CLASSES, TOURS, & MORE OFFERED AT THE WATER CONSERVATION GARDEN

Printer-friendly versionPrinter-friendly version Share this

January 14, 2010 (Rancho San Diego)—The Water Conservation Garden, located at Cuyamaca Collegei in El Cajon,  invites the public to enjoy its 2010 winter and spring events. Classes offered help residents save water and money by focusing on water smart landscaping techniques and plants. Classes are taught by experts and topics include lawn removal, water-smart landscape design, backyard composting, irrigation design and gardening for children.

 

Pre-registration is required for all classes. To enroll call 619-660-0614 x 10.


FEBRUARY


Professional Landscape Design Consultations

The Water Conservation Garden offers 45-minute landscape design consultation services. A professional landscape designer who focuses on drought tolerant landscapes will meet with you, one-on-one. You will leave with a design plan and a list of suggested plants. Bring a photo of your house and area you want to re-design, the dimensions of the space, and photos of design styles you like.
 

Thursday, February 18 or 25, 5:30-8:30 pm
Thursday, March 4 or 18, 5:30-8:30 pm
Thursday, April 8 or 22, 5:30-8:30 pm
Call for appointment availability, designer information and reservations.
Additional dates are added as needed.
$60 Members, $75 Non-Members 619-660-0614


Ms. Smarty-Plants® and the Magic of Water School Assembly
 

The Garden offers educational tours of the Garden and school assembly programs presented by our own adventurous Ms. Smarty-Plants! For more information on fees and to book a program, contact Pam Meisner, AKA Ms. Smarty-Plants®, at 619-660-0614 ext. 16


New! Spanish Language Tours-FREE

 

The Water Conservation Garden now offers Spanish language tours of the Garden, by reservation only. Please contact Elizabeth Ramos at 619-985-8337. (Donations always appreciated to cover the cost of our Spanish speaking guides)


Little Sprouts Play Group-First Tuesday of the month-By Reservation Only
 

Tuesday, February 2, 10:00-11:00 am
Join our education department for a guided play experience designed for toddlers, and social networking for their caregivers enrolled in parent education programs. Each session includes an educational topic of interest for the adults, while the Little Sprouts enjoy each other’s company in the outdoors along with a special activity. Meet at the main entrance to the Garden. Little Spouts will be canceled in the event of rain. $5 per adult/child couple, ($4 for additional child or adult in the same family group, children under age 1 are free) Minimum of 10 parent/child couples required.


The Protea Species: Exotic Options for Drought Tolerant Gardens

Saturday, February 6, 10am-noon
Walter Parkola, owner of Blossom Valley Protea, will take you on a morning tour to discuss the protea species exhibited at the Water Conservation Garden. Walter shares the history, characteristics, and care of these unique exotics in the Garden’s classroom. A limited number of beautiful, high quality plants will be available for purchase
from Blossom Valley Protea’s nursery. $20 Members, $30 Non-Members. * Stimulus pricing applies

 

Ask the Horticulturist Tour-FREE
 

Sunday, February 7, 1:30 pm
Enjoy an informative walk through the Garden with David Yetz, professional horticulturist. Bring your questions and
prepare for an interesting tour from the perspective of someone who works in the Garden daily.


Proper Pruning Practices
 

Saturday, February 13, 10:30 am-12:30 pm
Join Certified Arborist and Garden Docent Leah Rottke as she demonstrates the do’s and don’ts of pruning. Leah will cover need-to-know basics for pruning both trees and shrubs, and use the Water Conservation Garden as a lab to analyze samples. Learn how to select a professional tree specialist when the project is more than you can handle.
20 Members 30 Non-Members* Stimulus pricing applies


Meet Nan Sterman, Local Garden Expert and Author-FREE!
 

Have Your Gardening Questions Answered by Nan
Saturday, February 13, 11:00 am-2:00 pm
Meet Nan Sterman, author of California Gardener’s Guide, Volume 2 as she answers questions about low water landscape, plant selection, water conserving irrigation, landscape design and other garden-related topics. Nan will have signed copies of her books available for sale.


