Tucson Weekly: Listings: Gardening (July 31

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.
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.
COMPOST DEMONSTRATION. The Master Composters of the Tucson Organic Gardeners staff a compost demonstration site at the Tucson Botanical Gardens from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. every Saturday to answer your composting questions. Call the Compost Assistance Line at 670-9158; or 883-0377.
DRYLANDS INSTITUTE. The Permaculture Drylands Institute wants to teach you about sustainable living in drylands. They meet the second Tuesday of each month for a community breakfast at 7 a.m. at the Congress Grill, 100 E. Congress St. Call 744-9305 for information.
MASTER GARDENERS. If you are an avid gardener and would like to help others become better gardeners, the Master Gardener program may be your ticket. Beginning in September, the University of Arizona Pima County Cooperative Extension will conduct an intensive training program for residents of Tucson and Green Valley who'd like to become certified as Master Gardners. There are nine training classes from September 16 through November 25. Call the Pima County Cooperative Extension, 626-5161, or write: 4201 N. Campbell Ave., Tucson, AZ 85719, for an application and information. Application deadline is August 15.