WaterSmart Workshops

WaterSmart classes teach homeowners the basics of landscape water conservation through informative workshops based on the principles of xeriscape. An estimated 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. For more information, call the SmartScape Program Office at (520) 626-5161.

WaterSmart Workshop Schedule

Many of our city's residents come from other areas of the country. When they purchase a new or existing home, they often have questions about how to create a pleasing landscape and how to water it. Tucson Water sponsors this popular lecture series with the Pima County Cooperative Extension to help residents answer those questions. The SmartScape Program promotes attractive landscaping with water conservation. WaterSmart lectures help the homeowner whether they are going to hire an installation crew, do the install themselves, or have an existing system that needs maintenance or upgrades. The following is a brief description of classes in the series.

• Basic Landscape Maintenance (Plant Care 101)
  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.
• 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.
• Desert-Wise Landscaping (Desert Adapted Plants)
  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.
• Harvesting Rainwater for Landscape Use (Rainwater Harvesting)
  This lecture-format class focuses on simple earthworks techniques, hardscapes, and plant choices for passive water harvesting. The homeowner learns how to use natural rainfall to offset irrigation use, resulting in water conservation and lower water bills.
• Residential Drip Irrigation (Residential 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.

The 2012 schedule has not yet been released. For more information, call the SmartScape Program Office at (520) 626-5161 or visit their web page.