Tuesday
Water Harvesting: From Scarcity to Abundance — Geasa-Marana Library, 13370 N. Lon Adams Road, Marana. Brad Lancaster presents a slide show explaining tools and techniques for implementing sustainable water systems. Lancaster will sign copies of his latest book, “Rainwater Harvesting for Drylands: Water-harvesting Earthworks.” 4-6 p.m. April 10. Free. 682-4216.
The Gardeners of Tucson — City Council Ward 6 meeting room, 3202 E. First St., east of North Country Club Road. Tom McDonald, Ph.D., Tohono Chul Park docent coordinator, talks about “Getting to Know the Scaled Dwellers of Your Garden,” at this regular group meeting. 7:30 p.m., with short business meeting and refreshments following. April 10. Free. 292-0504.

Wednesday

WaterSmart workshops — Pima County Cooperative Extension, 4210 N. Campbell Ave. In “Desert Landscaping,” 9 a.m.-noon, participants learn xeriscape and the use of native and desert-adapted plants in the landscape. The “Water Harvesting” workshop, 1-3 p.m., teaches simple and complex methods to use natural rainfall to offset irrigation. A step-by-step metal culvert installation is presented. Call to reserve a space for each class. Both are held April 11. Free. 626-5161.

Tucson African Violet Society monthly meeting (east) — Far Horizons East, Main Clubhouse, 7570 E. Speedway. Growing and care of African violets and gesneriads are discussed. Supplies and plants are available for sale . Topic is “Show & Tell, Part II,” 9:30-11:30 a.m. April 11. Yearly dues are $20; free first visit. 574-1367.

“Water Harvesting: From Scarcity to Abundance” — Martha Cooper Library, 1377 N. Catalina Ave. Brad Lancaster presents a slide show explaining tools and techniques for implementing sustainable water systems. He will also sign copies of his latest book, “Landscape and “Rainwater Harvesting for Drylands: Water-harvesting Earthworks.” 6-8 p.m. April 11. Free. 791-3257.
“Solar 101: With All the Sun We Have, Let’s Find a Use” — Tucson Botanical Gardens, 2150 N. Alvernon Way. Solar hot water, solar pool heating and solar electric power are available. Find out how these systems work, how they are installed at your home, and how much energy and money you can save. Katharine Kent, president of The Solar Store, leads class. A field trip to the SAHBA Pavilion on the grounds of Tucson Botanical Gardens to see a grid-tie system in operation is also included. Limit 25. Preregistration requested. 6:30-8:30 p.m. April 11. $15; $12 TBG members. 326-9686, Ext. 10.

Thursday

Tucson African Violet Society monthly meeting (northwest) — The Inn at the Fountains Retirement Complex, 5830 N. Fountains Ave. Group discusses the growing and care of African violets and gesneriads. Supplies and plants available for sale each meeting. Topic is “Show & Tell, Part II,” 2:30-4:30 p.m. April 12. Yearly dues are $20; free first visit. 574-1367.
“Native Tucson Cacti” — Tucson Botanical Gardens, 2150 N. Alvernon Way. Talk is given by Matt Johnson, curator and manager of the Desert Legume Program and author of “Cacti, Other Succulents and Unusual Xerophytes of Southern Arizona.” Learn about the many distinctive plants in the Sonoran Desert region. Slide presentation and information on their biology, ecology, and landscape use and care are also featured. Preregistration recommended. 7-9 p.m. April 12. $15; $12 TBG members. 326-9686, Ext. 10.

Saturday

Carnival of Roses — Trinity Presbyterian Church, 400 E. University Blvd. Southern Arizona gardeners display and sell their roses. Competition includes: coordinating all entries, 6-9:30 a.m.; judging activities, 10 a.m.-noon; and show and sale, 1-4:30 p.m. Open to the public. Tucson Rose Society members will answer questions. 6 a.m. April 14. Free. 797-7890.
Gourdjess Gourds and Garden Fundraiser — La Pilita Museum, 420 S. Main Ave. Fundraiser featuring gourds as masks, birdhouses and pure art decorated by artists of different genres inspired by the shape and texture of the gourd. The gourds will be on display and for sale in the gallery and garden, along with many creatively potted plants. All proceeds benefit the museum and the children’s programs. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. April 14. Free. 882-7454.
• Out of Town
27th annual Green Valley Garden Tour — Visit six varied, private gardens in the “heart of Green Valley” on this self-guided tour. Tickets are available at the East Recreation Center, 7 S. Abrego Drive, beginning at 8 a.m. Vendors at a Garden Fair include educational booths, fresh produce, silent auction and food. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. home tour; 9 a.m.-4 p.m. garden fair. April 14. $10 for garden tour tickets; free fair admission. Call for advance ticket information. 393-7680.
• Compiled by Cina Fell. Find more calendar listings at dailystarcalendar.com.

source : www.azstarnet.com