By Abby Warren

As the excitement of Halloween passes at the end of next week, two gardens in Portland offer the perfect opportunity to keep the fun going!

On Friday, Nov 2 from 2-6 pm, the Educational Garden at Gilbert Park Elementary will host a work party.

Gardeners and non-gardeners alike are invited to spread woodchips and prepare soil in new garden beds. This garden has got some exciting plans in store, and with funding from the City's Community Watershed Stewardship Program, these plans - including a native habitat and outdoor classroom - will soon come to fruition! (see graphic) For more information contact Mara Reynolds at mara_reynolds@ddouglas.k12.or.us.

The next day, Saturday, Nov 3 from 9:30 am to noon the Helensview garden team is hosting another work party after a highly successful turn out last week. Bring your gloves and wear your work clothes. For more information email Scott Somohano sumner.neighborhood@gmail.com. The garden is located at 8678 NE Sumner St.