SmartScape Residential Workshops

SmartScape Residential Workshops teach homeowners the basics of landscape water conservation through informative workshops based on the principles of xeriscape. More than 500 residents of Tucson and surrounding areas attend these free classes each year to learn techniques and applications for water-efficient landscaping compatible with the urban desert landscape.

SmartScape Residential Workshop Schedule

Tucson Water sponsors this workshop series with the Pima County Cooperative Extension to promote attractive landscaping with water conservation and efficiency. Workshops help homeowners whether they intend to hire someone, do the work themselves, or maintain or upgrade their existing landscape and irrigation. Below are the subjects offered. Click here for the SmartScape Residential Program 2013 schedule.

• Rainwater Harvesting Incentives Program
  This 3-hour workshop presents information regarding residential rainwater harvesting and the qualification requirements for the Rainwater Harvesting Incentives Program rebate provided through Tucson Water for its residential customers. Participants should bring a basic site plan (sketch or bird's-eye view) of their property to work on during the last hour of the class.
• Residential Drip 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.
• Gray Water Rebate Seminars
  These 2-hour seminars are designed specifically for residential water customers interested in installing a permanent gray water irrigation system for their landscape plants. Information regarding Tucson Water's rebate program guidelines for Gray Water Irrigation Systems,City of Tucson Gray Water Ordinance, Arizona Department of Environmental Quality regulations, and practical considerations will be presented.
• Hands-On Waterwise Garden Design
  Learn how all of the elements of water-saving landscapes - such as water smart plantings, efficient irrigation, and rainwater harvesting - come together to make beautiful home gardens. Join award-winning garden designer and author Scott Calhoun for a hands-on class that will help you develop a conceptual xeric garden design. Participants should plan on bringing a basic site map (a drawing of their lot with their house on it) of their garden drawn on graph paper.

For more information, call the SmartScape Program Office at (520) 626-5161 or visit their web page.