Page 4 March 2012 By Dale Messmer One of the best parts of March, arguably our best month, is wild fl owers. The blooms are the best bet to prove to people that our beautiful desert isn’t drab. It varies by rainfall, of course, and this year (according to the folks we talked with for our story starting on page 29) it won’t be a banner crop. Unless you take advantage of the plants that receive a little human help. The 11th annual Real Gardens for Real People Tour in north Scottsdale is something special. It’s sponsored by the University of Arizona Cooperative Extension Maricopa County Master Gardeners. These folks take classes and study the stuff to grow plants that dazzle the eye. The tour is a day-long excursion into a private oasis. Seven of them actually, those of six Master Gardeners plus a look at the garden at Copper Ridge Elementary School. All plants have labels, which include plain English, telling you what they are. There are more than 20 Master Gardeners on hand to answer questions, plus demonstrations about everything from bees to composting to school gardening to, yes, wild fl owers. Maybe I fi nd the tour impressive because everything I plant ends up dead. Sometimes I just have to look at seeds and they whither. Google “Real Gardens for Real People Tour” for complete details. The date is March 31, and it starts at 9 a.m. By 4 p.m. you’ll have seen your season’s fi ll of beautiful desert plants. There’s no shortage of great things to do in March, of course. If your tastes are more art than plant oriented, there’s the 47th annual Fine Art in the Garden exhibit at the Shemer March 17 (story starting on page 27). The Garden Artist Group will be featured. Heck, plan on both the plants and the art. There’s also lots of baseball. (OK, M.A., you had to know I’d get in a baseball reference in March!) In addition to the full slate of Spring Training, Arcadia High School has an experienced and talented team (story starts on page 54). They should continue what has been a stellar athletic year at AHS. Whatever you do this month, have fun. And thanks for making the Arcadia News part of your March. Beautiful March includes fl owers, art and baseball *Offers valid February 15 - March 31, 2012. Not valid with any other offer. Proudly owned and operated by the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community. Now through March 31st, enjoy Spring Training Spa Packages from $60.* Dreamers dream. Winners do. Play in Style at our inspiring, open-air spa on the 14th floor. With private rooms, a fitness facility and Scottsdale views, your body and mind will thank you. 101 & INDIAN BEND | TALKINGSTICKRESORT.COM Religious Instruction • Strong Academics • Religious Instruction • Strong Academics • Cutting Edge Technology Cutting Edge Technology Leadership Programs • PE and Interscholastic Sports • Instrumental and Vocal Music Leadership Programs • PE and Interscholastic Sports • Instrumental and Vocal Music “Arts Attack” Program • School Nurse • Bus Transportation Available “Arts Attack” Program • School Nurse • Bus Transportation Available Offering Spanish to All Grade Levels Registering Now for 2012 - 2013 3901 East Indian School Road • 602-957-7010 • www.clsphx.org CHRIST LUTHERAN SCHOOL Christian Values. Quality Education. Preschool through Grade 8 www.BodyBeautifulSpa.net • 4449 N 24th Street • 602-522-9222 Laser Hair Removal Lip or Chin Just $19! Wellness Membership only $49/month Get your choice of a Massage, Facial, Micro- dermabrasion or our Signature Manicure with Signature Pedicure. *No enrollment fee*, short 6 month commitment. W WOW!!! Botox $7.99 Dysport $3.99 Botox Results Before After March Specials! Med Spa & Day Spa

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