Volunteers are needed to help with two upcoming invasive plant removal work parties – the first at Walker Preserve Saturday, Feb. 18 and the second at a stream in Burien Monday, Feb. 27.

Donuts, along with gloves and tools, will be provided, and workers are asked to bring:

• Your enthusiasm
• Clothing that will protect you from the rain and blackberry thorns
• Filled water bottle
• Gloves if you have them
• Pruners

Here are the specific details:

WHAT: Walker Preserve Invasive Plant Removal

WHEN Saturday, February 18, 2012, 9:30 a.m. – Noon

WHERE: SW 168th Street and 2nd Ave SW in Normandy Park, up the road from Normandy Park City Hall.  If driving, your parking options include:

• Three spaces in the small lot at SW 171st St. and Second Ave. S.W.
• On the street along SW. 168th St.

INFO: Stewardship Purpose: Improve habitat along the stream by removing non-native, invasive plants.

Activities:

• Seek out English ivy and remove it from trees and pull roots out of the ground.
• Seek out Himalayan blackberry plants, cut them back, and then dig out the root balls.

RSVP:  See below for what to bring and how to sign up.

The second event:

WHAT: Streamside Invasive Plant Removal in Burien.

WHEN: Monday, February 27, 9:00 am – 11:30 a.m.

INFO: Neighbors will meet at SW 158th Street near 7th Ave SW to remove ivy from trees along the stream.  This stream is a tributary to Miller Creek, which supports spawning coho and chum salmon. Please park along the street.

IMPORTANT NOTE:  There are no restrooms at either site.

CONTACT/INFO: Elissa Ostergaard, elissa.ostergaard@kingcounty.gov, 206-296-1909 (Day of event only: 206-707-6549)

Also, check the Volunteer Event Calendar for other stewardship opportunities in the basin.

These stewardship projects are a joint effort of the City of Normandy Park, the City of Burien, the City of Seatac, King County, the Port of Seattle, and the Miller and Walker Creeks Stewardship program.

Summer may or may not actually be ‘here’ yet to us humans, but regardless, plants are still growing, bugs are still invading, and you’ve probably got some questions you’d like answered.

Did you know that there are local “Master Gardeners” in Burien with gardening and pest control expertise who can answer your questions for no charge?

These free clinics are offered at either BTB Advertiser Herr Backyard Garden Center (107 SW 160th in Burien; 206-242-2014) or the main Burien Library during July.

The clinics are conducted by volunteer experts who are all trained by Washington State University.

Here are this month’s remaining clinics:

Wednesday, July 27: Burien Master Gardener Clinic 5 p.m. – 8 p.m. at Burien Library, 400 SW 152nd St, Burien
Get answers to general gardening questions, learn about proper plant selection, bring a sample of a diseased plant for diagnosis and treatment recommendations, have an insect identified. Learn the least toxic ways to treat diseases and pests. This service is free.

Saturday, July 30th: Burien Master Gardener Clinic- 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. at Burien Library, 400 SW 152nd St, Burien. Get answers to general gardening questions, learn about proper plant selection, bring a sample of a diseased plant for diagnosis and treatment recommendations, and have an insect identified. Learn the least toxic ways to treat diseases and pests. This service is free.

Saturday, July 30th: Burien Master Gardener Clinic- 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., at Herr Garden Center, 107 SW 160th Street, Burien.
Get answers to general gardening questions, learn about proper plant selection, bring a sample of a diseased plant for diagnosis and treatment recommendations, and have an insect identified. Learn the least toxic ways to treat diseases and pests. This service is free.

Advertiser and friend of the blog Zenith Holland Gardens will be open Friday, Saturday and Sunday this coming weekend, Fathers Day weekend.

“It’s always the best plant sale in the South end, all season long,” says Lyn Robinson of Zenith Holland, which is located just south of downtown Des Moines.

Established in 1907, Zenith Holland is the oldest continually operated business in Des Moines, specializing in quality plants ranging from hardy perennials to culinary herbs, colorful annuals, sedums, ground covers and hanging baskets.

“We always have wonderful hanging baskets ready to leave the greenhouse and head to new homes,” Lyn said. “In fact, the hanging baskets adorning the City of Burien were planted right here at Zenith Holland.

