Gardening is a favorite pastime that’s good for the soul and good for the environment. Studies have shown that gardening lowers blood pressure as we get exercise outdoors. The environment also benefits, as we are growing fresh food locally.

A good source of gardening information is the Dallas Arboretum’s A Tasteful Place. In a garden dedicated to growing, harvesting and preparing fresh food, visitors can see what’s in season and to be inspired to grow those plants at home. Many plants in A Tasteful Place are edible, and visitors can sample a “hero” fruit or vegetable each day prepared a few different ways. These recipes are also on the website.

Each Monday in A Tasteful Place, Dallas College has a chef that does a cooking demonstration with what’s fresh and growing in the garden. As a bonus, visitors get to sample these recipes. Every Friday in A Tasteful Place at 11 a.m., the Dallas Arboretum has a program presented by the Master Gardeners, Master Naturalists, the Dallas Arboretum Horticultural Staff and local experts. Included with paid garden admission, these programs provide special tips and presentations on spring plants and gardening topics. The Dallas Arboretum celebrates Dallas Blooms annually. This year, A Picture’s Worth a Thousand Words will be featured through April 8, presented by Amegy Bank. Here are some other events.

March 1: Garden Tours with Ann Lamb and Starla Willis, of Dallas County Master Gardeners.

March 8: John Hunt: Tons of Tomatoes and time to start planning for them.

March 15: Matthew Orwat: Growing Fruit Trees in North Texas.

March 22: Jennifer Morrow with Abbott Ipco Inc.: All About Blooming Bulbs.

March 29: Judy Meagher: Insects in your Garden—Good or Bad?

April 5: David and Linda Hampton: The Fascinating Lives of Honeybees and A Look at Them.

April 12: Cindy Bolz: Japanese Maples for Your Garden.

April 19: Judy Meagher: Let’s Celebrate Earth Day.

April 26: Barbara Gollman: The Wonderful World of Herbs.

May 3: Nancy Wilson: Pollination is the Name of the Game.

May 10: Janet Smith: Inviting Nature Back Home.

May 17: Gina Woods: Tropicals—Gorgeous Plants That Love Our Summer Heat.

May 24: Kevin Burns: Landscaping Made Easy.

May 31: Dave Forehand: What’s in Bloom in the Garden.

For more information, visit DallasArboretum.org.