Each year the City of Napa presents FREE Water-Wise Landscaping Workshops in cooperation with UC Master Gardeners and other local professionals.  Topics are designed for Napa Valley residents interested in maintaining and beautifying their landscape while keeping water bills low.  Each workshop features expert presenters, free water-saving tools, literature, and door prizes.  Living in a drought-prone state, all Californians are urged to minimize their water use.  While the state's wet winter of 2009-10 was a big improvement after three straight dry years, outdoor conservation is still the key to our water future. 

** Stay Tuned for Information about Fall 2010 Workshops **

Highlights of the completed Spring 2010 Series:

Sprinkler Smarts, May 19

The end of the rainy season is the perfect time to tune up your sprinkler system.  Local landscaping consultant John Staggs demonstrated how to design and maintain a system for maximum efficiency.  We showed how easy it is to "take control of your controller" and keep water bills down.  Weather-based "Smart" controllers were featured.
View the presentation slides. 

Deciphering Drip, May 26

Harmony Farm Supply staff helped solve the mysteries of point-source or "drip" irrigation, the most efficient water delivery system for plants.  Real-life drip applications were discussed and system components were displayed.  All attendees enjoyed some "hands-on" practice.
View the presentation slides. 

Soils, Mulches, and More, June 2

After a look at the eight basic principles of water-wise landscaping, local Master Gardeners thoroughly reviewed our local soils and the critical importance of aeration, amendments, and mulch.  Basic landscape design was also emphasized, including appropriate plant grouping strategies.
View the presentation slides. 

Perfect Plant Picks, June 9

Local landscape design pros showed that drought-tolerant is anything but boring.  Colorful and beautiful tree, shrub, perennial, grass, vine, and groundcover species were discussed.  Dozens of plants were on hand for viewing, including California natives.  Local water-wise demonstration gardens were publicized.
View presentation slides.