“Dads like vegetables. Check out our fresh cucumbers and lettuce plants. Our hanging tomato baskets are just $15, or two for $25.”

"Dads like vegetables!"

Zenith Holland Gardens is easy to find:

• Head south through downtown Des Moines on Marine View Drive.
• You’ll pass the Red Robin restaurant on your right. Stay in the right lane, curving gently up the hill, past the Taco Time on your left.
• About a quarter mile up you’ll see Zenith Holland’s entry point wooden sign on your left.

Along with the usual cash, Visa and Mastercard, Zenith Holland also takes personal checks.

Fathers Day Weekend Hours:

• Friday 9am to 5pm
• Saturday 9am to 5pm
• Sunday 10am to 5pm

Also, be sure to “Like” them on Facebook here: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Zenith-Holland-Gardens

Here is a recent testimonial which popped up on Zenith Holland’s Facebook page a few days ago:

“The flowers and plants we got from your Gardens are great! Thanks!”

After Father’s Day, Zenith Holland will be open Saturdays through the summer 9am to 5pm.

“Look for our signs for the occasional Sunday open,” tipped Lyn.

Zenith Holland Gardens
23260 Marine View Drive South
Des Moines, WA 98198
Phone 206-878-7002

Spring is bloomin’, and if your garden is anything like ours, it’s likely exploding with leaves, flowers, pollen (achoo!) and yes, even weird icky bugs you’ve never seen before, and you’ve probably got some questions.

Did you know that there are local “Master Gardeners” in Burien with gardening and pest control expertise who can answer your questions for no charge?

These free clinics are offered at either BTB Advertiser Herr Backyard Garden Center (107 SW 160th in Burien; 206-242-2014) or the main Burien Library on Saturdays during May.

The clinics are conducted by volunteer experts who are all trained by Washington State University.

Here are this month’s remaining clinics:

Wednesday, June 8
Burien Master Gardener Clinic 5 p.m. – 8 p.m. at Burien Library, 400 SW 152nd St, Burien Get answers to general gardening questions, learn about proper plant selection, bring a sample of a diseased plant for diagnosis and treatment recommendations, have an insect identified. Learn the least toxic ways to treat diseases and pests. This service is free.

Saturday, June 11
Burien Master Gardener Clinic- 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. at Burien Library, 400 SW 152nd St, Burien. Get answers to general gardening questions, learn about proper plant selection, bring a sample of a diseased plant for diagnosis and treatment recommendations, and have an insect identified. Learn the least toxic ways to treat diseases and pests. This service is free.

Saturday, June 11
Burien Master Gardener Clinic- 1 p.m. – 4 p.m., at Herr Garden Center, 107 SW 160th Street, Burien. Get answers to general gardening questions, learn about proper plant selection, bring a sample of a diseased plant for diagnosis and treatment recommendations, and have an insect identified. Learn the least toxic ways to treat diseases and pests. This service is free.

Wednesday, June 15
Burien Master Gardener Clinic 5 p.m. – 8 p.m. at Burien Library, 400 SW 152nd St, Burien Get answers to general gardening questions, learn about proper plant selection, bring a sample of a diseased plant for diagnosis and treatment recommendations, have an insect identified. Learn the least toxic ways to treat diseases and pests. This service is free.

Saturday, June 18
Burien Master Gardener Clinic- 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. at Burien Library, 400 SW 152nd St, Burien. Get answers to general gardening questions, learn about proper plant selection, bring a sample of a diseased plant for diagnosis and treatment recommendations, and have an insect identified. Learn the least toxic ways to treat diseases and pests. This service is free.

Saturday, June 18
Burien Master Gardener Clinic- 1 p.m. – 4 p.m., at Herr Garden Center, 107 SW 160th Street, Burien. Get answers to general gardening questions, learn about proper plant selection, bring a sample of a diseased plant for diagnosis and treatment recommendations, and have an insect identified. Learn the least toxic ways to treat diseases and pests. This service is free.

Wednesday, June 22
Burien Master Gardener Clinic 5 p.m. – 8 p.m. at Burien Library, 400 SW 152nd St, Burien Get answers to general gardening questions, learn about proper plant selection, bring a sample of a diseased plant for diagnosis and treatment recommendations, have an insect identified. Learn the least toxic ways to treat diseases and pests. This service is free.