Plant Propagation Made Easy

Saturday, February 20, 9:30am-12:30pm
Learn the secrets of the professionals, and get your plants for free. Everything you need to know about how to make new plants from cuttings will be taught by Connie Beck, experienced nursery manager and landscape designer. Learn successful techniques for preparing, storing, and planting seeds. Bring samples of plants and seeds that you
wish to propagate. This class is offered in partnership with Cuyamaca College’s Community Learning Program. For information and to register, call 619-660-4350, or visit www.cuyamaca.edu/preview $25.00-at the Water Conservation Garden

Special Access Tour-FREE
 

Sunday, February 21, 9:30-10:30 am
This special tour is offered monthly for individuals who may have difficultynavigating the terrain of the Garden. Explore the Garden from the comfort of the Verbeck Shuttle with David Yetz, Garden Horticulturist. This tour seats 4-5 people. For reservations call 619-660-6841



NEW! Create a Butterfly Garden with California Native Plants

Tuesday, February 23, 6:30-8:30 pm
If you plant it, they will come! Greg Rubin of California’s Own Native Landscape Design Company will teach you how to design a butterfly garden using beautiful, drought tolerant California native plants. Learn how to attract butterflies and create a sustainable butterfly habitat in your own yard. $20 Members $30 Non-Members


Tune-up Your Irrigation and Dive into Drip!

Saturday, February 27, 2:00 pm-4:00 pm
Kathleen Eagle, Director of Ornamental Horticulture at Barona Resort and Casino,teaches you how to tune up your existing irrigation to make it Water Smart. Kathleenwill introduce you to drip irrigation, discuss the pros and cons, share the appropriate applications for drip, and demonstrate how to install a basic drip system. Get tips for
retrofitting, setting your irrigation clock, and when and how long to water your landscape. $20 Members, $30 Non-Members. *Stimulus pricing applies.


MARCH


Little Sprouts Play Group-First Tuesday of the month- By Reservation Only
 

Tuesday, March 2, 10:00 am-11:00 am
Join our education department for a guided play experience designed for toddlers, and social networking for their caregivers enrolled in parent education programs. Each session includes an educational topic of interest for the adults, while the Little Sprouts enjoy each other’s company in the outdoors along with a special activity.
Meet at the main entrance to the Garden. Little Spouts will be canceled in the event of rain. $5 per adult child couple, ($4 for additional child or adult in the same family group). Minimum of 10 parent/child couples required. Call 619-660-6841 to reserve spaces


A New California Garden

Saturday, March 6, 9:00 am-noon
Not sure where to start? Landscape Designer Linda Whitney shares her process for creating her own award-winning, Water Smart landscape from the ground up. Learn the steps from design, irrigation, plant selection to maintenance principles. Linda will share her experiences through a comprehensive slide show detailing the evolution of her garden. Don’t miss this practical and inspirational class! $20 Members $30 Non-Members


Ask the Horticulturist Tour-FREE

Sunday, March 7, 1:30 pm
Enjoy an informative walk through the Garden with David Yetz, professional horticulturist. Bring your questions and prepare for an interesting tour from the perspective of someone who works in the Garden daily.


Bye Bye Grass! Part 1-at San Diego Botanical Garden, formerly Quail Botanical Gardens

230 Quail Dr., Encinitas, CA. 92024,
Monday, March 8, 7:00 pm-9:00 pm
Tired of being a slave to your water-thirsty lawn? Join Nan Sterman, gardening expert and host of
the PBS show A Growing Passion, to learn how to eliminate your lawn for good. Nan will discuss turf removal options, including the pros and cons of chemical and non-chemical methods, and ways to physically remove grass. Learn how to prepare the soil for a new garden, along with lots of creative ideas on what to replace it with in Bye Bye Grass Part 2 on Sunday, March 8, 2:00-4:00 pm. $45 members $50 Non-Members


