Learn How to Landscape with Less Water
Our free, online Waterwise Yard Seminars are taught by local landscape and horticultural professionals. Get your landscaping questions answered and learn how to keep your yard looking great while using less water. Seminar topics range from low-water landscape design, xeric plant selection, smart irrigation, and more. Both novice and advanced gardeners are sure to learn something new. Seminars are held virtually, via Zoom.
Upcoming Seminars
Bring your forks, we’ll bring the veggie-knowledge! Learn more about growing your own waterwise veggie garden with Jessica Romer. We’ll discuss what to plant and when, and how to start off strong to get the most out of your vegetables. Speaker: Jessica Romer, Applewood Seed Co. Date & Time: Tues. March 21, 6-8 PM
Join professionals from Resource Central to learn all about turf removal! We will discuss the various methods of removing lawn, the benefits to you and the ecosystem, and what to replace the turf with afterwards. Speaker: Resource Central staff Date & Time: Mon. April 3, 6-8 PM
Join an accomplished Master Gardener, Mike McNulty, for a discussion on the unique challenges and considerations of gardening at high altitudes. Speaker: Mike McNulty Date & Time: Wed. April 5, 6-8 PM
If your neighborhood belongs to an HOA, knowing how to navigate big changes to your property can be tricky. Join HOA expert Chris Marion to learn the legal limitations of HOAs and tips and resources for approaching them when removing turf and installing xeriscape in your yard. Speaker: Chris Marion, 3.0 Management Date & Time: Tues. April 11, 6-8 PM
Did you know Colorado has a vast number of vibrant, lush, LOW-WATER plants that thrive in this area? Annie Barrow from Denver Botanic Gardens says Xeriscape should never be ZEROscape, but instead, a “waterwise landscape” filled with beautiful low-water plants. She will discuss how to use what you have and plant to the environment around us. From plant selection and design to dealing with tough soil, you’ll learn about it all! Speaker: Annie Barrow, Denver Botanic Gardens Date & Time: Thurs. April 13, 6-8 PM
Once your veggie garden is established, the work is far from over! In this webinar, Jessica Romer will discuss all the important aspects of caring for your garden throughout the season. You can expect to learn about mulching, weeding, pests and diseases, and even how to continue your garden into the fall. Speaker: Jessica Romer, Applewood Seed Co. Date & Time: Tuesday, April 18, 6-8 PM
This Earth Day we will explore the biodiversity of local pollinators and how they help contribute to a healthy ecosystem! Learn how to plant, maintain, and care for pollinator’s habitats in your own garden. Pollinators are essential for all life on Earth, so learn from Cassey Anderson all about how to support these creatures. Speaker: Cassey Anderson, CSU Extension Date & Time: Thurs. April 20, 6-8 PM
Join water quality expert A.J. Brown to learn all about the basics of irrigation scheduling, how smart irrigation controllers work, water quality for urban irrigation, and how this all plays a role in water quality here in Colorado. Speaker: AJ Brown, CSU Ag Water Quality Program Date & Time: Wed. April 26, 6-8 PM
How many aphids can a ladybug eat? Join Lisa Mason, Horticulture Specialist and Entomologist with CSU Extension in Arapahoe County, to find out! Insects provide a variety of benefits in our gardens and landscapes, from pest control to pollinators. Learn about the many beneficial insects you’ll find in your garden, and some of the pests you may encounter. We will discuss strategies for attracting beneficial insects and options for controlling some of the garden pests. Speaker: Lisa Mason, CSU Extension Date & Time: Tues. May 9, 6-8 PM
Did you know Denver coined the term Xeriscaping in the 1980s? In this informative workshop, you’ll learn about what xeriscaping is, its history, the 7 Principles for the Home Gardener, and why conserving our precious water resources matter so much in a time of climate crisis. Speaker: Brittany Pimentel, Denver Urban Gardens Date & Time: Thurs. May 25, 6-8 PM
Humans depend on pollinators for about 1/3rd of our diet, and the most nutritious part of our diet, including vegetables, fruits and nuts. In Colorado, we have over 900 species of bees, 250 species of butterflies, approximately 1,000 species of moths, and more! How can we best support them? Join Lisa Mason, Horticulture Specialist and Entomologist with CSU Extension in Arapahoe County, to learn the basics on pollinators and how we can provide habitat for them in our own landscapes. Speaker: Lisa Mason, CSU Extension Date & Time: Thurs. June 1, 6-8 PM
