The first 1,000 guests will receive a free drought-tolerant plant, while supplies last.

The weather is warming, birds are singing and sweet flora fragrance is wafting through the air. That can only mean one thing: it's time for SAWS' annual Spring Bloom.

Once again, the front parking lot of SAWS Headquarters will transform into a gardeners' paradise. Botanical groups will create an onsite nursery of sorts, offering plants and herbs for sale including new varieties – a fragrant yellow rose and a cold-tolerant red bottle brush — and old favorites.

Speaking of which, both Calvin Finch, Ph.D., and Jerry Parsons, Ph.D., are among the lineup of local landscape experts who will speak throughout the day on various topics ranging from what to do about damaged grass to drip irrigation to organic practices that can mend your landscape.

Of course, there's always the very popular plant giveaway – the first 1,000 guests will receive a free drought-tolerant plant, while supplies last. And, there will be information stations on getting to know your irrigation controller and literature on the Environmental Protection Agency's annual WaterSense Fix a Leak Week. (FYI-Prizes could be in your future.)

Parking and admission are free. And, did I mention the free plants? Just look for the dancing flowers!

Mark Peterson is a conservation project coordinator for San Antonio Water System.