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 2/23 & 3/2 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 Spring 2013

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, February 19, 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, February 23, from 9:00 a.m. to Noon            Register Online Here
- "Chandler Smart" Landscaping II, Saturday, March 2, from 9:00 a.m. to Noon           (Register once for both classes)
               
To be held at Chandler City Hall
- "Chandler Smart" Landscaping I, Saturday, March 9, from 9:00 a.m. to Noon                    Register Online Here
- "Chandler Smart" Landscaping II, Saturday, March 16, from 9:00 a.m. to Noon         (Register once for both classes)
                      
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, March 5 from 6:30 to 8:45 p.m.                                                        Register Online Here
 
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, March 19, from 6:30 to 8:45 p.m.                                                        Register Online Here
 
WHAT'S BUGGING YOU? - Instructor: Cathy Rymer
Wondering about how to deal with bugs in your yard or home? Are you confused about pest control? Learn to successfully identify the good bugs from the bad as well as eco-friendly ways to control or encourage them using cultural, mechanical, and biological methods. You'll also hear about odd bug behavior and our sometimes irrational responses to bugs.  If you like, bring samples for pest ID.

Class will be held Tuesday, March 26 from 6:30 - 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, April 11, 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

- Yard Watering & Timer Instruction, Thursday, April 18, 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.

- Maximize Your Irrigation , Thursday, April 25, from 6:00 - 8:45 p.m.                                 Register Online Here
Are you puzzled by the irrigation system installed by the builder or previous owner? You could be faced with a system that performs poorly and is usually masked by excessive water use. Learn how to identify the performance robbing problems in your system and what to do about them. You may be surprised, ripping out the old system and starting over is rarely needed.

- "Smart" Irrigation Controllers, Thursday, May 2, 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.