Rain gardens are among the topics explored during Library Talks in December 2017.  (photo/Cindy Hadish)

Linn County Master Gardeners will offer three free “Library Talks” in December at the Ladd Library, 3750 Williams Blvd. SW, in Cedar Rapids.

Discussions will explore new perennials, ground covers and rain gardens.

Here is the schedule, from ISU Linn County Extension:

Dec. 6, 2017, 6:30-7:30 p.m.

New Perennials – Library Talks

Garden Catalogs are full of amazing perennials. Learn how to select the best for your garden. Deb will show some of the newest and coolest perennials available that could be in nurseries near you and talk about her favorite plants that grow in her gardens. Speaker: Deb Walser, Linn County Master Gardener

Dec. 13, 2017, 6:30-7:30 p.m.

That about Covers It – Library Talks

From ajuga to zinnias, perennials to annuals, find out how ground covers can work for you as a lawn alternative. Join Barb and discover the use of living mulch in your landscape. Speaker: Barb Wing, Linn County Master Gardener

Dec. 20, 2017, 6:30-7:30 p.m.

Rain Gardens – Library Talks

Learn the basics about designing, constructing and planting this landscaping feature that can capture rain water runoff on your property and do your part to help improve water quality downstream. Speaker: Karla McGrail, Linn County Master Gardener