Have you checked out the prices on those hanging baskets like the ones lining Lake Oswego’s city streets in the summer?

Chances are you’ll pay anything from $25 to $50 for one.

The negotiator in me says that the Lake Oswego Hanging Baskets class offered at Luscher Farms on Saturday, May 4 is a better deal. For $33 ($38 non-residents), you get all the supplies (flowers included) plus instructions in how to put one together and care for it yourself.

Combine that with tips from the Lake Oswego Village Flower Basket program  offered in last year’s blog post, and you should be the talk of your street.

You know what they say about giving a man a fish vs. teaching him how to fish. This means there can be many more hanging flower baskets in your future. (Note there are two sessions: one from 10:00 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. and another from 1:00 p.m. to 2:15 p.m.).

If sunnier days have given you the gardening bug, check out Luscher Farm’s class offerings in the Summer City of Lake Oswego Parks and Recreation Activities Guide. They include:

Tomato Tips from Master Gardeners. There is nothing like the taste of a homegrown tomato and nothing that can be as frustrating for an Oregon city farmer. So take notes from Master Gardeners on the best varieties, watering needs, how to transplant, fertilize, and stake. Saturday, May 11 from 2:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Decorating Your Entry or Patio. Learn how to make a good first impression with plants to greet your guests. Saturday, June 8 from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. $15/residents; $17/non-resident.

Maintaining the Summer Garden. Deadheading and pruning—it ain’t glamorous but it’s necessary to summer-long color in your garden. Learn how to do it right. Saturday, July 13 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. $20/residents; $23/non-resident.

Flower Arranging Made Easy. Learn the art of creating beautiful floral arrangements from your Farmer’s Market purchases or out of your garden. Saturday, July 13 from 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. $18/resideint; $20/non-resident.

Scarecrow Sculpting. Get inspired to create a one-of-a-kind scarecrow to hold court in your garden. Hay and frame included. Bring items for personalizing. Saturday, July 20 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. $10/resident; $12/non-resident.

Don’t forget to check out the other offerings at Luscher Farm including the cooking series, family dinners, children’s programs and the Community Supported Agriculture program. The farm is located at 125 Rosemont Road in West Linn.

And sign up for Farm Coordinator, Karen Davis’ monthly newsletter. Although it’s geared for Luscher Farm Community gardeners, there is helpful advice for anyone yearning for a green thumb.

Need a bigger yard to grow those flowers and vegetables in? Let me show you homes for sale in Lake Oswego tailored to your needs. Just give me a call at 503.939.9801. I’d love to show you around.

VOTE FOR LAKERIDGE in the Vans Custom Culture Contest. Art students brought their Vans creations to my Rotary meeting today and they are terrific! Help Lakeridge win $50,000 by casting your vote by May 13 here.