First you start recycling, then you start saving water and electricity, and so the search for greener home techniques begins. With the web saturated with information and tips, it’s hard to know what’s good for your home and what’s not (heard FTC’s recent warning against fabric makers passing toxic rayon as hip organic bamboo?)

Well, the Miami Beach Botanical Garden is making it easier to green your home with a series of free monthly lectures and workshops on subjects such as rain water collection, composting, and sand and wind tolerant plantings. It’s a great way to learn and get all your questions answered… for free!

SCHEDULE:

Composting
Sept. 12, 9 to 10 a.m.
Learn the fundamentals of composting and how to set up a home composting system from Lanette Sobel, co-founder of the Fertile Earth Foundation.

Rain barrel workshop
Sept. 12 / 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
A rain barrel can save most homeowners about 1,300 gallons of water during the peak summer months. Learn about water conservation and make your own rain barrel at a workshop presented by the Miami-Dade Cooperative Extension Service. Lecture is free, $45 for a rain barrel. Registration required. Call 305-248-3311 or email: bmcadam@ufl.edu.

Salt and wind tolerant plantings
Oct. 10, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
A workshop on coastal horticulture explores plants that are wind tolerant, salt tolerant and recommended for seaside balconies and South Florida’s coastal landscapes. By Steve Woodmansee, biologist.

Teas, tonics and tinctures
Nov. 14, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Dr. Sandra Breiterman lectures on the many herbs that enliven our diets, are “natural” cures with medicinal properties, and key ingredients in health and beauty treatments.

Cactus and succulents
Jan. 9, 10 to 12 p.m.
Peter Multach of the South Florida Cactus and Succulents Society discusses the culture and propagation of cacti and succulents.

All lectures and classes will take place at the Miami Beach Botanical Garden, 2000 Convention Center Drive, Miami Beach. Lectures are free unless noted. Call 305-673-7256 for more information.

Photo by dnorman