The San Diego Chapter of the American Society of Interior Designers is sponsoring New Year Spruce Up 2007. During this annual fundraiser, the society will send a professional designer to your home to discuss your design dilemmas and offer ideas. Get a professional one-on-one consultation for a one- or two-hour appointment at the special prepaid rate of $85 per hour. Participating designers have expertise in a wide range of design specialties. You can request a designer with a particular specialty and/or from a certain geographic area. Appointments can be arranged at convenient times during January and February. Call (858) 274-3345. Information is also available at the chapter's Web site, www.ASIDSanDiego.org.

Events

WATER WORKSHOP: The Olivenhain Municipal Water District hosts a free water-efficient landscape workshop from 9 a.m.-noon Jan. 27 at the Encinitas Community Center. Topics are Landscape Design, California Friendly Ornamental Plants, Home Sprinkler Systems, and Watering & Fertilizing. The community center is at 1140 Oakcrest Park Drive, Encinitas. Workshops are sponsored by the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California with the Santa Fe Irrigation District and the San Dieguito Water District. Seating limited; reserve to (760) 632-4641. For more about the Olivenhain Municipal Water District, visit www.omwd.com.

Meetings

Carlsbad African Violet Society: Meets at 10 a.m. Monday at the Vista Public Library, 700 Eucalyptus St. Culture Class is "Putting Down a Leaf" by Hans Inpjin. Program: "Gesneriads" by Pauline Mueller. Business meeting at 12:30 p.m. Call (760) 433-4641.

Carlsbad Garden Club: Meets 1-3 p.m. Feb. 2 at Heritage Hall, Magee Park, 2650 Garfield St., Carlsbad. Presentation on "Hardscape Design using Member Gardens -- the good and the bad (and the ugly?)" and discussion. Photos by award-winning photographer Michael Levine. Light refreshments; garden related objects for sale. Call (760) 931-9863 or visit www.carlsbadgardenclub.org.

Classes

FLORAL DESIGN CLASS: MiraCosta College's Horticulture Department offers two floral design classes in the spring semester. In Floral Design I, students will learn the theory, techniques and skills practiced in the floral design industry. In this hands-on class, students will also learn basic design principles, cut flower preparation and care, merchandising and packaging. Floral Design I (HORT 171) meets 1-4:50 p.m. Wednesdays. In Floral Design II the focus is on the theory and practice of special occasion, contemporary, and large event floral designing. Floral shop management, employee relations and customer service will be emphasized. Floral Design II (HORT 172) meets 6-9:50 p.m. Thursdays. Each class is worth two units; tuition is $20 per unit for California residents. Each course also has a $200 materials fee. To register, call (760) 795-6620 or visit www.miracosta.edu.

FLORAL DESIGN CERTIFICATION: Palomar College offers three levels of Floral Design classes leading to a certificate. Floral Design I, Introduction to Floral Design, runs from 7-9:30 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays starting Feb. 6. Floral Design II, Special Events, runs from March 13-29; Floral Design III, Weddings and Corporate Events, runs from April 17-May 3. Fee for each session is $120 plus a materials fee of $45. Call (760) 744-1150, Ext. 2702, or visit venture.recware.

HOME, FLOWER CLASSES: Palomar College offers these courses. Call (760) 744-1150, Ext. 2702, or visit venture.recware:

- "Timing the Real Estate Market," 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Feb. 24. Fee is $55, plus a book is available for $25.

- "How to Build Your Dream Home for a Song: from 9 a.m.-noon March 31. Cost is $50, plus a book is available for $20.

- "Creative Floral Arrangements," 9 a.m.-noon April 14-May 5. Fee is $90.

At Walter Andersen nurseries: These free classes are offered at 9:30 a.m. Saturdays at the Poway location, 12755 Danielson Court. Call (858) 513-4900 or visit www.walterandersen.com.

Saturday: Rose pruning

Jan. 27: Fruit tree pruning

Feb. 3: Spring bulbs

Feb. 10: Hanging baskets

Feb. 17: Azaleas and camellias

Feb. 24: Lawn care

March 3: Container gardening

March 10: Orchid care with special guests

March 17: Spring rose care

March 24: Spring flowers

March 31: Citrus and varieties care

At Home Depot: These free how-to clinics are offered in January. Register at your local store. Call your local store for details or visit www.homedepotclinics.com:

7 p.m. Thursdays: Storage Solutions for Holiday Decorations

10 a.m. Saturdays: Tiling Your Bathroom Floors and Walls

1 p.m. Sundays: Maximize Your Closet Space

7 p.m. Jan. 29: Do-It-Herself Workshop: Freshen Up Your Style -- Rediscover, Revive and Reveal

At Lowe's: These free how-to clinics are offered Saturdays in January. Register at your local store or online at Lowes.com/Clinics. Contact your local store for details:

10 a.m.: Build and Grow: Coin Bank

11 a.m.: How to Install Laminate Flooring

Noon: How to Save Energy in Your Home

1 p.m.: How to Clear the Clutter

- Send Home & Garden items to Features Editor Laura Groch, North County Times, 207 E. Pennsylvania Ave., Escondido, CA 92025, fax to (760) 745-3769, or e-mail to features@nctimes.com.