Home and garden calendar, October 14

Saturday, October 14, 2006

• Pumpkin Planter Workshop - Celebrate autumn by planting a seasonal container with flowering plants; bring your own pumpkin and carving tools. 10 to 11:30 a.m. today, Echter's Garden Center, 9170 W. 52nd Ave. Reservations required. 303-424-7979. $20

• Beginners Orchid Class - Learn how to grow orchids successfully in Colorado's climate, 10 a.m. today, Paulino Gardens, 6300 Broadway. 303-429-8062. $20 to cover materials

• The Highlands Ranch Community Association's annual Fall Craft Show - 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. today and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Recreation Center at Eastridge, 9568 S. University Blvd. 303-791-8958

• Free day at the Gardens - for Colorado residents at the Denver Botanic Gardens, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, thanks to funding provided by the SCFD. Visitors will see late- blooming perennials, as well as a variety of deciduous trees draped in their fall colors, 1005 York St. 720-865-3500

• Office Houseplants for Winter - Learn about the best indoor plant varieties for offices in the winter, those tolerant of dry air, artificial light and cooler temperatures, noon to 1 p.m. Wednesday, Tagawa Garden Center & Florist, 7711 S. Parker Road. 303-690-4722 Ext. 101

• "Gardening in Colorado" - This new brochure has been published by the Colorado State University Cooperative Extension master gardeners in Larimer County to assist homeowners with things they need to know before starting to garden. Topics include soil testing, soil amendment, mulches, irrigation management, xeriscaping and water gardening. The brochure costs $5 and can be obtained by calling 1-970-498-6000.

Send calendar items to Elaine Goodman, Rocky Mountain News, 101 W. Colfax Ave., Denver, CO 80202; fax 303-954-5407; or e-mail spotlight@RockyMountainNews.com.