Arborfest features sustainable gardening workshops

The J.C. Raulston Arboretum in Raleigh is holding its annual Arborfest on Saturday, April 4 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., and this year's workshop offerings feature several topics of interest to ecologically-minded gardeners. They include the use of compost in ornamental agriculture, composting with worms, organic insect management and rain gardening. There will also be plant vendors offering hard-to-find trees, shrubs, perennials and ornamental grasses. The event is free and open to the public; for more details, visit the Arboretum's website.

(Photo of Magnolia 'Elisa Odenwald' courtesy of the Arboretum's online photograph collection)