ESCAPE TO CACHE VALLEY “ALTERNISCAPES”

For those who are looking for some attractive alternatives to that water hog many call a lawn, the Utah State University Extension Alterniscapes Tour 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. June 21 might spark the imagination. The tour, June 21, 3 p.m. to 7 p.m., includes six homes and one business in Cache Valley that use xeriscape and native plant landscaping as an alternative to the traditional blue grass yard.

Loralie Platero, Utah State University Extension horticulturist, said the tour features some great examples of what to do with problem spots such as parking strips and other sun-baked areas. The seven locations demonstrate a variety of alternative plants including buffalo grass, native flowering plants and low-water use tree selections.

Tickets are $5 and can be purchased from the Cache County Extension office, 179 North Main, Rm. 111, or at the Gardener’s Market at Garff Wayside Park, 100 South Main Street behind Tony Roma’s Saturdays 8 a.m. to noon. Ticket purchase includes a tour guide with landscape descriptions and addresses.