accompanied by a
    parent or guardian. The event is free but space is limited; call (828) 297-7261 by June 20 to
    register or for more information.

    DEMONSTRATIONS: The Parkway Craft Center at Flat Top
    Manor at the Moses Cone Estate on the Blue Ridge Parkway near Blowing Rock will offer craft
    demonstrations on the porch through November. Demonstrations take place from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m.
    and are closed for lunch at the demonstrator’s discretion. For more information, call the Parkway
    Craft Center at (828) 295-7938. The roster of craftspeople scheduled to appear this year includes
    clay artist Rose Mueller (July 22-24).

    June 23
    BOWLING BENEFIT: The Relay For Life
    team, Joyce’s Memory Walkers, will sponsor its 12th annual bowling event, Strike For Life,
    honoring Betty Hayes on June 23. There will be an entry fee of $25 per person, which covers two
    games of Scotch doubles, shoe rental, food and drinks. Squads may choose to bowl from 2 p.m. to 4
    p.m. or 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. There will also be a 50-50 drawing. To register and for more information,
    call Larry Hayes at (828) 273-1903, Denise Stahl at 773-9756 or Deborah Kirksey at
    964-1800.

    NATURE HIKE: Mount Jefferson State Natural Area in Ashe County will hold a
    nature hike at 2 p.m. June 23; meet at the picnic shelter. Hike the ridgeline of Mount Jefferson
    and explore the natural world of wildflowers and wildlife on the summit and rhododendron trails.
    Natural history and folklore will be discussed. Appropriate clothing and sturdy footwear are
    recommended. The program is free. For more information, call (336) 246-9653.

    June
    25
    IRS SEMINAR: CCCTI’s Watauga Small Business Center will offer the final seminar in its
    IRS series, “IRS Series: Part 4 — Putting It All Together,” from 5 to 6:30 p.m. June 25 at the
    Watauga County Public Library in Boone.  To register online for the seminar, visit
      http://www.cccti.edu/smallbusiness and click on Watauga County. For more information, contact
    Evelyn Asher at (828) 263-5371.
     
     
    June 24
    DEMONSTRATIONS: The Parkway
    Craft Center at Flat Top Manor at the Moses Cone Estate on the Blue Ridge Parkway near Blowing
    Rock will offer craft demonstrations on the porch through November. Demonstrations take place from
    10 a.m. until 4 p.m. and are closed for lunch at the demonstrator’s discretion. The roster of
    craftspeople scheduled to appear this year includes raku-style clay artist Lynn Jenkins (June
    24-30). For more information, call the Parkway Craft Center at (828) 295-7938.

    June
    27
    BLOOD DRIVE: Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute’s Watauga Campus will host a
    Red Cross Blood Drive from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. on June 27 in the student lounge. For more
    information, call Diane Mazza at (828) 297-2185.

    June 29
    FESTIVAL: Riverfest returns
    to Valle Crucis Community Park June 29. Riverfest is currently seeking demonstrators and nonprofit
    vendors with a focus on natural resources and sustainability. To be a part of Riverfest 2013,
    contact Ashley Wilson at (ashley@wataugariverpartners.org)

    June 30
    HIKE: Elk Knob
    State Park will offer a free nature hike at 2 p.m. June 30. Participants will hike as they learn
    about the flora and fauna of the park at they hike; meet at the Elk Knob Summit Trailhead. Boots
    are recommended. The hike is weather dependent. Call the park office if the weather is
    questionable at (828) 297-7261.

    The Art of Gardening without really trying: The “Lazy Gardener’s” oasis still …

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    The Art of Gardening without really trying: The “Lazy Gardener’s” oasis still growing for the upcoming Highline Garden Tour on June 8th

    Garden Tour is June 8

    By Rebekah LaSala
    Special to the Highline Times

    Stephen Lamphear is much more than a lazy gardener, referring to his “Lazy Gardener” column from 1999 to 2007 that he had with the Highline Times. Lamphear was a former Burien City Council member from 1998 to 2000. Lamphear is a spirited combination of a sage zenmaster truly connected to his garden and a man who can turn a black gardening thumb green. Lamphear’s zen-like wisdom and passionate advice can take the fear factor out of gardening for many.

    Lamphear’s garden will be featured in the upcoming Highline Garden Tour on June 8th, 2013 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Tour features private gardens in Burien, Normandy Park, and SeaTac designed to inspire new ideas and the latest techniques. Ed Baldwin, General Manager for the Highline SeaTac Botanical Gardens Center states that at the Center (at 13735 24th Ave S, SeaTac), “We have a lot of irises and summer flowers in prolific bloom this year.”

