For those looking to start spring early, two gardening-related Community Education classes will be held in Austin this month.

“Rain Gardens for Your Yard” runs from 7-9 p.m. on March 12 at Ellis Middle School. Participants will learn how to design and install a rain garden and select plants for it. Rain gardens are landscape features that improve water quality in our lakes and rivers by catching water from roof downspouts and driveways. They usually contain a stunning display of native prairie flowers and grasses that attract butterflies and birds. The cost is $8.

“Gardening With Native Flowers and Grasses” will follow from 7-9 p.m. on March 19, also at Ellis. The hands-on workshop concerns the aesthetic and environmental benefits of landscaping with flowers and grasses native to the region. Gardeners of all skill levels will discover how to use native flowers and grasses to create beautiful and low-maintenance gardens that attract butterflies, pollinators and birds in any location or soil conditions.

For more information or to register, visit https://www.austin.k12.mn.us/clc. The cost for each class is $8.