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
- Hands-On Drip Irrigation & Controllers
- Desert Rain Gardens
- Principles of Xeriscape
- Harvesting Rainwater for Landscape Use
- Landscape Water Budgeting
- Basic Landscape Maintenance
- Hands-On Drip Irrigation & Controllers
Participants learn the principles of drip irrigation, from design and installation through installing and programming a typical residential timer. Kits are provided for in-class use to give participants the opportunity for hands-on experience with the basic system components.
Instructor: Steve Mallgren, Horizons West Landscape
Schedule: October 17
Time: 9:00 a.m. - 12:30 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: October 3
Time: 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
- Principles of Xeriscape
This workshop teaches the seven horticultural principles of Xeriscape to promote healthy, attractive residential landscapes appropriate for our desert environment and climate. Included in the discussion are the use of native and desert-adapted plants in the landscape, selection, installation, and maintenance of these plants, and other important facts to consider when planning or renovating a water-efficient landscape.
Instructor: Kathryn Hahne
Schedule: September 26
Time: 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 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: October 3 (12 noon - 2:00 p.m.), November 18 (9:00 a.m - 11:00 a.m)
- Landscape Water Budgeting
This class teaches residential water customers how best to use and manage their landscape water resources. Discussion addresses rainwater, graywater, reclaimed water and how to reduce wasteful water use.
Instructor: Vicki France
Schedule: August 1, November 21
Time: 9:00 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.
Instructor: Kathryn Hahne
Schedule:
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