WaterSmart Landscapes is a series of classes designed to educate homeowners about landscape water conservation and Xeriscape. These lectures are offered several times throughout the year. Seating is limited so please call the SmartScape Program office at 626-5161 to register.
WaterSmart, the Residential component of the SmartScape Program, was picked "Best of Tucson" by the staff of Tucson Weekly in 2007. Winner in the category "Best Way to Learn the Ways of the Desert", the WaterSmart classes teach homeowners the basics of landscape water conservation through informative workshops based on the principles of Xeriscape. Approximately 500 residents of Tucson and surrounding areas attend classes each year to learn techniques and applications for water-efficient landscaping compatible with the urban desert landscape.
All classes are taught at the Pima County Cooperative Extension.
Workshop Topics:
Click on the workshop title for description and schedule of workshop.
- Residential Landscape Irrigation
- Desert Rain Gardens
- Desert-wise Landscaping
- Harvesting Rainwater for Landscape Use
- Landscape Water Budget
- Basic Landscape Maintenance
- Residential Landscape Irrigation
This Hands-On workshop is designed to teach participants how to assemble a basic drip irrigation system, maintain it, install a timer and develop a schedule an automated irrigation system. Each participant receives a box of parts (for use during the class) and learns how to correctly identify and assemble the parts. Programmable irrigation timers are also provided for in-class use to demonstrate ease in setting an irrigation clock.
Instructor: Steve Mallgren, Horizons West Landscape
Schedule: April 3, May 15, June 17, September 25, November 13
Time: 8:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
- Desert Rain Gardens
This class introduces the concept of creating a water-thrifty landscape that relies on seasonal rainfall and rainwater harvesting techniques rather than supplemental irrigation with potable water. Design tips, plant selection and considerations, and plantings for berms and basins are discussed.
Instructor:Scott Calhoun, Zona Gardens
Schedule: April 14, June 9, August 14, October 30
Time: 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
- Desert-wise Landscaping
This lecture teaches basic landscape design through use of Xeriscape principles and focuses on practical considerations for using native and desert-adapted plants in the landscape. This very popular class is a must for new homeowners and winter visitors.WATER WISE LANDSCAPE DESIGN IN 5 EASY STEPS
Instructor: Kathryn Hahne
Schedule: January 13, March 20, May 12, October 27, December 4
Time: 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 a.m.
- Harvesting Rainwater for Landscape Use
This workshop teaches simple and complex water harvesting methods. Discussion focuses on passive ways to redirect of water for immediate use and active ways to capture water for later use. Water harvesting can help to offset landscape irrigation costs as well as reducing the dependency on municipal or well water supplies.
Instructor: Kathryn Hahne, Pima County Cooperative Extension
Schedule: April 14, June 9, October 30
Time: 12 noon - 2:00 p.m. (bring lunch!)
- Landscape Water Budget
This class teaches residential water users how best to use and manage their landscape water resources. Discussion addresses rainwater, graywater, reclaimed water and how to calculate a water irrigation budget to reduce wasteful watering practices and increase efficiency.
Instructor: Vicki France
Schedule: April 3, May 15, June 5, September 25, November 13
Time: 9:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
- Basic Landscape Maintenance
This lecture-format workshop teaches basic horticultural care for the residential landscape. Topics include seasonal pruning, fertilizing, and watering. Participants will learn how to create a maintenance schedule for their landscape.
Pruning Shrubs in the Low and Mid-Elevation Deserts in ArizonaInstructor: Kathryn Hahne
Schedule: March 10, July 22,
Time: 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Schedule: August 14, September 25,
Time: 12:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. (bring lunch!)