• Steam Plant Gallery of Homes Tour and Art Walk - Includes home tours of the Steam Plant custom-designed lofts, two patio homes and two of the first live/work Row Homes at Lowry, noon to 6 p.m. today. The tour begins at 7777 E. First Place. www.lowry.org

• Soil discussion - Kelly Grummons will discuss soil amendments for types of gardens and turf, soil inoculants, plant nutrition and watering techniques, 10 a.m. to noon today, Timberline Gardens, 11700 W. 58th Ave. 303-420-4060. $5

• Starting Plants From Seed - Learn how to grow plants from seed and discover tips and techniques for planting, 1 to 2:30 p.m. today, Echter's Garden Center, 9170 W. 52nd Ave. 303-424-7979

• Gardening Lecture - Suzy Bales, editor of Outdoor Living and Better Homes and Gardens, and author of A Garden of Fragrance, will speak on "Scents and Senses: Gardens of Fragrance," 7 p.m. Thursday, Denver Botanic Gardens, 1005 York St. Registration, 720-865-3580. $16 members, $21 nonmembers, $25 day of event

• Hands-on Beginners Bonsai Class- Learn the basics of growing bonsai plants, and make your own bonsai to take home, 10 a.m. March 10, Paulino Gardens, 6280 N. Broadway. 303-428-2919

• Create Your Own Home Energy Makeover Workshop and Home Tour - Environment Aurora has partnered with the Colorado Energy Science Center to teach you how to conserve energy in your home, 9 a.m. to noon March 24, Aurora Municipal Center, 15151 E. Alameda Parkway. To RSVP, call 303-216-2026, ext. 150.

• Home Improvement Classes for Women - Workshop offers hands-on classes in basic home-improvement skills, Tuesdays through Thursdays, 47 W. Alameda Ave. For classes, times and details, call 303-284-6354. Cost is $50 to $150.

• Governor's Residence tours - School groups are invited to visit the Governor's Residence, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. May 1, 8 or 15. Reservations, 303-866-3682

Send calendar items to Elaine Goodman, Rocky Mountain News, 101 W. Colfax Ave., Suite 500, Denver, CO 80202; fax 303-954- 5407; or e-mail spotlight@RockyMountainNews.com.