Teaching Kids the Dirty Work

Kids are curious about everything, even dirt. Don’t believe it? Check out the hands-on gardening classes for children that Diane Weber will teach at the Mission San Juan Capistrano in August.

She’ll reveal, among other things, the recipe for dirt.

Weber, a consultant for Armstrong Garden Centers, will also explain how to grow plants in containers and cook vegetables for different cuisines. The children will make silly sunflower glasses, mushroom men, Brussels sprout fish, onion angels and butterfly and birdhouse cookies.

The classes are offered Aug. 8, 15, 22 and 29, from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Cost: $15 each. The mission is at the corner of Ortega Highway and Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano. For more information, call (949) 443-2060.

Youngsters are always welcome at:

* Fullerton Arboretum, 100 Associated Road, Fullerton. (714) 278-3579.

* Hortense Miller Garden, upper slopes of Boat Canyon in Laguna Beach. Reservations required. (949) 497-0716.

* Richard Nixon Library & Birthplace, 18001 Yorba Linda Blvd., Yorba Linda. (714) 993-5075.

* Sherman Library and Gardens, 2647 E. Coast Highway, Corona del Mar. (949) 673-2261.

* UCI Arboretum, one block south on Campus Drive from Jamboree Road, on UC Irvine’s north campus. (714) 840-8217.