Free Landscaping and Irrigation Workshops

Up to 70 percent of your water use is outdoors! These workshops are designed to help residents learn how to use water more efficiently and still have a lush, beautiful looking yard. 
 
All workshops/classes are free of charge to Chandler utility customers, but advanced registration is required as space is limited.  Registration is available online or by phone.  Classes will be held at the locations listed below except Chandler Smart Landscaping on 9/14 & 9/21 to be held at Environmental Education Center, 4050 E. Chandler Heights Rd.  For more information, please call the Water Conservation Office at 480-782-3580 or email conserve@chandleraz.gov.

Class & Workshop Descriptions for Fall 2013

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. Transform your grass yard into outdoor living spaces that are colorful, fragrant, interesting, cool leisure, Mediterranean, eco-compatible, etc. This class will show you the easy step-by-step methods. You may even be eligible for a rebate of up to $3,000.

Class will be held Tuesday, August 27, from 6:30 to 8:45 p.m.                            Register Online Here

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 10, from 6:30 to 8:45 p.m.            Register Online Here                           

"CHANDLER SMART" LANDSCAPING - Instructor: Ron Dinchak  
This two-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 step, 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 existing one. Designing in harmony with the Sonoran Desert will be emphasized.


To be held at Environmental Education Center, 4050 E. Chandler Heights Rd.
- "Chandler Smart" Landscaping I, Saturday, September 14, from 9:00 a.m. to Noon          Register Online Here
- "Chandler Smart" Landscaping II, Saturday, September 21, from 9:00 a.m. to Noon         (Register once for both classes)
               
To be held at Chandler City Hall
- "Chandler Smart" Landscaping I, Saturday, October 5, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.            Register Online Here
- "Chandler Smart" Landscaping II, Saturday, October 12, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.         (Register once for both classes)
                      

GREEN PLUMBING SOLUTIONS - Instructor: John Smith
Learn how to save water, energy and money with environmentally friendly products. The 2012 Green Plumber of the Year will teach you how to minimize the cost of 'going green' by optimizing rebates and water saving designs.

Class will be held Tuesday, September 17 from 6:30 - 8:00 p.m.                                                 Register Online Here


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, September 24 from 6:30 to 8:45 p.m.                                                   Register Online Here
 
WATER SMART WORKSHOPS - Instructor: Jeff Lee
This class 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. 

-Sprinkler Design and Installation, Thursday, October 10, from 6:00 to 8:45 p.m.         Register Online Here       
Learn how to design, install and operate an efficient sprinkler system.   This class will teach you to properly locate and place sprinkler heads and valves as well as identify the problem areas in your system and how to correct them.  You'll also explore the latest innovations in water efficient lawn watering equipment

- Drip Irrigation System Installation , Thursday, October 17, from 6:00 - 8:45 p.m.        Register Online Here
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 & Timer Instruction, Thursday, October 24, from 6:00 to 8:45 p.m.      Register Online Here        
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.

- "Smart" Irrigation Controllers, Thursday, November 7, from 6:00 to 8:45 p.m.                        Register Online Here             
How smart is your irrigation controller? Chances are the answer is not too smart.  A new generation of products are available that will automatically adjust your irrigation schedule based on actual site and weather conditions.  These controllers can prevent irrigation when it rains, apply more water to your landscape during unexpected hot and dry spells, and automatically adjust watering to reduce runoff from slopes.  Learn how this new technology can help save up to 30% on your landscape watering.  

There are many different brands and models of these new smart controllers and choosing the right one can be confusing. This class will show you how the different models work and how they are set up so you can feel confident you'll choose the best one for your landscape needs.  Get ready to ask questions and collect your rebate - up to $250 is available!

    
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.