STORY AND PHOTO BY KAREN BOSSICK

Pssst. If you’re craving grass after three-plus months of snow, you can find a patch along the sidewalk at Kentwood Lodge in Ketchum.

In the meantime, address your budding thoughts of spring by learning how to use native plants in your home landscape.

Mindy Rider, a landscaper and horticulturalist for 25 years, will offer suggestions at 5:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 25, at Hailey Town Center West, River and Croy streets.

She will discuss how native plants differ from ornamental varieties and outline their differing water needs and growth habits. She’ll also recommend her favorite natives and how to start them from seeds. There’ll be plenty of time for questions.

Rider spent three years at a native plant nursery in Bend, Ore., where she grew natives and assisted homeowners with their selections. She currently starts, grows and installs native plants at The Hunger Coalition in her role as Food Production Manager.

The program is hosted by the Wood River Chapter of the Idaho Native Plant Society.