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ORCHID CARE ... Mark Pendleton will teach a class on "Orchid Care: Cymbidiums" on Saturday, July 24, from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. at Filoli, 86 Canada Road, Woodside. The class will cover care, pests and diseases, fertilizers and planting mixes, as well as repotting techniques. Cost is $45 for nonmembers, $35 for members. Information: 650-364-8300 or www.filoli.org.

BAY-FRIENDLY BASICS ... Brian Debasitis will offer a "Bay-Friendly Basics" workshop on Saturday, July 24, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Cubberley Community Center, 4000 Middlefield Road, Palo Alto. The workshop focuses on design, maintenance and helpful hints at the nursery. The $20 fee includes a Bay-Friendly Gardening book. Information: Pre-register with the Santa Clara County Home Composting Program at www.ReduceWaste.org or call 408-918-4640.

TOUGH SPOTS ... Master Gardener Roberta Barnes will talk about "Plants for Tough Spots" on Tuesday, July 27, from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Los Altos Library, 13 S. San Antonio Road, Los Altos. The free talk will include dealing with shade, soil challenges and watering issues. Participants are encouraged to bring questions about tough spots in their gardens. Information: Master Gardeners at 408-282-3105, between 9:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, or mastergardeners.org.

RESTORE HABITAT ... On the second and fourth Saturdays, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., volunteers work with Acterra to restore habitat at the Pearson-Arastradero Preserve (1530 Arastradero Road, Palo Alto) and local creeks. Gloves, tools, snacks and training are provided. Tasks include removing invasive plants, collecting seeds, spreading mulch and planting native grasses. Wear long sleeves and long pants and bring a hat and reusable water bottle. Information: www.acterra.org/stewardship.