In brief

Master gardener training: The Washington State University Extension is accepting applications for training in its master gardener program.

The program is taught by faculty, staff and volunteers and is more than 60 hours. Classes begin Jan. 5 and meet Thursdays and two Saturday through March 11.

For information, send a legal-sized, self-addressed stamped envelope with 60 cents postage to WSU Extension Master Gardener, 600 128th St. SE, Everett, WA 98209.

Applications must be received by Monday.

Van Valey House classes: Everett Parks and Recreation is offering eight gardening classes at the Van Valey House.

Classes are from 7 to 8 p.m. and cost $10, unless otherwise noted. Registration required.

The Van Valey House is at 2130 Colby Ave., Everett.

To register, call 425-257-8300 or visit signmeup.everettwa.org.

* Japanese maples for every garden, Jean Van Hollebeke, Tuesday.

* Putting your garden to bed for the winter, Pam Sinclair, Nov. 9.

* Privacy screening in the garden, Jean Van Hollebeke, Nov. 15.

* Lawn alternatives, Pam Sinclair, Nov. 23.

Horticulture basics: Washington State University Master Gardener program presents Horticulture Basics, a series of classes for people who work in the green industry and want to increase their horticulture knowledge. Classes are 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursdays, Jan. 5 through March 11.

The fee is $300 and includes training materials. Registration is required.

Applications can be picked up at the Snohomish County Extension office, 600 128th St. SE, Everett, or downloaded at www.snohomish.wsu.edu.

Deadline for applying is Monday.

Sustainable gardening lectures: The Snohomish County Master Gardener Foundation presents a series of lectures about sustainable gardening.

Lectures are from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. The cost of the series is $75. To attend, send a check and a self-addressed, stamped envelope to Sustainable Gardening Series, 22516 92nd Ave. W., Edmonds, WA 98020.

* Jan. 6 – Tips to make your seasonal gardening easier, with Ed Hume.

* Jan. 20 – Wonderful world of bulbs. with Mary Robson.

* Feb. 3 – Container artistry in your garden. with Debra Prinzing.

* Feb. 24. – Fuchsias, with Frankie Dennison, and Hummingbirds and butterfly gardens, with Bob Barca.

* March 3 – “Oh la la,” with Ciscoe Morris.

* March 17 – Rose care in the Pacific Northwest, with Don Morrow.

* April 14 – The shearables, the hackables and the untouchables, with Cass Turnbull.

* April 28 – Home vegetable gardening, with Chris Smith.

Botanic Gardens: The Center for Urban Horticulture and Washington Park Arboretum are now linked under the new umbrella name of University of Washington Botanic Gardens.

The UW Botanic Gardens announces its fall schedule of classes and lectures. Classes are held at various locations. Registration required.

For information or to register, call 206-685-8033 or visit www.uwbotanicgardens.org.

* Plant insect problems in the urban environment, 9 a.m. to noon today, $40.

* Plant diseases in the urban environment, 1 to 4 p.m. Tuesday, $40.

* Step-by-step landscape design for nondesigners, 9 a.m. to noon Nov. 10, $45.

Herald staff and news services