If you've driven down Foster in the last few days, you may have noticed that the vacant lot at 73rd is ripe with color and the scent of peat moss.

Folks may recall that the local A-Boy Hardware chain was about to go out of business last year. Well, uh... something happened and they're not. And now they've taken over a piece of the former Metro Auto property to use as an open-air nursery, selling plants and garden stuff.

Apparently it's envisioned as a permanent thing, though of course that depends on whether it makes any money. Now, I'm no sort of gardener, but I know many in Fopo like to dig in the dirt, so perhaps in future some will try buying their dirt from this local business.

"After its second year of resounding success, the Foster-Powell neighborhood will be hosting the Third Annual GARDEN TOUR on Saturday, June 19, 2010, 10 am to 2 pm.  We are currently in the process of assembling a cornucopia of beautiful yards for our neighbors to enjoy.  To fully appreciate the unique attributes each yard has to offer,  this year we hope to highlight several different types of garden designs, including those enjoyed as “Traditional Gardens” (yards that highlight traditional landscaping techniques, such as lawn and maintained shrubbery); “Naturescaped Gardens” (yards that highlight native or low-water plants); “Edible Gardens” (yards that include fruit, vegetable or “animal” components – YUM!); and “Artistic Gardens” (gardens that highlight the eclectic artist hiding in each of us). 

If you live in the Foster-Powell neighborhood (bounded by Foster Road and Powell Boulevard to the south and north, and between SE 50

Hey, since we're on a gardening kick, here's another upcoming event in SE PDX...

I have my hands full with too many summer projects as it is, what with the rock band, the garden, the random fix-up projects from garage sales.  If you're still looking for something to keep you busy this summer, here are two ideas:

Sustainable Homes Professional - Building Science Fundamentals Module 2

This 2-day class provides an exploration of the fundamental laws that govern the dynamic flows within a building in order to understand the interconnectedness of house systems. These fundamentals are necessary tools to use when making design, construction, and operation decisions that affect the sustainability of projects. This class enables you to: comprehend the natural laws that drive the thermal, air, and moisture flows within a house; develop strategies for analyzing how dynamic flows affect the performance of a house; and explore the importance of place and its impacts on building performance, occupant health, well-being, and resource efficiency. The second day of class includes site visits that... (more)

IMHO, SE PDX is the city's secret garden epicenter.  (FYI, I <3 acronyms.)  My evidence:  1) The City's nursery is right next to Mt. Tabor. 2) A walk around the block usually reveals at least a half dozen incredibly beautiful yards.  Green Thumbs abound here. 3) All the best nurseries are out here, if you ask me.  Lucky for us Gardenistas, the Communuty Transition Center is having a Summer Plant Sale next week! Bonus: Sounds like it's for a great cause. Here's the 411:

Hello Gardeners and Plant Lovers! It's that time of year again for the Community Transition Center Greenhouse Hanging Basket, Tomato, and Summer Plant Sale! The sale runs from May 4th-8th from 8:30am-3:00pm at 6801 SE 60th, just south of Duke St. in Greenhouse #1. We've got LOADS of gorgeous, organically-cared for plants for sale including:

• Hanging flower baskets $15
• Tomatoes, 1 gallon, 17 assorted varieties (!) $2
• Ornamental grasses, spider plant, tradescantia, 4” pot $1.50
• Zucchini, cucumbers (3 varieties)...

At the 22nd annual neighborhood Fix It Fair, experts will provide FREE information on home and personal health, utility bill savings, financial concerns, and gardening. Here are a couple of the classes being offered:

All Season Cycling Learn how to repair a flat tire, and stay dry and safe while biking all year round. 11:00 AM

Snooping Out Air Leaks Find out how professionals locate air leaks, and learn how to put their techniques to use in your home. 11:00 AM

Create a Budget That Works Lessen the impact of the economic crisis by learning how to budget, save money, and reduce debt. 1:00 PM

Converting Lawn To Garden Change the All-American Lawn into Perfectly-PDX raised garden beds. No registration required. All classes are FREE. Call 503-823-4309 with requests for auxiliary aids/services for persons with disabilities.

All classes are presented by the City of Portland and the Office of Sustainability. See the full fair schedule here. All events held at Lent School, 5105 SE 97th Ave. On TriMet, catch bus #... (more)