Gardenpalooza and More

April is full of big garden events for those whose fingers are itching to get out in the dirt and dig:

April 7: Gardenpalooza at Fir Point Farms. 40 local nurseries are featured at this free one-day event where you can buy directly from wholesale growers. Free; 8 am to 4 pm. 20 miles south of Portland at 14601 Arndt Rd., Aurora. Phone 503-678-2455.

April 14-15: Hardy Plant Society Spring Plant Sale and Garden Art Fair. If there's one spring gardening event you don't want to miss, this is it. More than 100 nurseries and growers bring in a huge variety of garden plants, including many specialty plants you won't find at your local retailer. Plus the prices are generally quite a bit less than you'll pay at retail outlets. Free; 10 am-3 pm (Garden Art Fair opens at 9 am). Washington County Fairplex, 873 NE 34th Ave., Hillsboro. Phone 503-224-5718.

April 21-May 13: Annual Lilac Festival at Hulda Klager Lilac Gardens. An amazing display of lilacs in bloom, including lilacs for sale. 10 am-4 pm, $2 admission. Hulda Klager Lilac Gardens, 115 South Pekin Road, Woodland, Washington. 360-225-8996.

I also find it helpful to take a knowledgeable friend along (Sylvia?) to advise you on purchases and avoid buying a gunnera manicata for that little spot in your border. So grab that list you've been making since last fall (you do have a list, don't you?) and get yourself to at least one of these events.