Want to know how to properly prune a tree or use drip irrigation to maximum effect? Does your garden need CPR, especially now that we're all cutting back on water use? The City of Manhattan Beach and volunteers behind the MB Botanical Garden are offering a free series of classes this month.

You can sign up for any of these classes (Ask the Arborist; Garden CPR, and Drip Irrigation Methods) to learn the basics of how to

• keep your trees healthy with proper pruning methods 
• garden with measures that promote water conservation, permeability and retention of water on your property
• keep the garden looking good even with reduced watering.

All classes are held in the amphitheater at the Manhattan Beach Botanical Garden in Polliwog Park on Saturdays beginning from 10-11 a.m. Free parking is available next to the Botanical Garden on Peck Avenue, or the adjacent lot at the end of Peck Avenue off Manhattan Beach Boulevard.

This Saturday's (June 6) class is Ask the Arborist. Louie Gamino, Certified Aborist, with Enviroscape, will present easy steps to promote and maintain the health of your trees. He will focus on climate appropriate trees for the beach area, when to plant, when to trim, and which ones you can eat. If you have tree questions, this is a great opportunity to discuss your specific concerns with a registered arborist as well as to receive knowledgeable advice on how to solve a variety of problems. Trees provide shade and are important in the landscape.

Call Julie at (310) 546-1354 to register for any of the upcoming classes. Please leave a message stating what class(es) you'd like to attend. 

Here's the lineup:

• Saturday, June 6: Ask the Arborist
• Saturday, June 13: Garden CPR
• Saturday, June 20: Drip Irrigation Methods