Home and garden news, upcoming events

<p>SEBASTOPOL: Seminar on capturing rainwater</p><p>If you're interested in learning how to capture rainwater, now is the time to get started, while there still might be some raindrops on their way.</p><p>Harmony Farm Supply is offering a two-hour seminar on March 2 introducing the basics of collecting, storing and using rain water. The class will cover the best tank for your property, how much rainwater you can collect on a typical North Bay house, how to safely store the water, the best ways to install a rain tank and different methods to use the water on your garden.</p><p>There will be a number of rain barrels, tanks and accessories on display and an opportunity to ask questions about this ancient water-collection method using modern materials.</p><p>The class will be presented by Bruce Hallinan, accreditedwith the American Rain Catchment Systems Association.</p><p>Hallinan has installed dozens of rainwater harvesting systems around the Bay Area, inspired by the recent explosion in rain collection in his native Australia.</p><p>Classes are limited to 30 so registration is advised (visit the old website at harmonyfarmsupply.com.) 10 a.m. to noon. 3244 Gravenstein Highway N., Sebastopol. 823-9125 or harmonyfarm.com.</p><p>SANTA ROSA: UC Davis soils expert free talk</p><p>Sonoma ecologist and soils expert Susan Harrison will talk about California's serpentine soil Feb. 19 as part of the California Native Plant Society's "Third Tuesday Program.</p><p>Harrison, who is on the faculty at U.C. Davis, heads a lab that investigates the ecology of plant species and communities on California's serpentine soils. She is studying how fire, grazing, natural climatic variations and human-caused climate change may affect the species that thrive in serpentine soil.</p><p>The talk is free and sponsored by the local Milo Baker Chapter of the California Native Plant Society. 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Luther Burbank Art and Garden Center, 2050 Yulupa Ave., Santa Rosa. For more on the society visit milobaker.cnps.org.</p><p>HEALDSBURG: 'Monetize' stuff you don't want</p><p>Is your garage too packed to park your car? Is it increasingly dangerous to open your closet doors? Do you feel overwhelmed with clutter? Are you planning a move? Are you paying to store stuff you don't use?</p><p>In the new parlance of business, "monetize" your stuff by consigning it.</p><p>ReHealdsburg, a monthly pop-up showroom featuring quality used and antique furniture, decorative items and accents for the home, is seeking items for consignment.</p><p>Modern, contemporary, traditional, unusual and unique items for the home and garden are all being considered.</p><p>Email photos of items you would like to consign to rehealdsburg@gmail.com. Include as much identifying information as possible, such as brand or manufacturer, construction material (wood, metal, etc.), original price and date of purchase. ReHealdsburg can schedule a preview appointment in your home.</p><p>Once items have been approved and a price established, bring the items to the showroom, where they will be staged. Consignors will receive 60 percent of each item sold. Items will be featured in three consecutive sale events, although the price might be reduced by 15 percent if it doesn't sell the first time.</p><p>Home designers, dealers, stagers and real estate frequent the sales. For information visit rehealdsburg.com.</p><p>SEBASTOPOL: 'Gopher Guy' holds workshop</p><p>Gregg Crawford, "The Gopher Guy," will show you how to reclaim your garden from underground thieves on Feb. 16 at Harmony Farm Supply and Nursery.</p><p>Crawford, who has trapped thousands of gophers in his day, will demonstrate how to set his modified Cinch gopher trap for best results.</p><p>The hands-on workshop is from 10 a.m. to noon and will be repeated March 9 and 30. 3244 Gravenstein Highway N., Sebastopol. 823-9125 harmonyfarmsupply.com.</p><p>HEALDSBURG: Master Gardeners share their wisdom</p><p>The Sonoma County Master Gardeners have a full line-up of educational workshops scheduled for various libraries throughout the county on Saturdays.</p><p>All the talks are held from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and are free. For information call 565-2608 or visit sonomacountymastergardeners.org.</p><p>Tomatoes for Beginners: Learn the basics of growing good tomatoes, from starting seed to harvest, as well as the different varieties of tomatoes and their characteristics. Saturday (Feb. 16), Healdsburg Regional Library, 139 Piper St., Healdsburg.</p><p>SONOMA: Learn about olives from Don Landis</p><p>Don Landis leads two "Olive Odysseys" Feb. 16 and 17 at Jacuzzi Family Vineyards south of Sonoma. The free event is an olive immersion, with experts on hand to answer questions about growing, harvesting and curing olives. There will also be olives, olive oils and olive-based foods, as well as olive-inspired art from photographers, painters, ceramicists and jewelers. 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. 24724 Arnold Dr., Sonoma. 931-7575.</p><p>SANTA ROSA: Travel writer talks about gardens</p><p>Travel writer Yvonne Michie Horn will reprise her Powerpoint presentation featuring eight of her favorite gardens in the world, during a free talk before the Santa Rosa Garden Club Feb. 25.</p><p>Horn, a gardener herself, travels the world searing out gardens with interesting stories or that are singularly placed or reflect the passions of their creators.</p><p>The talk begins at 1:30 p.m. and is open to non-members. 2050 Yulupa Ave., Santa Rosa. 537-6885 or gardenclubevents@ yahoo.com.</p>