The Secret Life of Trees – Durham Garden Forum
Tuesday, May 15, 6:30pm – 8:00pm
Sarah P. Duke Gardens
420 Anderson St, Durham, NC 27708
An informal group independent of Sarah P. Duke Gardens, the Durham Garden Forum meets once a month to enrich its members’ gardening knowledge and skill. This month we’ll consider how it is possible for trees to thrive in so many different situations: dry, wet, wind-swept, cold and more. Find out what we know about the strategies and techniques trees use to survive.

Instructor: Jan Little, director of education and public programs, Duke Gardens.
Location: Doris Duke Center.
Fee: $10 per meeting for non-members. Walk-ins welcome with no pre-registration at $10 per lecture. Memberships may be purchased at any lecture. Forum members free with annual $25 membership, payable to Durham Garden Forum.

Native Bees – Sarah P Duke Gardens
Thursday, May 17, 6:30pm – 8:00pm
Sarah P. Duke Gardens
420 Anderson St, Durham, NC 27708
Description:Presentation by Chris Apple

Honey bees are only part of the pollination story! Learn from Chris about bees that are native to our area and the role they play in our food supply. Chris will also discuss how to encourage native bees in your garden.
Free. Registration required. Call (919) 668-1707 or email: gardenseducation@duke.edu

More Fun, Less Pain Gardening – For Garden’s Sake
Saturday, May 19, 10:00am – 12:00pm
For Garden’s Sake
9197 NC-751, Durham, NC 27713
Description:Gardening is the number one pastime in the U.S. so it should not be surprising that more than 400,000 outdoor garden tool-related injuries are treated in emergency rooms each year. This talk discusses “on the job” injuries that gardeners may sustain and physical preparations to help avoid stress injuries. There will be recommendations and demonstrations of ergonomic tools to make gardening chores easier including online sources.
Presenters: Dr. John Harrelson, Charles Murphy, Durham County Extension Master Gardeners
Registration is required, by email ann@fgsnursery.com or call 919-484-9759 ext. 1.

Shade Gardening – Durham Garden Center
Saturday, May 19, 10:00am – 12:00pm
Durham Garden Center
4536 Hillsborough Rd, Durham, NC 27705
Description:Instead of looking at the “shadow-zone” as a problem, it’s time to see it as an asset. This presentation will introduce you to the factors that allow certain plants to adapt to shade and will suggest a variety of plants that will fill your shady landscape with lush foliage and great color variations.
Registration Required. Sign up here: http://www.durhamgardencenternc.com/workshops/