Special to the Times/News

It was a long summer for many houseplants that enjoyed it outdoors. But all good things must come to an end; it's time to bring them back indoors.

To make the transition easier, line them up by the back door. For the next few days, carefully inspect each one before bringing them in.

Short of turning them inside out, look at the leaves (especially the undersides), stems and flowers, if any, for any pests that might hitchhike their way indoors. Also scratch up the top inch of soil and remove any debris like leaf litter.

Last check: the undersides of pots and around the rim.

If you find a "pest" on your plants, it's important to have it properly identified first. Once you know what it is, proper control methods can be used.

If a pesticide is to be used, it must be labeled for the use specified on the label.

You know the drill: Always read the label first and then follow it to a tee. If you're going to use chemicals, look for systemic products that work from the inside out.

Bring houseplants indoors in early October or a couple weeks before the heating system is turned on for the season. As a general rule, when overnight temperatures begin to dip into the low 50s, it's time to bring them in.

Community activists have been promoting backyard wildlife gardening for some time. The city of Tukwila has even been certified as a "Wildlife Community." A similar effort is taking place in Burien.

Did you know that more than 140 bird and mammal species inhabit the neighborhoods of our region? And that they rely upon the resources found primarily in your yard?

WSU King County Extension is offering an afternoon class and tour to highlight tips and techniques that you can do to make your backyard friendlier for our native wildlife.

Join Amy Grotta from WSU Extension and Emelie McNett from Burien's Urban Wildlife Habitat Team to learn how to meet your favorite critters' basic needs - food, water and shelter - right in your own neighborhood.

Clear your schedule for Saturday, Oct. 8, noon to 4 p.m. Please register to ensure space at www.metrokc.gov/wsu-ce/EdNights/ or call Darcy Batura at 206-205-3130.

Class will be held at the North SeaTac Park Community Center, 13735 24th Ave. S., in SeaTac.

Following a presentation, participants will tour the adjacent Highline Botanical Garden (founded by the Lazy Gardener in 1997) and a nearby residence to discuss landscape features and plant selections that are wildlife friendly.

For more information, contact Amy at 206-205-3132.

It's been a long summer without much rain and water-hungry gardens are showing it - plants are flagging and water bills are shocking.

Moving into autumn, the forecast doesn't offer much relief. So, take a hint and consider revising your garden plan to include more drought-tolerant/preferring, easy-care plants.

Let your local nurseries know you want to see more appropriate plants in light of changing climate.

Obvious clues to a plant's low water needs are color and texture. Generally, gray and blue toned foliage says "I'm OK with less water."

The rule does not apply to blue toned Hostas - all Hostas are water lovers and do particularly well in bog gardens.

Another general rule for low water needs is fuzzy foliage. Among the obvious here are Pussy Toes (Stachys byzantina, z 4) and Wormwood (Artemesia species, z 4).

Of course, there are lots of more interesting plants available out there. Narrowleaf Yellow Bells (Tecoma stans var. angustata, z 7) is a new variety from the mountains of West Texas. Blooming summer to early fall, the golden-yellow trumpet-shaped flowers are large and showy over bright green linear foliage.

Showy Pink Evening Primrose (Oenothera speciosus CERosea, z 5), brings adds a soft pink tone to the dry border from early summer through fall. It needs plenty of room to spread out and will overwhelm less vigorous plants.

Combine with Russian Sage (Perovskia), Gray Santolina (Santolina chamaecyparissus), and Catmint (Nepeta cultivars such as CEWalker's Low) for a colorful, easy-care arrangement, with colors ranging from pink to purple-blue and soft gray-green.

Ask your local nursery to stock our native Four O'clock (Miribilis multiflorus, Z 4). In mid-afternoon on sunny days, it will be in full glory with hundreds of magenta-pink flowers on an 18-inch high by 4-foot wide plant with an enormous, deep-growing taproot.

Once established, no additional water is needed - an absolute must for a "Lazy Garden."

E-mail inquiries and suggestions to lazy.gardener@comcast.net