When most people think of legumes, they think of peas and beans. But legumes are so much more than that. With more than 19,500 species worldwide, legumes are more diverse by any measure than other flowering plant families, and are second in economic/agricultural importance only to the grass family, serving as a source of food, fodder, green manure, woods, oils and resins, dyes, medicines and horticultural varieties.

On Saturday, February 9, Carefree Desert Gardens welcomes Dr. Marty Wojciechowski, Associate Professor at Arizona State University, where he specializes in studies of legume evolution and geographic distribution. Dr. Marty will discuss some of the unique aspects of legume biology, their diversity in the Southwest, and importance in agriculture, horticuture, and ecology.

The program, usually including a plant raffle, will begin at 9:30 a.m. and run approximately until noon at the Town Council Chambers at 33 Easy Street and Nonchalant Avenue in Carefree. A $5 (or more) donation is appreciated to support these programs.

For information call 480-488-3686. Be sure to come early, as seating is limited.