Saturday, June 25
Burien Master Gardener Clinic- 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. at Burien Library, 400 SW 152nd St, Burien. Get answers to general gardening questions, learn about proper plant selection, bring a sample of a diseased plant for diagnosis and treatment recommendations, and have an insect identified. Learn the least toxic ways to treat diseases and pests. This service is free.

Saturday, June 25
Burien Master Gardener Clinic- 1 p.m. – 4 p.m., at Herr Garden Center, 107 SW 160th Street, Burien. Get answers to general gardening questions, learn about proper plant selection, bring a sample of a diseased plant for diagnosis and treatment recommendations, and have an insect identified. Learn the least toxic ways to treat diseases and pests. This service is free.

Wednesday, June 29
Burien Master Gardener Clinic 5 p.m. – 8 p.m. at Burien Library, 400 SW 152nd St, Burien Get answers to general gardening questions, learn about proper plant selection, bring a sample of a diseased plant for diagnosis and treatment recommendations, have an insect identified. Learn the least toxic ways to treat diseases and pests. This service is free.

Sustainable Burien’s next meeting will focus on native plants, and will be held from 2pm – 4pm on Sunday, June 12th at the Burien library.

“Our June speaker is Jean Spohn, who will show us how native plants have evolved together to nourish and sustain the soil, the air and all of the native animals that live in the Pacific Northwest,” reads a press release. “She will show photos and bring some native plants with her to the presentation.”

Jean is a Board Member and Program Chair for the Environmental Science Center, a member of City of Burien Parks and Recreation Advisory Board, a Volunteer Steward for Salmon Creek Ravine through City of Burien’s Adopt-a-Park program, and a Land and Watershed Steward.

“Bring your questions about gardening with native plants. There may be adoptable native plants available.”

Here are the details:

WHAT: Sustainable Burien’s monthly meeting.

WHEN: Sunday, June 12th at 2:00 p.m. (doors open at 1:30 p.m.)

WHERE: Burien library, located at 400 SW 152nd Street.

INFO: Please call Rebecca or Bill at 243-9366 if there are questions.

From their website:

Sustainable Burien is an organization started in January of 2008. We recognize the need to promote and participate in the creation of a sustainable community in Burien. We invite all residents and businesses to participate in creating a sustainable local community by sharing their ideas, passions, knowledge and talents.

At our meetings we will be collecting burned out CFL (Compact Fluorescent Light) bulbs and dead rechargable batteries. People are welcome to bring any extra food items [produce from your garden, fruit from your trees, etc.] that they have and barter with others. Also bring any coupons for food that you get in the mail or from the newspaper, we’ll pass them on to the food bank, who can make good use of them.

For more information, go to: http://www.sustainableburien.org.

Volunteers are needed for a work party from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. this Saturday, May 21st, at Burien’s Arbor Lake, where they will assist in removing invasive, non-native plants.

Here’s more from a flier:

What will the volunteers do?
Volunteers are improving the health of Arbor Lake by removing invasive, non-native plants. During work parties in November, February and March we removed three-quarters of the unwanted plants along the shoreline. Our task on May 21 will be to remove Himalayan blackberry at the northwest corner of the lake. Volunteers will cut the canes and dig up the root balls.

In contrast to the previous projects, this event is best for people aged 14 and over. Those under 18 must have an adult sign in on the project sign-in sheet.

Why are we doing this stewardship project at Arbor Lake?
Because you want us to! At a September 2010 meeting with 25 lake neighbors, park users said they want to protect and improve the habitat value of the lake. Removing invasive plants will allow the existing native plants around the shoreline to grow better. We also plan to add more native plants to fill in the gaps left by the removed invasive plants at a work party on October 22, 2011. A thriving natural buffer on the shoreline will provide food and shelter for birds and small wildlife and improve habitat for fish.

Arbor Lake also is the headwaters of Miller Creek and water flowing from the lake eventually sustains salmon living in the creek downstream.

What do volunteers need?

• Sturdy shoes or boots
• Leather-palmed gloves (we also will have plenty to loan)
• Filled water bottle
• We provide tools!
• Location

We will meet at the northwest corner of the park. Those driving should park at the southwest corner of the park at 2nd Ave. S. and S. 124th St.