With in-ground irrigation systems and a dry landscape, gardening in Colorado can be a bit different than in other places. Mike McNulty will cover the basics and best practices to help you have the most successful waterwise garden possible. Speaker: Mike McNulty Date & Time: Wed. June 14, 6-8 PM
Join Chris Woods, senior landscape designer with Matrix Gardens, to learn about the principles of fire-wise landscaping. The presentation will include how to approach designing a new landscape, fire-wise design principles, and the best plants and trees to consider when planting. Speaker: Chris Woods, Matrix Gardens Date & Time: Mon. July 10, 6-8 PM
The Colorado climate can throw a lot of variables at your garden, and sometimes things don’t go as planned. Join a master gardener this summer to troubleshoot the most common issues and offer practical tricks and solutions. Speaker: TBD, CSU Extension Date & Time: Wed. July 12, 6-8 PM
In this seminar, Michael Eytel will be discussing what the future of Colorado’s water supply will look like, and ways you can help conserve. While it may look bleak, find comfort in the little things you can do that play a big part in saving water for future generations. Speaker: Michael Eytel, Colorado River District Date & Time: Thurs. July 20, 6-8 PM
Join professionals from Resource Central to learn all about turf removal! We will discuss the various methods of removing lawns, the benefits to you and the ecosystem, and what to replace the turf with afterward. Speaker: Resource Central staff Date & Time: Mon. July 24, 6-8 PM
With in-ground irrigation systems and a dry landscape, gardening in Colorado can be a bit different than in other places. Mike McNulty will cover the basics and best practices to help you have the most successful waterwise garden possible. Speaker: Mike McNulty Date & Time: Tues. August 1, 6-8 PM
Join Alison O’Connor, CSU Extension in Larimer County, to delve into perennial maintenance and care. Alison will cover the best time to divide perennials, planting in spring and fall and tips on keeping your perennials healthy and blooming. She will be answering questions about fall planting and some of the best plants for high elevations. Speaker: Alison O’Connor, CSU Extension Date & Time: Mon. August 7, 6-8 PM
Regenerative agriculture is a fairly new term that utilizes the age-old principles of earth stewardship & holistic concern for plants, microorganisms, and soil. This seminar will cover the importance of composting, mulching, an introduction to using water-wise landscape plantings, water conservation techniques, and the wonders of vermicomposting (composting with worms). The focus will be on practices we can all use to create a rich blanket to cover our soils and provide strategies for small steps towards mitigating climate change Speaker: Brittany Pimentel, Denver Urban Gardens Date & Time: Wed. August 16, 6-8 PM
Carrots and Cabbage and Kale, Oh My!, March 21
Waterwise Yards: Turf Removal, April 3
High Altitude Gardening, April 5
Navigating your HOA During a Xeriscape Conversion, April 11
Best Practices in Western Horticulture, April 13
Veggie Garden Care Throughout the Season, April 18
Earth Day - Feed the Pollinators, Feed the Earth, April 20
Water Smarter with Smart Irrigation!, April 26
Insects Who Share the Garden, May 9
Intro to Xeriscaping, May 25
What's the Buzz on Pollinators, June 1
New to Colorado Landscaping, June 14
Firewise Landscaping: Methods and Design, July 10
Troubleshooting Your Summer Garden, July 12
The Future of Colorado's Water, July 20
Waterwise Yards: Turf Removal, July 24
New to Colorado Landscaping, August 1
Perennials and Fall Planting, August 7
Regenerative Agriculture Techniques, August 16
Past Event Branch Out With Colorado Trees, February 15
Past Event Knowing the Native Plants, February 16
Past Event Intro to Permaculture, March 6
Past Event Planting for Pollinators, March 9
Past Event Design and Plant Selection, March 15
Past Event Perennials, Shrubs, and More!, March 20
Pre-Recorded Seminars
Are you a water provider wanting to offer this program to your residents or customers? Learn about partnerships here.
Community Reviews

4.6 star rating overall
“I have become much more savvy in terms of landscape activities, planting, designing – with the hope that all this knowledge will help me reduce our usage!”
Seminar Participant, 2021
“This presentation was outstanding for gardening with natives to support wildlife. I’ve not seen a better one yet!”
Seminar Participant, 2021
“I was so ecstatic to be able to participate and learn from some experts. I always feel like I have a black thumb but this series is encouraging and motivating.”
Seminar Participant, 2021