Sometimes we get a little lost in our planning and decision making in the garden. What is the best way to lay out a design, prepare the soil, manage garden waste, solve pest problems, or provide appropriate watering, or ...the questions are endless, and they can beoverwhelming. "The best laid plans of mice and men often go awry". To help us keep a clear view, Doug Spiro, Spiro Landscapes, will present An Eight-Fold Path of Sustainable Landscaping. It is a systematic approach to creating and managing beautiful, healthy landscapes that conserve water, reduce waste and pollution, and provide many other benefits. We will learn general principles that give us an overview and specific practices that show us steps to take on the path toward more sustainable landscaping.

Doug Spiro has over 30 years of experience in landscape design, constrution and management. His company, Spiro Landscapes, offers consultation, design and project management. Doug has won many industry awards, including the Grand Award from the Oregon Lanscape Contractors Association (OLCA) for his extensive work at the BAndon Dunes Gold Resort. Doug has taught landscaping with Oregon State University and community colleges, and has served as OLCA Director and Chair of its Environmental REsources Committee. He holds a Bachelor of Landscape Architecture degree from the University of Oregon and is a Master Gardener, Certified Landscape Irrigation Auditor, Sustainable Building Advisor and Licensed Landscape Contractor.