NOTE: No restroom is available.

On February 5, 33 volunteers removed invasive plants on the west and south shoreline. Help remove the last large cluster on the northwest shoreline on March 19!

For more information, contact Lisa Aumann at 206-988-3700 or lisaa@burienwa.gov.

We’d like to welcome our latest Advertiser, local company Burien Tree Service, accomplished in a wide range of tree-related services as well as a variety of general home services.

Matt McCluskey is the Chief Arborist, and he’s got decades of experience pruning all sizes of trees and using low-impact techniques to safely remove diseased or damaged trees without damaging surrounding property.

Erica Fraser has 25 years of experience in real estate and property management.the scope of her expertise is in renovation, rehabilitation, and curb appeal. She has enjoyed the success of actual sales after exterior home makeovers, and updates have been completed.

Matt McCluskey and Erica Fraser.

Their combined experience compliment each other and enable them to command the exterior home makeover industry.

“One of our greatest joys is to take a property overgrown and taken over by nature and elements and transform it into a renewed property,” said Matt.

Burien Tree Service specializes in large and small tree removals, pruning, cabling, canopy raising, view clearing and enhancement, windsailing, deadwood removal, crane extractions for minimal damage to landscapes, chipping and clean up.

“We would rather save a tree than remove it or practice tree topping,” they say on their website.

And for a limited time, they’re offering an exclusive Coupon on B-Town Blog Readers – just click below and print this out to save 20%!:

Click image to Print this Coupon.

Burien Tree’s services include:

• Expert Pruning
• Low Impact Crane Tree Removal
• Dangerous and Hazardous Tree Removals
• View Enhancements
• Stump Grinding
• Arborist Evaluations and Hazard Tree Reports
• Mycorizae Applications
• Landscaping
• Home Services

Burien Tree primarily services Seattle, West Seattle, Mercer Island, White Center, Burien, Normandy Park, Tukwila, Renton, Des Moines, Kent, Auburn, and Federal Way, but please call them if you are outside of these areas to discuss your tree needs.

Check out their website at www.burientree.com, or call then at 206-533-4256 or email matt@burientree.com.

Spring may finally be arriving, and despite it being only a few weeks late, it’s likely that you’ve got some questions about your suddenly-blooming garden, lawn, yard, or those pests that have seemingly just appeared.

Did you know that there are local “Master Gardeners” in Burien with gardening and pest control expertise who can answer your questions for no charge?

These free clinics are offered at either BTB Advertiser Herr Backyard Garden Center (107 SW 160th in Burien; 206-242-2014) or the main Burien Library on Saturdays during May.

The clinics are conducted by volunteer experts who are all trained by Washington State University.

Here are the details:

• Saturday, May 14: Burien Master Gardener Clinic- 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. at Burien Library, 400 SW 152nd St, Burien. Get answers to general gardening questions, learn about proper plant selection, bring a sample of a diseased plant for diagnosis and treatment recommendations, and have an insect identified. Learn the least toxic ways to treat diseases and pests. This service is free.
• Saturday, May 14: Burien Master Gardener Clinic- 1 p.m. – 4 p.m., at Herr Garden Center, 107 SW 160th Street, Burien.
  Get answers to general gardening questions, learn about proper plant selection, bring a sample of a diseased plant for diagnosis and treatment recommendations, and have an insect identified. Learn the least toxic ways to treat diseases and pests. This service is free.
• Wednesday, May 18: Burien Master Gardener Clinic- 5 p.m.-8 p.m. at Burien Library, 400 SW 152nd St, Burien. Get answers to general gardening questions, learn about proper plant selection, bring a sample of a diseased plant for diagnosis and treatment recommendations, and have an insect identified. Learn the least toxic ways to treat diseases and pests. This service is free.
• Saturday, May 21: Burien Master Gardener Clinic- 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. at Burien Library, 400 SW 152nd St, Burien. Get answers to general gardening questions, learn about proper plant selection, bring a sample of a diseased plant for diagnosis and treatment recommendations, and have an insect identified. Learn the least toxic ways to treat diseases and pests. This service is free.
• Saturday, May 21: Burien Master Gardener Clinic- 1 p.m. – 4 p.m., at Herr Garden Center, 107 SW 160th Street, Burien.
  Get answers to general gardening questions, learn about proper plant selection, bring a sample of a diseased plant for diagnosis and treatment recommendations, and have an insect identified. Learn the least toxic ways to treat diseases and pests. This service is free.
• Wednesday, May 25: Burien Master Gardener Clinic- 5 p.m.-8 p.m. at Burien Library, 400 SW 152nd St, Burien. Get answers to general gardening questions, learn about proper plant selection, bring a sample of a diseased plant for diagnosis and treatment recommendations, and have an insect identified. Learn the least toxic ways to treat diseases and pests. This service is free.

