A series of lectures at Descanso Gardens will keep rose gardeners up-to-date about new introductions, planting techniques and the most beneficial care as they plan their spring rose display.

D e s c a n s o ’ s rosarium horticulturist Wen Wang will teach “The ABCs of Beautiful Roses” from 10 a.m. to noon Sat., Feb. 18 in Classroom B. He is an integrated pest management specialist and will teach participants how to grow and maintain healthy roses. He will discuss site selection and soil enrichment, and explain how to recognize and manage various diseases, insects and weeds.

The fee is $15 for members and $18 for nonmembers. For reservations, call (818) 9497980.

Additional Descanso programs designed to help gardeners build better gardens including the following.

From 10 a.m. to noon Sat., Feb. 4 in Classroom B, Tony Kienitz will teach “Bare Roots: Their Mysteries Revealed.” He will introduce participants to the world of plants that come “bare,” including strawberries, blackberries, peaches and almonds.

Bare-root plants are dormant, so they take transplanting easier. Many of the best varieties are only available in bare-root form. Kienitz will teach participants where and how best to plant, care for and use these plants.

The fee is $15 for members and $18 for nonmembers. For reserva

ions, call (818) 949-7980.

David Fross will discuss “California Native Jewels for Your Garden” from 10 a.m. to noon Sat., Feb. 11 in Van de Kamp Hall. Participants will

earn how to incorporate native plants—adaptable, tolerant of poor soils and little water, easy

o maintain—into the home garden. He will answer questions.

Following his presentation, Fross will sign a book he coauthored, “California Native Plants for the Garden.” Fross is

ounder and president of Native Sons Wholesale Nursery and teaches horticulture at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo.

The fee is $15 for members; $18 for nonmembers. For reservations, call (818) 949-7980.