Each year the City of Napa presents a FREE Water-Wise Landscaping Workshop Series in cooperation with UCCE 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.  More than half of Napa's water is used for irrigation, so outdoors is the place to look for big water-saving opportunities. 

***Stay tuned for details on the 2010 Water-Wise Landscaping Workshop Series***

Highlights of the Summer 2009 Series:

Sprinkler Smarts, July 22

As lawn watering needs peaked, we celebrated Smart Irrigation Month with local landscape irrigation pro Lou Penning who 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 also a prime focus in anticipation of an upcoming Napa rebate program.
If you missed this workshop, you can still view or download the presentation slides by clicking here. 

Deciphering Drip, July 29

Harmony Farm Supply staff concluded Smart Irrigation Month by helping us solve the mysteries of 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 helpful "hands-on" practice.
If you missed this workshop, you can still view or download the presentation slides by clicking here. 

Soils, Mulches, and More, August 19

We learned how to prepare a site for efficient irrigation.  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.
If you missed this workshop, you can still view or download the presentation slides by clicking here. 

Perfect Plant Picks, August 26

As we approached the fall planting season, local landscape designer Kathleen Chasey 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 many California natives.  Attractive local water-efficient landscapes were the focus, including the City's Water-Wise Demonstration Gardens.
If you missed this workshop, you can still view or download the presentation slides by clicking here.