Scottsdale launches 2017 Water Efficiency Workshop series

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Looking to give your landscape a refresh this spring? Sign up now for one of Scottsdale’s Water Efficiency Workshops or Xeriscape Garden tour and learn ways to enhance the beauty of your landscape while saving water and money!

Classes and tours are free, open to all Scottsdale residents and appropriate for all levels of skill and experience. The current series runs February through June and covers topics from rainwater harvesting to drip irrigation design and repair.

During the tour of the Scottsdale Xeriscape Garden at Chaparral Park, Garden Caretaker Bill Casenhiser will guide you through the 5.5-acre desert oasis near Hayden and McDonald roads. The garden is home to over 7,000 beautiful, water-thrifty plants of 200 different species.

Advanced registration is required for the workshops and tours and can be made online at ScottsdaleAZ.gov/Water or by calling 480-312-5690. Confirmations will be provided.

Rainwater Harvesting

Earth-friendly yard design advice using simple earthworks and low-water-use plants. Bring a plan of your property to use during the class.

Date: Saturday, February 18
Time: 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Location: Civic Center Library, 3839 N. Drinkwater Boulevard

Plant Care in the Desert

Proper watering, fertilizing and other maintenance techniques to help your landscape thrive. This class will include care of frost-bitten plants.

Date: Friday, February 24
Time: 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Location: Civic Center Library, 3839 N. Drinkwater Boulevard

Learn to Prune

Learn basic pruning cuts in a hands-on outdoor setting from an ISA Certified Arborist. This class fills quickly, so register early!

Date: Friday, March 17

Time: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Location: Scottsdale Xeriscape Garden at Chaparral Park

Efficient Lawn Care & Outdoor Leaks

Practical advice for maintaining a healthy and beautiful water-efficient lawn. Learn tips for reading a water meter and locating outdoor leaks.

Date: Saturday, March 25

Time: 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Location: Granite Reef Senior Center, 1700 N. Granite Reef Road

Landscaping for Small Spaces & Patios

Discover how choosing the right plant for the right place can enhance even the smallest landscapes and patios.

Date: Wednesday, March 29

Time: 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Location: Mustang Library, 10101 N. 90th Street

Xeriscape 101

Learn how applying simple Xeriscape principles can help you create a beautiful low-maintenance and low-water-use yard.

Date: Friday, March 31

Time: 11 a.m. to noon
Location: Mustang Library, 10101 N. 90th Street

ABCs of Watering

Techniques for proper watering can increase the health and beauty of your plants while saving water. Hands-on irrigation controller programming included.

Date: Saturday, April 1
Time: 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Location: Mustang Library, 10101 N 90th Street

Learn to Prune

Learn basic pruning cuts in a hands-on outdoor setting from an ISA Certified Arborist. This class fills quickly, so register early!

Date: Saturday, April 22
Time: 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Location: Scottsdale Xeriscape Garden at Chaparral Park

Drip Irrigation Design & Installation

Simple things you need to know about designing, installing and maintaining an efficient drip irrigation system.

Date: Saturday, May 20
Time: 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Location: Civic Center Library, 3839 N. Drinkwater Boulevard

Summer Color

Landscapes don’t have to be drab during summer heat. Learn about heat-tolerant plants that provide color during our hottest months.

Date: Saturday, June 10
Time: 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Location: Mustang Library, 10101 N 90th Street

Scottsdale Xeriscape Garden Tour

Take a walking tour (approximately two miles) through the Scottsdale Xeriscape Garden at Chaparral Park with caretaker Bill Casenhiser. This demonstration garden is home to over 7,000 plants from 200 species. See water-thrifty plants in action and have your desert plant questions answered by an expert.

Date: Friday, April 1 and Saturday, April 23

Time: 10 a.m. to noon

Location: Scottsdale Xeriscape Garden at Chaparral Park (SE Corner of Hayden/McDonald)