What’s happening

Last week I noted that home and garden events were beginning to creep back onto the Inland Northwest’s social calendar. This week there’s a veritable explosion of fun stuff happening.

-Let’s start with a fundraiser for Slow Food’s Spokane River convivium . The group will be selling new and used kitchen, garden and dining items at Thomas Hammer Coffee company’s headquarters, 210 W. Pacific Ave., in downtown Spokane. 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday. For more information, e-mail lavendarlaver@hotmail.com. Free admission.

Two big craft fairs are happening this weekend, too.

-Spokane Community College’s Spring Arts, Crafts & Food Show runs Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Proceeds support student scholarships and leadership activities run through the school’s environmental science club. 1810 N. Greene St. (509) 533-7216. Free admission.

-Custer’s is holding its annual spring arts and craft fair at the Spokane Fair & Expo Center this weekend, too. There will be 300 artists selling their work, so hit the cash machine, bring a big shopping bag and wear comfortable shoes. Friday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. $6 for a weekend pass.

-For you gardeners out there—or budding gardeners—The Washington State University Spokane County Extension office is kicking off its Saturday beginning gardening teaching series . This Saturday’s topic is “soil and basic gardening practices.” March 14 will cover “growing vegetables.” March 21 is about “easy flowers.” And the series ends March 28 with information on “lawn and garden maintenance.” I took a similar series there a few years ago and couldn’t believe how valuable it was. 222 N. Havana St., 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. (509) 477-2048. $10 per class or $35 for the series.

-And this last event makes me wish I lived closer to Pullman. Living in the Gardens , a unique garden center on the Palouse, is holding ” Sweet on Spring ,” a flower and garden show, in its heated conservatory on Saturday. In addition to plants, the event features locally made goodness from Cowgirl Chocolates , vintage furniture from Spokane’s Calamity Jane (she usually sells her goods at the Trellis Marketplace in Spokane Valley) and pillows by Perpetual Pillows .

Is today really only Tuesday?