Water Gardens Series Is Offered

In recent years, the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden has put on weekend seminars on important and timely garden topics. Water is the focus this year.

“Water in the California Garden--From Inspiration to Installation” begins with a workshop from 1 to 4 p.m. July 18. This will be a “roll up your sleeves” course on building and stocking a water garden.

On July 19, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., there will be a series of noted speakers, including John Brooks, an author and English designer; Russell Beatty, a California designer; James van Sweden, who has pioneered a new look in water gardens; Richard Turner, garden designer and new editor of Pacific Horticulture; and Rick Stone and Anita Nelson, experts on planting water gardens.

On July 20, from 8:45 a.m. to 4 p.m., there will be a tour of five outstanding water gardens in the Santa Barbara area.

The workshop costs $59, the lectures are $124 and the tour costs $134. Or all three can be purchased for $254.

Information: (805) 682-4726, Ext. 102.