Upcoming home and garden events: Columbia Street block party — Friday, April 25, 6:30-9:30 p.m., Columbia Street, Covington — The city of Covington presents its monthly block party, with live music and later hours for restaurants and stores.

Learn the Art of Bonsai — Saturday, April 26, 9 a.m., Garden Study Center, City Park — Bonsai artist Jim Osborne will lead this three-hour, hands-on bonsai basics workshop. Bring a sharp pair of scissors, garden gloves and an apron. Soil, wire and a juniper will be provided. Admission: $35. Pre-registration required: 504.483.9473 or scapley@nocp.org.

Gretna Home Tour — Sunday, April 27, from 1-5 p.m., 209 Lafayette St. — Seven homes and the New Hope Baptist Church, founded in 1863, will be open for tours. Admission: $12. More information: 504.366.7026.

The Vieux Carre in the 1970s —  Monday, April 28, 5-7 p.m., 529 Esplanade Ave. — Join preservationists for a discussion looking back at life in the Vieux Carre in the 1970s and looking forward to its future as “an authentic historic neighborhood.” The event is part of the Preservation Resource Center’s Salon series. More information: 504.581.7032 or prc@prcno.org. Space is limited, and RSVP requested.

Gardening clinics — Wednesday, April 30, 4:30-6 p.m., Abita Springs Library Branch, 71683 Leveson St. — St. Tammany Parish Master Gardeners will present three gardening clinics: “Composting and Vermiculture,” “After the Freeze” and “Gardening in Wet and Shady Spots.” The event is free to the public; registration is recommended. Activities are open to adults and children accompanied by adults. Call the library at 985.893.6285 to register.

Looking ahead

Botanical Garden Plant Sale — May 3, 9 a.m., Pelican Greenhouse, Henry Thomas (Golf) Drive, City Park —  Bring a wagon and arrive early for best selection. For a list of available plants, call 504.483.9464 or e-mail plants@nocp.org.

Kinder Garden — May 6, 9:30 to 10:30 a.m., Longue Vue House and Gardens, 7 Bamboo Road — Children ages 18 months to 3 year, with an accompanying adult, explore the world of insects through age-appropriate activities. Admission: $12. More information: 504.293.4722, lvaughn@longuevue.com or longuevue.com.

National Public Gardens Day — May 9, 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., New Orleans Botanical Garden in City Park, 3 Victory Ave. — The Botanical Garden is joining in a nationwide day of awareness that honors the role public gardens play in promoting plant and water conservation, education and environmental leadership. Tours of the garden are at 11 a.m., 1:30 and 3 p.m. and are free with paid admission. Arrive at least 15 minutes before the tour begins. No groups larger than 15 people. Admission: Adults (over 12), $6; children (5 to 12), $3; children (under 5), free; Friends of City Park, free. For information, contact Susan Capley, education director of the New Orleans Botanical Garden, at SCapley@nocp.org or 504.483.9473.

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