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LOCALLY:

Growing Herbs, Wednesday, Aug. 15, 7 p.m., Central Regional Rappahannock Library, 1201 Caroline St., Fredericksburg. Participants can learn how to select and grow common and usual herbs from Billi Parus of the Virginia Beach Master Gardener Association. This Master Gardener membership meeting is open to the public. 540/374-5233. Fall 2007 Master Gardener Class, Tuesdays and Thursdays, beginning Sept. 11, Ladysmith Branch Library, 7199 Clara Smith Drive, Ruther Glen. This 11-week is requisite training for volunteer master gardener designation. Intensive instruction in proper horticulture practices. Applications being accepted until Sept. 4 or until the limited-size class is full. $135 includes cost of manual. Sponsored by the Virginia Cooperative Extension and Master Gardener Association of the Central Rappahannock Area. To register, call 540/658-8000.

ELSEWHERE:

Garden Basics: Botany, today, 9 a.m.-noon, Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden, 1800 Lakeside Ave., Richmond. Learn about the "secret life of plants" as you see how plants make food, grow and reproduce. $45; preregistration required. 804/262-9887 ext. 322 or visit lewisginter.org.

Jamming Saturday, today, noon-3 p.m., Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden, 1800 Lakeside Ave., Richmond. Concerts in the Children's Garden, second Saturday of the month through November, Free with regular admission. 804/262-9887; lewisginter.org.

Summer Fruit Tasting, today, 9:30 a.m., Monticello, Charlottesville, meet at the Monticello Garden Shop. This "Saturdays in the Garden" series features a short talk on the history of fruit growing in Virginia and enjoy apples, peaches, figs, grapes, apple cider and other fruits. Cost is $10; reservations required. 434/984-9822; monticello.org.

Secluded Farm Natural History Walk, Saturday, Aug. 25, 9:30 a.m., Monticello, Charlottesville, meet at the Parkway Lower Trailhead. This "Saturdays in the Garden" series features a stroll through open fields and forests. Learn about sun-loving plants and wild flowers. Cost is $10; Reservations required. 434/984-9822; monticello.org.

Plants of the Powhatans, runs through Oct. 1, Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden, 1800 Lakeside Ave., Richmond. Explore the plants of the Powhatans and learn how important they were to Indian culture. In the Children's Garden, visitors can see a structure suggestive of a Powhatan longhouse surrounded by squash, corn, beans, sassafras, persimmon, passion vine and yucca. Free with regular admission. 804/262-9887; lewisginter.org.

--Compiled by Carol Lee