Eco-friendly floors

What makes a flooring material eco-friendly? Natural Built Home experts will explain the characteristics of bamboo, cork, linoleum, tile, wood, rubber and carpet, as well as paints and stains, in a free class, "Eco-friendly Floor 101," at 11 a.m. Sat., 4020 Minnehaha Av. S., Mpls. Find out about various flooring and installation types and what works well for particular applications. Bring your questions and project ideas. Registration required; send e-mail to classes@naturalbuilthome.com or call 612-605-7999.

Landscaping TLC

By now, you know what's thriving and what needs help in your yard and gardens. A Bachman's seminar, "How to Troubleshoot Summer Landscaping," will give tips on improving your lawn, vegetables, herbs, flowers and trees, as well as seasonal information on fertilizers, weed control, watering, pruning and treatment for fungus and insects. The seminar is offered July 2 and 8, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., 6010 Lyndale Av. S, Mpls. Cost is $5 and includes Bachman's Care Sheets and a question-and-answer session. Register at www.bachmans.com or call 612-861-7600.

Child's play

Need some creative inspiration for a child's room? Lauren Stringer, a local children's book illustrator, will read from several of her books, including "Deer Dancer" and "The Princess and Her Panther," and share tips on designing special spaces just for kids, from 10 a.m. to noon Sat., Room and Board, 7010 France Av. S., Edina. To RSVP, call 952-927-8835.

LYNN UNDERWOOD

Last call for pond tour

If a pond, waterfall or other water feature is on your wish list, check out several examples at the Twin Cities Pond and Landscape Tour, showcasing the work of Certified Aquascape Contractors.

Sites will be open for touring noon to 5 p.m. June 22.

Admission is free. For details about tour sites, visit www.tcpondand landscapetour.com.

KIM PALMER