A Grow Healthy Grow Smart workshop series provides a good opportunity for lawn and garden enthusiasts to sink their trowels into the essentials of organic growing.

The new Township program encourages residents to reduce or eliminate cosmetic pesticide use by promoting natural lawn care and gardening techniques.

The workshops are free and drops-ins are welcome:

鈥�  Organic vegetable gardening with master gardener Sharon Hanna, on Saturday, April 16, 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.;

鈥�  Building healthy soil with organic landscaper Martin Harcourt, on Sunday, April 17, 10 a.m. to noon;

鈥�  Natural pest control with The Bug Lady, Gail Macadam on Sunday, April 17, 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., and

鈥� Natural lawn care with master gardener Catherine Dale, Friday, April 22, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

鈥淕rowing beautiful lawns and productive gardens without pesticides is simple and rewarding once you鈥檝e learned the basic principles,鈥� said Liz Kendler of the 91原创 Environmental Partners Society (LEPS), which is co-ordinating the workshops on behalf of the Township.

鈥淭here is a large and growing public interest in organic gardening as people begin to see the potential benefits for the health of their waterways, communities and families,鈥� she added.

These workshops are offered at Cedar Rim Nursery, 7024 Glover Rd., as part of Make Yours Green weekend and Earth Day celebrations.

Contact LEPS at 604-532-3511 for more information or visit tol.ca/growhealthygrowsmart.