Home Front

WEAR GARDEN GLOVES . . . Nature's Alley in Redwood City is serious about teaching people the art of topiary. So serious that it is offering topiary workshops every Thursday and Saturday in March. The classes are from 9:15 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and cost $15 plus materials. Oh, and don't forget your garden gloves. Nature's Alley is at 3020 Middlefield Road, Redwood City. For information, call 367-9772.

A BRIGHT START . . . Could it be that the real estate industry finally has found a silver lining amid the clouds? So far this year, and granted we're only talking about one month, home sales have outpaced last year's numbers. According to Peninsula Regional Data Service, January home sales in San Mateo and Santa Clara counties have risen considerably since the same time last year. The same good news applies to sale of condominiums and townhouses. Ah, but will it last?

FREE LESSONS ON BUYING . . . On Feb. 26, Fox & Carskadon holds a free seminar for prospective home buyers at 1756 El Camino Real in Redwood City. The class is from 10 a.m. to noon and reservations are suggested. For information, call 369-8050.

WATCH OUT FOR PIGS . . . On Feb. 26, the Santa Clara Valley Chapter of the California Native Plant Society offers a three-hour introductory walk in the foothills of Rancho San Antonio County Park. Meet in the first parking lot at 10 a.m. Bring lunch and liquids, or combine the two and bring a liquid lunch. Heavy rain cancels. For information, call 493-4595.

Send notices of news and events related to real estate, interior design home improvement and gardening to Home Front, Palo Alto Weekly, P.O. Box 1610, Palo Alto CA 94302. The deadline for items appearing the following week is Thursday at 5 p.m.

Midpeninsula Home and Real Estate is published every Friday by Embarcadero Publishing Company, 703 High Street, Palo Alto, CA 94301, 415-326-8210. The paper circulates through real estate offices and by mail to more than 70,000 homes between Mountain View and Redwood City.