No blfftt, TAGRO season approaches

Let the rain abate and the rejoicing commence.

It is almost TAGRO Time.

It is nearing the day when our gardens invite us out to work in them, and we accept that invitation instead of sneaking back inside to watch “Chopped” reruns.

When that happy day arrives, we will pull on our bad boots (shaking for spiders first) and put plastic tubs and tarps in our vehicles. We will head for the Happiest Place in Tacoma, the source of the finest do-it-yourself soil amendment in the West. We will drive to 2201 E. Portland Ave., follow the TAGRO signs and start shoveling.

Alas, that day is not yet at hand. But the next best event is. Saturday, Feb. 2, Green Tacoma Partnership will host a free workshop, Using TAGRO Products, from 10 to 11:30 a.m. at the plant Visitors’ Center at Gate 6.

We’ll learn all about what is in, and what is not in the magnificent bio-solids. We’ll learn how much is enough, how much is too hot and how often to refresh beds and lawns.

To register, click onto http://cedar.greencitypartnerships.org/event/map/. For information contact City of Tacoma urban forester Ramie Pierce at rpierce2@ci.tacoma.wa.us.

Pssssst, the snakes await

For those who can’t wait to get our hands in the soil, Snake Lake is calling.

Friday, Feb. 1, from 9 a.m. to noon, its stalwart stewards will gather at Tacoma Nature Center, 1919 S. Tyler St. for upland habitat restoration. They’ll yank broom and blackberries and replant native species. They’ll dress for dirt and bring their own gloves and tools, and they welcome our help.

For information contact Cyndy Dillon at cpdillongh@comcast.net or call (253) 591-6439