Bangor

Zonta Garden Tour

The Zonta Club of Bangor Garden Tour is back, and it is better than ever, organizers said. The club will hold its garden tour 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday, July 15, after a break of two years. The tour will take place rain or shine. To celebrate, six Bangor area gardens will be featured, showing a wide range of styles and plantings.

Tickets are available at Johnson Florist and Gifts, Airport Mall; Sprague’s Nursery and Garden Center, 1664 Union St.; and Garden Cafe and D’Lor Beauty Salon in Maliseet Gardens, all in Bangor.

For more information, call Marcia at 285-3636. Program books and maps will be available the day of the event at three of the six gardens, which are listed on the ticket. On July 15, tickets will be available only at Sprague’s Nursery and Garden Center, this year’s sponsor.

The proceeds of the tour go to support the many service projects and scholarships of the Zonta Club of Bangor. The club is part of Zonta International, a global organization of executives and professionals working together to promote the status of women worldwide through service and advocacy.

Brewer

Iron Dog competition

The 2006 Iron Dog competition may be viewed on Time Warner Cable Channel 12 at 6 p.m. Friday, July 13, and 10 a.m. Saturday, July 14.

The event is filmed by MyVideoProductions, represented by Eric Baxter and his family, funded by PAGEmployment and Seaboard Security.

Amanda Ireland and Lloyd Williams run the annual Iron Dog Competition at Bear Brook Kennel in Brewer.

The competition began to educate children about dogs and dog safety. It was developed based on a police program that trains officers to do dog handling.

The Iron Dog’s obstacle course consists of various stations including a red wagon pull, wading pool and tennis ball carry.

Children answer a few simple safety questions. There are three age brackets and everyone who competes receives a medallion. The top performer in each group wins a trophy.

To learn more about Bear Brook Kennel’s next Iron Dog Competition planned for Saturday, Sept. 22, call Lloyd at 989-7979 or visit www.bearbrookkennel.com.

Bucksport

Self-defense for females

Self defense is not about physical strength. It is a combination of knowledge and self-confidence. In a five-week, 15-hour RAD self-defense class presented by the Bucksport Parks and Recreation Department, teens will learn the basic principles of self-defense, including identifying vulnerable locations, developing plans of action and executing a variety of practical and effective physical techniques.

Participants will build confidence, get some exercise and relieve stress in a comfortable, noncompetitive environment. The class is appropriate for females of all ages and ability levels. Class will be held 6-8:30 p.m. Tuesday, July 24. To register, call Barb Ames at 469-6682. The cost is $40, payable the first day of class.

Hermon

English Tea Party

The sixth annual English Tea Party will be held 2-4 p.m. Saturday, July 21, at Ecotat Gardens and Arboretum.

Limited seating is available at $10 a person. Make reservations with Pat Kesling at 299-2695 or Betty Tracy at 942-6010. Rain date is July 22.

Orland

Invasive species control

If you’ve got a passion for botany or gardening, or just for getting dirty in the outdoors, Great Pond Mountain Conservation Trust’s invasive species control team needs you.

The trust will offer an Invasive Plant Control workshop led by Dr. Alison Dibble 9 a.m.-noon Saturday, July 21, at Craig Brook National Fish Hatchery, rain or shine.

Participants will learn to identify and control invasive plants such as purple loosestrife, bull thistle and Japanese barberry, and join a team of conservation volunteers who will work this summer and fall eradicating alien plants from sites in Orland’s Great Pond Mountain wildlands.

Part of the workshop will be indoors, and part will be outdoors in the wildlands. Be prepared for some moderate hiking and bring a hand lens if you have one. Participation is limited to 12. Register by e-mail to bennatti@prexar.com or call 469-6066. Bucksport Garden Club and Orrington Garden Club are supporting the workshop.