It's time for Pansies, Violas and herbs. "Gifts from the Garden" will be the featured presentation at 11 a.m. with Joan Doyle guiding transformation of garden surplus into unique holiday treasures for family and friends.

Become a Citizen Forester and make an impact on the trees close to your home. Tree Troopers training will be offered in Jefferson Parish at Lafreniere Park, 3000 Downs Blvd., November 6, 8, 13, and 15, from 1p.m. to 4p.m. Attendance at all four sessions is necessary for certification. To register call 833-TREE (8733).

This session of Tree Troopers is sponsored by Friends of Jefferson the Beautiful and will be delivered by Urban Forester Tom Campbell.

Three Martin Luther King Oaks and 45 George Washington Maple Trees were introduced to the lower Ninth Ward through the American Forest historical tree program and in conjunction with students of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Charter School, Home Depot and SallieMae efforts. Before planting the trees, Jean Fahr spoke to the students emphasizing the importance of trees for health and well-being in an urban setting. She encouraged the students to come back each year to chart the progress of their ReLeaf New Orleans efforts.

Although the Schoolyard Garden Program is limited, Fruit Trees for Schools are available to all Orleans Parish Schools. If interested contact Jo Ann Albrecht at jalbrecht@parkwaypartnersnola.org.

It's time to start your holiday shopping and Parkway Partners has a quick and easy solution for those "hard-to-buy-for" family and friends, the "Gift of Releaf." ReLeaf New Orleans is Parkway Partners initiative to replant the thousands of trees lost in 2005. You can help by sponsoring a tree in honor of family and friends. You provide the names, we send information about the ReLeaf New Orleans Initiative and a personalized holiday card or if you prefer you can pick up and deliver them personally.