Pick up an iris or two
The Eastern North Carolina Iris Society's annual sale will be July 17 at 105 Trotters Ridge Drive in Raleigh. The sale runs from 8 a.m. until 3 p.m. or until all plants are sold.
Among plants offered for sale will be bearded irises from a commercial garden in Virginia, a garden in Delaware and several local gardens. Reblooming irises will also be available. Plants are $5 each, and a free iris will be given to those who join the American Iris Society at the sale. Members of the society will answer questions about growing irises in our area and will have information on planting, digging and dividing existing iris plants.
Visit the American Iris Society website at www.irises.org or contact Susan Grigg at 870-8345 or 971-4012 for information.
Peek into a modernist house
Check out the splendors of Fairmont, a 4,500-square-foot house in Chapel Hill, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. July 24. The 22.5-acre estate includes a sleek, proportioned residence situated on a hilltop between Chapel Hill and Hillsborough. It is listed for sale.
The estate boasts separate guest quarters, a saltwater swimming pool, a trellised garden and a storage shed. Inside you'll find pieces of owner Joseph Rowland's extensive fine-art collection, including paintings, sculptures and glassworks. Be sure to bring a camera, as photography is allowed inside and outside the home. Architectural enthusiasts will marvel at how the outdoor landscape and sculptures are integrated into the home's interior through windows framing scenic vistas. Architect Phil Szostak designed the home to take advantage of solar heat gain in winter and natural lighting and ventilation. Szostak will be on hand during the tour to talk about the home's design. Tickets are $5.95 in advance, and $8 at the door. For a sneak peek or to reserve advance tickets, go to www.trianglemodernisthouses.com/register.htm . The tour is part of Triangle Modernist Houses tours of significant architecture.
Learn about J.C. Raulston
On Sept. 23, author Bobby Ward will speak about J.C. Raulston, one of the most important and influential figures in American horticulture in the latter part of the 20th century. Raulston established the N.C. State University Arboretum that now bears his name. "Chlorophyll in His Veins" offers an intimate look at the life and times of this accomplished gardener. A book signing follows the lecture, which will be held at Tryon Palace in New Bern at 7 p.m. in the Visitor Center Auditorium. The event is free.
Create a safer home
Summer is prime time for ensuring that your home is a safe place for family and visitors. The Home Safety Council has safety tips for each room of the house.
Prevent falls
Install grab bars in the tub and shower. Use nonslip mats.
Have bright lights over stairs and steps and on landings. Keep stairs clear of clutter.
Prevent poisonings
Keep cleaners, medications and beauty products in a place where children can't reach them. Use child safety locks.
For Poison Help, call 800-222-1222. Call if you need help or want information about poisons. Call 911 if someone needs to go to the hospital right away.
Prevent fires and burns
Have working smoke alarms, and hold fire drills. If you build a new home, install fire sprinklers.
Stay by the stove when cooking, especially when you are frying food.
Set your hot water heater no higher than 120 degrees to prevent burns. Use back burners, and turn pot handles toward the back of your stove. Use a travel mug when you drink something hot.
Prevent choking and suffocation
Things that can fit through a toilet paper tube can cause a young child to choke. Keep coins, latex balloons and hard, round foods such as peanuts and hard candy where children cannot see or touch them.
Place babies to sleep on their backs, alone in their crib. Don't put pillows, blankets, comforters or toys in cribs. They can sometimes keep a baby from breathing.
Prevent drowning
When your children are near water, watch them carefully. Stay close enough to touch them. This includes bathtubs, toilets, pools, spas - even buckets of water.
Take a hike
Hike a 2-mile trail along the Eno River on July 22 and learn about the geologic history of the Eno River area. You'll learn about volcanoes that once existed in the area, the smashing of volcanic islands and the formation and splitting of the supercontinent Pangea. Pack a lunch, backpack, water and sturdy shoes (boots are recommended) and any other supplies you might need. The trail includes a short walk over rocks and across a stream where footing can be tricky. An illustrated guide to the river will be provided. The walk will take place from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and costs $55 (Friends of Duke Gardens pay $45). For directions and to learn more, visit www.sarahpdukegardens.org or call 668-5309.
