Free Landscaping and Irrigation Workshops
Most landscapes are overwatered, which results in as much as 60 percent of household water being applied outdoors! These workshops are designed to help residents learn how to use water more efficiently and still have a lush-looking yard.
All workshops/classes are free of charge to Chandler utility customers, but you must register. Classes will be held at the Chandler Senior Center, 202 E. Boston St. To register and for more information, please call the Water Conservation Office at 480-782-3580.
Class & Workshop Descriptions for Fall 2010
BASIC YARD MAKEOVERS - Instructor: Cathy Rymer
Want to create your own backyard oasis? Or maybe you’d like to make your landscape more child or pet friendly. If you’ve been considering converting your yard into a colorful, fragrant, interesting living space, this class will show you the easy step-by-step methods. You may even be eligible for a rebate!
Class will be held Tuesday, August 31, from 6:30 to 8:45 p.m.
"CHANDLER SMART" LANDSCAPING - Instructor: Ron Dinchak
This three-class series of classes covers the basics of designing home landscapes that create attractive, comfortable, functional and sustainable yards appropriate for our location in the Southwest. Basic design processes, how to plan for small spaces, the wide array of desert-adapted plants available, plant selection, and plant combinations, principles and techniques will be covered. The instructor will take participants through the stages of design and assign exercises at each stemp, from design concept to finished landscape. Class participants are encouraged to bring their own yard layouts for these exercises, whether they are creating a new landscape or renovating an exisiting one. Designing in harmony with the Sonoran Desert will be emphasized.
- "Chandler Smart" Landscaping I, Tuesday, September 7, from 6:30 to 8:45 p.m.
- "Chandler Smart" II, Tuesday, September 14, from 6:30 to 8:45 p.m.
- "Chandler Smart" III, Tuesday, September 21, from 6:30 to 8:45 p.m.
- "Chandler Smart" I, Tuesday, October 5, from 6:30 to 8:45 p.m.
- "Chandler Smart" II, Tuesday, October 12, from 6:30 to 8:45 p.m.
- "Chandler Smart" III, Tuesday, October 19, from 6:30 to 8:45 p.m.
WATER-WISE EDIBLE GARDENING - Instructor: Cathy Rymer
Take advantage of this timely workshop to get your garden growing in our unique desert environment. You’ll discover the importance and details of soil preparation and how to overcome the challenges of our environment. Taught by a Master Gardener, you’ll learn how to select, plant and care for vegetables / herbs / fruits and citrus for a bountiful harvest.
Class will be held Tuesday, September 28, from 6:30 to 8:45 p.m.
WATER SMART WORKSHOPS - Instructor: Jeff Lee
This three-part series will walk you through the components of your irrigation system, how to design and install a system, how to program your irrigation timer, and how to troubleshoot when problems arise.
- Drip Irrigation System Installation, Tuesday, October 26, from 6 to 8:45 p.m.
Designing a drip irrigation system that’s efficient and low maintenance is easy if you know how. From backflow preventers to emitters this class will help you learn how to design and install an irrigation system as good as the pros. Taught by a certified irrigation specialist, any confusion you may have about components like pressure regulators, valves, emitters, zones, stations, etc., will become crystal clear.
- Yard Watering, Tuesday, November 2, from 6 to 8:45 p.m.
Wondering about how long, how much and when to water your landscape? You’re not alone - outdoor watering is often a place where water is wasted. This class will take the mystery out of irrigation and will teach you the how, when and where of landscape watering. Participants will learn how to program an irrigation timer using actual controllers (timers). Learn how to save water, and have a healthier landscape at the same time.
- Irrigation System Maintenance, Tuesday, November 9, from 6 to 8:45 p.m.
Are you noticing dry areas in your lawn? Are your plants showing signs of stress? There could be a problem with your irrigation system. This workshop will focus on troubleshooting and repairing those drip, sprinkler and bubbler systems, which can save you money and water.
**All those attending the classes will receive a "Water Wise Landscaping in the Arizona Desert" CD. This interactive CD has components that make it a powerful tool in water conservation education with hundreds of landscape ideas, photographs, an entensive plant database and detailed recommendations on how to design, install and maintain a water-efficient landscape.
PRUNING AND MAINTAINING YOUR LANDSCAPE - Instructor: Cathy Rymer
Trees and shrubs are the most important living elements of your landscape. Join an ISA certified arborist for this introductory presentation to learn the basics of pruning to keep your investments healthy, functional and looking great. You will learn the art and science of good pruning, including how to prune young trees for good structure, the five types of pruning and when to use them, as well as how to avoid the two worst pruning mistakes. You will leave this program ready to prune your own trees and shrubs with confidence and effectiveness.
Class will be held Tuesday, November 16, from 6:30 to 8:45 p.m.
If you are unable to attend a workshop, but are interested in the many free brochures the Water Conservation Office provides, simply click here to order online.
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