Workshops focus on conserving water in lawns and gardens

Unlike other areas of the country that invoke the rhyme "April Showers Bring May Flowers," April is the driest month of the year in South Florida. We don't get rain, and our underground aquifers and our surface waters are extremely low following the dry winter months.

The South Florida Water Management District, Lee County Parks and Recreation, Florida Yards and Neighborhoods and Master Gardeners present "What's Up Wednesdays," five workshops about conserving water in the lawn and garden as part of Water Conservation Month in April.

Master Gardener volunteers will share their advice and tips for practical application of water-saving techniques in the free workshops.

Sessions take place from 9-10 a.m. in the Eco Living Center at Rutenberg Park, 6490 South Pointe Blvd., Fort Myers:

. April 1: Saving water with proper

irrigation . April 8: Using mulch to conserve

water . April 15: Rain gardens . April 22: Planting water-wise

plants . April 29: Using a rain barrel to

save water

After each workshop, participants are welcome to stay for a tour of the Florida Friendly landscape gardens.

For more information, call the South Florida Water Management District office in Fort Myers at 338-2929, ext. 7783.