    Lamphear is the original founder of what was then called the Burien Garden Tour in 1996. He passed on the Garden Tour to the Burien Historical Society in 2003. Lamphear created the Highline Botanical Garden Foundation in 1997 to save Elda Behm’s reknowned garden. Through that, the Foundation became the Highline SeaTac Botanical Gardens. The main garden officially opened in 2003. Lamphear was also the first to create the Burien Senior Center Plaza Garden in 2003.

    His work has been in numerous publications. He has been featured prominently in “Garden Retreats: Creating an Outdoor Sanctuary” by Barbara Blossom in 2000. Also, Lamphear won a trip for first place garden to London through the 1997 Pacific Gardens Contest, and was published in the 2000 Better Homes Gardens specialty publication, “Garden, Deck Landscaping.”

    Lamphear’s gardens feel like a welcome home to an old friend’s house that you love dearly, or a place that you remember in your mind’s eye of what serenity might look like. On each turn, you will see friendly marks of the Buddha at every turn like the smiling cat Buddha, outdoor “rooms”, a Zen style pond and water garden, and other surprises. Take one walk through Lamphear’s backyard, and these gentle plants will pull you in. The Asian influence include Chinese and Japanese plants, but nothing is off limits for Lamphear. He welcomes all kinds of native plants and plants from other places. He says that the “lazy garden” term really comes from the intricate understanding that all plants want to grow. However, he says, they just need loving prodding to develop in their own unique way.

    Rather than spend the same big amount of money the same kinds of plants every year, Lamphear says he has often divided his plants in half, used seeds and other ways to intricately build of the plants that were already there. The result is this “lazy” and truly brilliant garden. He says, “My preference is plants. I want them to provide texture, shape and form.” However, Lamphear loves flowers too, but wants them to be interwoven carefully in the soothing interplay of color that is the current theme in his garden, with varying shades of golden yellow. He also features Chinese, Japanese and Tibetan plants like the Chinese Fleece Flower, Japanese Painted Fern and Tibetan Clematis.

    Lamphear’s garden includes: rufous hummingbirds, evening and black-headed grosbeaks, song sparrows, wrens, goldfinches, golden-mantled squirrel, merlins and other raptors, red fox, opossums, salamanders and too many raccoons.

    Lamphear has deep roots to his gardening and says, “The first gardening I did was when I was about 10. I became a test gardener for a rose company and got FREE roses to track for performance. My first actual garden was in 1981 when I bought my first house in Ballard. It wasn’t much, but I had real dirt.”

    Lamphear says, “It wasn’t until I bought this house in 1992 that I got truly bitten by the horticulture bug. I had an apron that read: ‘You can lead a Hor-ti-culture but you can’t make her think’. It was a scream. So, this place is the genesis of my obsession!”
    Regarding gardening work ethics, he says, “Instead of watching ESPN, I am in the garden, sometimes several hours a day. It can feel like hours but it is just an hour. ” He explains that he just becomes one with what he is doing. It is a “zen” thing for him. Lamphear says, “Gardeners are the most optimistic people on the planet. Some irises take 20 years to bloom. Who else would wait 20 years for something like that?”

    Among some of Lamphear’s richly diverse representation can just be told by their names: “Sky’s of Italy”, “Compton’s Variety”, “Painter’s Palette”, “Chilean Feather Bamboos”, “Jupiter’s Beard”, “Variegatas” and what may be some people’s favorite this summer: The Viagra Lily (Dracunculus Vulgaris). Humor is part of Lamphear’s gardening.

    Lamphear knows his plants so intimately that he says he understands when they are getting along or “fighting” and says they are truly his children. He states proudly that he knows every plant’s history and name within his garden.

    Lamphear feels gardening is for everyone and states, “Figure out how to focus it. Put the pots together. It’s okay to buy one plant if that’s all you can afford. A limited budget just means more planning.”

    Lamphear feels gardening can be very personal and respects different gardening styles. He says, “You can learn a lot from garden tours: including what NOT to do.”

    The tickets for the Highline Garden Tour are now on sale and are $15 in advance, with group rates of $12 per person if bought in groups of four or more. They are $18 on the day of the tour, and can be purchased at Wild Birds Unlimited, 15858 1st Avenue S, Burien Bark, 13258 1st Avenue S; and Sterling Bank, 224 SW 152nd – all in Burien. The tickets are also available at 206-241-5786. Some of this year’s sponsors are: Wild Birds Unlimited, The Bean, Rodda and Sons Landscaping, Burien Bark, Grand Central Bakery, and Rain City Sewer and Plumbing and are offering coupons and specials.


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