garden calendar

Iris Garden - Fridays through Sundays, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. thru month of June, with 2500 varieties of iris. 40 miles north of the Y, 200 N. Quail Ave., Newport. Free. 447-2552.

Backyard Bird & Plant Fair – Hosted by Firwood Wholesale Nursery. Lots of vendors, learn how to provide habitat for watchable wildlife, guided tours of a naturalized landscape, info from clubs and organizations. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday-Sunday. Firwood Wholesale Nursery, 8403 W. Burroughs Road, Deer Park. 276-8069.

Carousel of Iris – Annual Iris show – See hundreds of iris in a rainbow of colors and sizes. Sponsored by The Inland Empire Iris Society and The Town & Country Iris Society. Saturday, 10 a.m.-9 p.m., and Sunday, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Spokane Valley Mall, center court, 14700 E. Indiana. Free. 535-8025.

Gardening with Ornamentals - Classes include “Annuals and Perennials,” “Plant Propagation,” “Container Gardening” and “Ornamental Shrubs.” Learn the best plants for the area, methods to start your own plants or ways to extend the growing season. Taught by experienced Washington State University Master Gardener Volunteers, each class is full of tips and techniques learned through experience and supported by university research. Pre-registration is recommended as class size is limited. Held Thursdays, 6:00 to 8:00 pm, June 9 and 23, July 7 and 21. June 9. County Extension Education Center, 222 N. Havana. $10/class, $35/series. 477-2048.

UI Arboretum Associates Plant Sale – Close to 400 established hosts of numerous varieties have been gathered, also with trees, shrubs and grasses offered. Proceeds benefit the continued development of the 63-acre Arboretum and Botanical Garden off Nez Perce Drive on the University of Idaho campus. Saturday. 9 a.m.-noon, Skating Rink, Latah County Fairgrounds, Moscow. (208) 885-4000.

Garden Photography Workshop – With Portland photographer Allan Mandell. Hosted by The Inland Empire Gardeners, emphasis will be on seeing rather than technical aspects; participants are expected to be familiar with their equipment. Both film and digital-based cameras are fine; the work will be critiqued the same day at a potluck gathering. Everyone welcome. June 10. Spokane. $60. 535-8434.

Colville Area Garden Tour – Eight private gardens, some in town and some rural. Gardening art available for viewing and purchase; Master Gardeners available to share ideas and solve garden dilemmas. Admission includes directions to all eight gardens. Ticket booklets available in advance or day of event at Wynne Street Nursery, Happy’s Hallmark, Hedrick’s Floral and the Chamber of Commerce, all in downtown Colville. Proceeds benefit American Association of University Women’s Educational Foundation. 10 a.m.-4 p.m., June 11. Colville. $10/person. 684-6878.

Friends of Manito Annual Spring Perennial Sale – Perennials, grass, herb and houseplants. Open to the public. 10 a.m.-4 p.m., June 18. Manito Park maintenance yard, east of Gaiser Conservatory. Free admission. 456-8038.

Perennial, Grass, Herb and Houseplant Sale – Hosted by the Friends of Manito. 10 a.m.-4 p.m., June 18. Manito Park, maintenance yard, east of Gaiser conservatory, 4 W. 21st. 456-8038.

Home and Garden Tour – Sponsored by Holy Trinity Chapel to raise funds for a new roof. Tour includes three homes and three gardens.11 a.m.-3 p.m., June 25. Tour begins at Holy Trinity Chapel, corner of Bridge and Alder, Palouse. $15. 878-1826.

Friends of Manito Fall Perennial Plant Sale – Open to the public. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. September 10. Manito Park maintenance yard, east of Gaiser Conservatory. free admission. 456-8038.