Bye Bye Grass! Part 2-at San Diego Botanical Garden, formerly Quail Botanical Gardens

230 Quail Dr., Encinitas, CA. 92024,
Saturday, March 13, 1:00 pm-3:00 pm
Your lawn is gone! What to do next? Find out with Nan Sterman, gardening expert and author of California Gardener’s Guide, Volume 2. Nan will discuss evaluating your irrigation system, deciding the kind of spaces you need in your garden, and preparing the soil. She will offer creative ideas for beautiful, low water plantings. Using San Diego Botanical Garden, formerly Quail Botanical Gardens, as an outdoor classroom, Nan will guide you through living examples of Water Smart landscapes, show you interesting drought tolerant ground covers, and introduce you to a variety of landscape options. Nan is a garden coach and landscape designer. $45 members $50 Non-Members


Designing Landscapes with Native Plants
 

Thursday, March 11, 6:30 pm-8:30 pm
Discover the variety and beauty of California native plants with Greg Rubin of California’s Own Native Landscape Design. Learn the proper care and placement of drought-tolerant natives, and get ideas for designing your own home garden from Greg’s stunning slide show of native plant landscapes. Register early, as this fun and inspiring class fills fast!$20 Members $30 Non-Members

 

NEW! Water Smart Edibles in Your Landscape
Yes you CAN grow fruit while conserving water!

 

Saturday, March 13, 10:00 am-noon
Join Garden Horticulturist, David Yetz for an informative and delicious exploration of fruit that can be grown in a water conserving landscape. You’ll be introduced to a variety of interesting edibles, enjoy a few samples, and see some of these plants growing in the Garden. Dave will discuss proper planting, drip irrigation and maintenance of these desirable plants that contribute more than just beauty to your landscape.
$20 Members $30 Non-Members *Stimulus pricing applies

 


NEW! Square Foot Gardening; Growing Vegetables the Organic Way

 

Saturday, March 13, 2:00 pm-4:00 pm
Kathleen Eagle, Director of Ornamental Horticulture at Barona Resort and Casino will reintroduce you to Square Foot Gardening; a great way to make the most of your available gardening space while growing delicious, organic produce in your own backyard. Barona’s horticulture team maintains a chef’s garden for the resort’s restaurants than mimics this intensive method of food production. Details for building a raised vegetable bed will be included. Square Foot Gardening is a great way to involve all members of your family in growing their own favorites in limited space. $20 Members $30 Non-Members


Water Smart Plant Fair

Saturday, March 20, 9:00 am-3:00 pm
Join us at the Water Smart Plant Fair where vendors from throughout southern California will be selling drought tolerant plants perfectly suited to your San Diego garden. A bounty of choices will include native plants, water smart perennials, succulents, trees, shrubs, herbs, and more. Visit our “Ask the Experts” areas to get information from landscape designers, Master Composters, and other plant and gardening specialists who will help you cultivate your green thumb! Entries and information for San Diego County’s Seventh-Annual California Friendly® Landscape Contest will be available. The Water Conservation Garden is the backdrop for this event where full-sized examples of plants you wish to purchase can be viewed in our landscape. Don’t miss this water smart plant extravaganza! Program details can be viewed at www.thegarden.org.


Special Access Tour-FREE, reservations required
 

Sunday, March 21, 9:30-10:30 am
This special tour is offered monthly for individuals who may have difficulty navigating the terrain of the Garden. Explore the Garden from the comfort of the Verbeck Shuttle with David Yetz, Garden Horticulturist. This tour seats 4-5 people. For reservations call 619-660-6841


Hillside Gardening

Tuesday March, 30, 6:30-8:30 pm
Landscape Designer Connie Beck will show you how to make the most of gardening on a slope! Topics include erosion control, proper plant choices, terracing, and retaining walls. A colorful slideshow of several San Diego hillside gardens will reveal the creative possibilities unique to this style of gardening.
This class is offered in partnership with Cuyamaca College’s Community Learning Program. For information and to register, call 619-660-4350, or visit www.cuyamaca.edu/preview $25.00-at the Water Conservation Garden


