Tucson Weekly: Listings: Gardening (August 21

GARDENING
BOTANICAL GARDENS. The Tucson Botanical Gardens, 2150 N. Alvernon Way, are open daily from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Enjoy summer in the shade at the Botanical Gardens. Visitors are encouraged to bring a breakfast picnic and enjoy the shade of the grapefruit arbor and the huge mesquite trees. The Tropical Exhibit is a great place to see tropical fish and blooming exotic plants; and there is something in bloom all summer long throughout the garden's shady paths. Families can enjoy TBG mornings with a free Children's Discovery Guide, a fun-filled booklet filled with hands-on ways to discover native plants. Regular admission to the gardens is $4, $3 for seniors, and free for members and children under 12. Early-bird admission special between 7:30 and 8:30 a.m. is just $1. Call 326-9255 for information.
DOCENT CALL. The Tucson Botanical Gardens is accepting applications for the Fall Docent Training Class, a 10-week course for volunteers, beginning in September. Sessions cover low-water landscaping, tropical forests, herb and vegetable gardening, and planting to attract birds. After the training, volunteers may choose from several areas of service. TBG is especially in need of individuals interested in conducting general tours of the gardens for children and adults. Call 326-9686, ext. 23, for information.
Listings CASA DEL AGUA. 4366 N. Stanley Place. The Casa del Agua is a demonstration and education project operated by Arid Lands Studies at the University of Arizona. It's a demonstration and education project that includes information about indoor water conservation, xeriscape, rainwater harvesting, and graywater systems. Free tours are offered on the hour from noon to 4 p.m. Sundays, excluding holidays. Call 887-1185 to arrange for special student and group presentations.
GARDENING DEMONSTRATIONS. The following free demonstrations are given at 9 a.m. Wednesday at the Extension Garden Center, 4210 N. Campbell Ave.: On August 27 find out what you need to do for fresh fall veggies with Fall Vegetable Gardening--Getting Ready. The last part of the meeting takes time to look at samples of plants brought in for identification, diagnosis, and treatment. Demonstrations are held in the open and last about one hour. Call 626-5161 for information.
HOME & GARDEN TOUR. The Permaculture Drylands Institute presents a Permaculture Home & Garden Tour from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, August 30. Tour covers four permaculturally designed residences in varying degrees of completion. In addition to being a home and garden tour, this is also an excellent opportunity to learn more about permaculture: passive solar water and space heating, rainwater harvesting, greywater systems, organic gardens, solar cooking, and earth- and straw-bale construction. Cost is $45, $50 after August 24, and includes lunch and refreshments. Pre-registration is required. Ask about the upcoming Introduction to Permaculture course beginning in September. Call Brad Lancaster at 882-9443, or Barbara Rose at 744-9305, for registration and information.
PERMACULTURE BREAKFAST. The Permaculture Drylands Institute wants to teach you about sustainable