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Utah educator honored for bringing joy to the garden

Utah gardening author and popular radio show host, Joy Bossi, has received the national "Award of Excellence" from National Garden Clubs. She was one of three people selected for the honor in 2016, based on her commitment to gardening education, civic activities and promoting environmental responsibility.

"Each year, NGC's Award of Excellence recognizes exceptional individuals, organizations or institutions that foster the joy of gardening through environmental and civic responsibility, conservation and community beautification," said Sandra Robinson, president, National Garden Clubs Inc., the largest volunteer gardening organization in the world. "By recognizing these deserving award recipients from different parts of the nation, NGC hopes to educate and inspire others in communities coast-to-coast."

Nominated by Utah Associated Garden Clubs Inc., Bossi has been teaching and guiding Utah gardeners for more than 30 years. She is best known as host of the Saturday morning talk show "Joy in the Garden" on KLO-AM, where she fields questions from listeners on lawn, garden and plant care. Bossi also is the co-author of "Joy in Your Garden" and "The Incredible, Edible Landscape."

She holds a bachelor's degree in botany from Brigham Young University in Provo, and teaches area gardening classes and workshops. She also is a Master Gardener and Certified Nursery Professional and works closely with Utah's public gardens, including Weber Basin's Water Conservation Learning Garden in Layton and Conservation Garden Park of the Jordan Valley Water Conservancy District, which provide water conservation education in Utah's high-desert climate.

Carrot cake for a cause

During May, diners can feel good about eating the $5 carrot cake at Squatters and Wasatch brew pubs, as purchases of the dessert benefit Utah charities. The five brew pubs and the Utah Brewers Cooperative have selected different programs to support during the "Guilt-Free Desserts" promotion. For every piece of cake purchased, the brewers will make a matching donation. Last year, the promotion raised $33,000, with the winning charity receiving more than $15,000. Nicholas and Company, a local food purveyor, donates all of the ingredients for the carrot cakes. This year, funds raised at Squatters Pub Brewery go to Homeless Youth Resource Center; Squatters Roadhouse Grill Park City will donate to Hope Lodge; Squatters Salt Lake City Airport, gives to the Utah Food Bank; Wasatch Brew Pub Park City to Mountain Trails Foundation; Wasatch Brew Pub Sugar House to Best Friends Animal Society; and Utah Brewers Cooperative to Bikes for Kids Utah.

Wine and dine during June Tastemaker event

Tickets are on sale for the two-day Tastemakers event in downtown Salt Lake City. Guests can sample food prepared by 14 Utah restaurants and food purveyors under a special dining pavilion at the Gallivan Center. Or they can stroll downtown and visit seven more dining destinations. Participating restaurants include Carvers, The Farm, GR Kitchen, Stoneground, Caffe Molise, J. Wong's Asian Bistro and Squatters. Sponsored by Salt Lake Magazine.

When • Friday and Saturday, June 2 and 3, 5 to 10 p.m.

Where • Gallivan Center, 239 S. Main St., Salt Lake City

Cost • $33, wine and beer is additional; VIP pass $89 includes exclusive tasting and five drinks.

Details • saltlakemagazine.com/tastemakers/