The Parkside Garden Club will be holding its annual Plant Sale on Saturday, May 7th, from 9am – 4pm at the Albertsons parking lot near the intersection of SW 160th and First Ave South.

They’ll be selling trees, shrubs, peonies, perennials, herbs, garden art and more.

Parkside Garden Club’s funds support youth scholarships, beautification projects, garden therapy, college scholarships and youth contest and more.

Here are the details:

WHAT: Parkside Garden Club’s Annual Plant Sale.

WHEN: Saturday, May 7th from 9am- 4pm.

WHERE: Albertsons Parking lot, near the intersection of SW 160th St and First Ave South.

INFO: Trees, shrubs, peonies, perennials, herbs, garden art and more will be on sale.

More info at www.parksidegardenclub.org.

From their website:

Parkside Garden Club invites YOU to join us for garden fellowship, creativity and learning. If you enjoy digging in your garden, listening to guest speakers and touring gardens and nurseries, you will find kindred spirits in Parkside Garden Club

Parkside Garden Club meets the third Thursday of each month September through June at:

The Cove
1500 SW Shorebrook Dr.
Normandy Park, WA 98166

Meetings generally begin at 10:15 A.M. and include a business meeting followed by a guest speaker, lunch and workshop. Lunch provided by club members.

Several garden tours are scheduled during the club season to include public and private gardens, nurseries and garden related activities.

Club Objectives:

• To encourage interest in all phases of home gardening.
• To promote better horticultural practices, civic beauty and the conservation of natural resources.
• To affiliate with the WA State Federation of Garden Clubs and National Garden Clubs, Inc., the largest gardening volunteer organization in the world.

Here are some photos from previous sales:

With the recent wet spring weather

Did you know that there are some local “Master Gardeners” with gardening and pest control expertise who can answer your questions for no charge?

These free clinics are offered at either BTB Advertiser Herr Backyard Garden Center or the main Burien Library on Saturdays during April.

The clinics are conducted by volunteer experts who are all trained by Washington State University.

Here are the details:

Saturday, April 16
Burien Master Gardener Clinic- 1 p.m. – 4 p.m., at Herr Garden Center, 107 SW 160th Street, Burien.
Get answers to general gardening questions, learn about proper plant selection, bring a sample of a diseased plant for diagnosis and treatment recommendations, and have an insect identified. Learn the least toxic ways to treat diseases and pests.
This service is free.

Saturday, April 23
Burien Master Gardener Clinic- 1 p.m. – 4 p.m., at Herr Garden Center, 107 SW 160th Street, Burien.
Get answers to general gardening questions, learn about proper plant selection, bring a sample of a diseased plant for diagnosis and treatment recommendations, and have an insect identified. Learn the least toxic ways to treat diseases and pests.
This service is free.

Saturday, April 30
Burien Master Gardener Clinic- 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. at Burien Library, 400 SW 152nd St, Burien. Get answers to general gardening questions, learn about proper plant selection, bring a sample of a diseased plant for diagnosis and treatment recommendations, and have an insect identified. Learn the least toxic ways to treat diseases and pests.
This service is free.

Saturday, April 30
Burien Master Gardener Clinic- 1 p.m. – 4 p.m., at Herr Garden Center, 107 SW 160th Street, Burien.
Get answers to general gardening questions, learn about proper plant selection, bring a sample of a diseased plant for diagnosis and treatment recommendations, and have an insect identified. Learn the least toxic ways to treat diseases and pests.
This service is free.