APRIL

 

Toss the Turf: Less Water, Less Grass, More Fun! Water Conservation Garden
 

Saturday, April 3, 10:00 am-noon
Join Vickie Driver for a short course in turf removal. Get tips for evaluating soil, tuning up your irrigation system, and creative ideas for a beautiful, low-water-use landscape in lieu of lawn. 20.00 members 30.00 non-members

 

Ask the Horticulturist Tour
 

Sunday, April 4, 1:30 pm
Enjoy an informative walk through the Garden with David Yetz, professional horticulturist. Bring your questions and prepare for an interesting tour from the perspective of someone who works in the Garden daily.


Little Sprouts Play Group-First Tuesday of the month- By Reservation Only
 

Tuesday, April 6, 10:00-11:00 am
Join our education department for a guided play experience designed for toddlers, and social
networking for their caregivers enrolled in parent education programs. Each session includes an educational topic of interest for the adults, while the Little Sprouts enjoy each other’s company in the outdoors along with a special activity. Meet at the main entrance to the Garden. Little Spouts will be canceled in the event of rain. $5 per adult child couple, ($4 for additional child or adult in the same family group) Minimum of 10 parent/child couples required. For reservations call 619-660-6841

 

Water Smart Landscape: Beautiful Landscape on a Low-Water Budget

Saturday, April 10, 10:00 am to noon
Landscape Designer Jan Tubiolo takes the mystery out of Water Smart landscaping. Learn seven principles of low water landscaping, and discuss plant selection and planting techniques. This workshop includes a classroom lecture and an interpretive tour of the Water Conservation Garden. $20 Members $30 Non-Members * Stimulus pricing applies


Home Compost Workshop

Saturday, April 10, 10:00 am-noon
Learn the basics of composting, using worms to compost, and how to save water in the landscape with compost and mulch. Workshop will be held at the Garden’s compost demonstration exhibit, Master Composter, Whitney Duenez will answer your questions and teach you the basics of turning yard and kitchen waste in to garden gold! Register early as this workshop is limited to 20 participants.
$10 Members $15 Non-Members


Trees in the Water Conserving Landscape

Saturday, April 17, 10:30 am-12:30 pm
Join local Certified Arborist, Leah Rottke for a crash course on trees. Leah will guide you through the basics; tree selection, planting do’s and don’ts, watering new trees, maintaining established trees, and tree species best adapted to our arid climate. Class includes a tour and lively discussion of trees at the Water Conservation Garden.$20 Member $30 Non-Members * Stimulus pricing applies

 

Special Access Tour-Reservations Required

Sunday, April 18, 9:30-10:30 am
This special tour is offered monthly for individuals who may have difficulty navigating the terrain of the Garden. Explore the Garden from the comfort of the Verbeck Shuttle with David Yetz, Garden Horticulturist. This tour seats 4-5 people. FREE. For reservations call 619-660-6841


17th Annual Spring Garden Festival

Saturday, April 24, 9:00am-4:00 pm
Join the Water Conservation Garden, Cuyamaca College’s Ornamental Horticulture Department, and the Heritage of the Americas Museum as we celebrate spring and green future. “Conservation in Bloom” is our event’s theme, and our Conservation Courtyard will feature tips on green living from experts. The college will host its biggest plant sale of the year, and Eric Runningpath and the Intertribal Dancers will perform at the Museum. Ask the Designers, the Water Smart Plaza and live entertainment will be featured at the Garden. Children’s activities and horticultural information will be part of the fun throughout the day. For program details, please visit www.thegarden.org


* We are offering special stimulus pricing for someof our classes! Get two registrations for the price of
one (same household only, please) on all classes marked with an *

 


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.