Stephen F. Austin State University

Two events for gardeners have been scheduled by the Mast Arboretum at Stephen F. Austin State University.

Mary Anne Pickens, president of the Southern Garden History Society, will present a program, "Taking All the Right Paths to that Perfect Garden," for the Les Reeves Lecture series at 7 p.m. Feb. 15 in Agriculture Building Room 110 on Wilson Drive. A rare plant raffle will be held following the lecture. There is no charge, and no reservations are required.

Pickens is a former high school teacher and avid gardener. She is a past president of the Native Plant Society of Texas and uses both native plants and heritage plants from her grandmother's garden. Her great-grandfather was an early Texas horticulturist and operated Pearfield Nursery, which he began in 1876.

Dr. David Creech, SFA horticulture professor, will present a hands-on garden seminar, "Sharpening Your Pruning Skills-Moving Beyond the Green Meatball," from 9 a.m. until noon Feb. 17 in the Agriculture Building Room 118.

Creech will share his years of experience in the fine art of properly pruning fruit trees and ornamentals, without ruining them.

Cost for the seminar is $20 for Arboretum and Pineywoods Native Plant Center members and $30 for non-members. To register, contact the Education Office at 936-468-1832 or e-mail erodewald@sfasu.edu.

For more information on either event, call (936) 468-1832.