Get outside and get busy

With our basic spring cleanup done, its time to celebrate spring by taking advantage of local gardening events, festivals and classes:

Time for Garden of the Month

If you are proud of your garden and want some bragging rights to prove it, then its time to enter the annual Garden of the Month contest. Each month between May and August one Spokane garden will be chosen by judges from the Inland Empire Gardeners for the honor. The contest is also sponsored by Northwest Seed and Pet and The Spokesman Review. Entry forms and pictures are due by the 15th of May, June, July and August and can be picked up at Northwest Seed and Pet at 2422 E. Sprague Ave. and 7302 N. Division St.

Garden and feel good about it

On Saturday Group Health and St. Luke’s Rehab Institute will team up with WSU Spokane County Master Gardeners for Gardening for Good Health: Making the Most of Small Spaces. Gardening is good for the mind, body and spirit even if it’s in the smaller spaces of patios, decks or terraces, and condo rooftops. This event will let you explore the many ways to garden even when space, time and abilities aren’t always perfect. There will be special activities for kids. Events take place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Spokane County Extension Education Center, 222 N. Havana St.

Spring sale at Manito

Need plants for that garden. Then head for Manito Park on April 28 and 29 for the Spokane Associated Garden Club’s annual plant sale at the Manito Education Building east of the conservatory. There will be lots of annuals and perennials, even houseplants to brighten your garden and yard. Proceeds from the sale fund a variety of garden related projects of the club. April 28 time is 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and April 29 is 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Ready, set, rhubarb

In early May, rhubarb is king in the garden. The folks at the CREATE Place in Newport, Wash., will be celebrating this early garden treat at their Rhubarb Festival on May 5. The Pend Oreille Master Gardeners will dedicate their waterwise demonstration garden. There will be a silent birdhouse auction demonstrations of garden arts and crafts and baked goods featuring what else – rhubarb. Dan Maher, a well-known folk musician will perform at 7 p.m. Events take place from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the CREATE Place, 900 W. Fourth in Newport.

Be water wise

If you want to learn more about using water wisely then join the Department of Ecology, the City of Spokane and WSU Spokane County Extension April 28 for Waterwise Gardening and May 5 for Waterwise Watering. This will be an opportunity to learn about plants and landscaping and sprinkler system management techniques to reduce water use. Participants will receive free water conservation kits. Both classes will run 10 a.m. to noon at the Spokane County Extension Education Center, 222 N. Havana. Cost is $10 per class. To register, call 509 477-2048.