Hello all you plant-loving fiends! The Highland Park Garden Club meets this Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to noon at the Union Project. We'd love to see you there. And, guess what our two topics are! That's right: maintenance of your tomato (and pepper, tomatillo and eggplant) followed by what I like to call "Orchids 101" The tomato plant maintenance will include: Proper transplanting; Pests to watch out for and how to control them (organically/naturally); Proper pruning technique to ensure a healthy, vigorous and productive plant; Any other questions you may have about the tomato family. Plus, EVERYONE LEAVES WITH ONE FREE PEAR TOMATO PLANT! Orchids 101: Brief history; Description of various types of orchids; Biology/botany of the flower; Pests and diseases (diagnosis, identification and organical/natural treatment options; How to get the darned thing to bloom again; Proper transplanting technique; Hands-on help with any orchid that YOU bring with you. Doesn't that all sound SWELL? I'll be teaching both classes. My qualifications, you ask? I'm an avid gardener, a horticulturist and I grew orchids as a living for 7 years. When you leave, you will have my email address for any further help or questions. I hope this excites you, that you attend, and that you'll consider joining the garden club. It's just $15/year, and you won't regret it! We do and teach all kinds of things all year long. Thanks, HPers! I wouldn't be so excited about plants if those around me didn't share the passion. Remember: bring your orchid(s) with you! They'll appreciate the excursion, and I'd love to get to know them! Rachel Kudrick