Environmental Stewardship

Get ready to “Kiss Those Rhodies Goodbye” 
Master Gardener Bonnie Orr and Ward Larson, owner of Ward’s Green Thumb grounds-keeping service, will lead three evening workshops on water-conserving landscaping practices in May. You can attend one, two or all! To register for the workshops, call (509) 661-8008 or send an e-mail with your name and phone number stating which workshop(s) you plan to attend.

The workshops are:

• Tuesday, May 6 - Kiss Those Rhodies Goodbye. Featuring popular master gardener and “Dirt Diva” radio personality Bonnie Orr. Designed for former residents of Western Washington who are establishing new homes and landscapes in Chelan County, but good for anyone who wants an introduction to Xeriscape.
• Wednesday, May 14 - Much Ado About Mulch. Bonnie Orr will show participants how to conserve water by preventing evaporation using decorative gravel, bark and other means. Keep weeds down without using chemicals.
• Thursday, May 22 - It's About Timers. Ward Larson, owner of Ward’s Green Thumb groundskeeping service, will unravel the mysteries of irrigation timers and explain how to save money on your water bill by designing the right irrigation system for your landscape.

All workshops are free and start at 7 p.m. in the Chelan County PUD Auditorium, 327 N. Wenatchee Ave.

Orr is known as the “Dirt Diva” for her lively discussions on local radio about working the soil, mulching, composting and planting. She is active in annual Arbor Day events, a key organizer of Master Gardener activities, and a community education instructor at Wenatchee Valley College.

Larson also is involved in the Master Gardener program. He has designed and installed irrigation systems and as the owner of Ward’s Green Thumb, provides grounds maintenance services.