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
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
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
Past Event Carrots and Cabbage and Kale, Oh My!, March 21
Past Event Waterwise Yards: Turf Removal, April 3
Past Event High Altitude Gardening, April 5
Past Event Navigating Your HOA During a Xeriscape Conversion, April 11
Past Event Best Practices in Western Horticulture, April 13
Past Event Veggie Garden Care Through the Season, April 18
Past Event Earth Day: Feed the Pollinators, Feed the Earth, April 20
Past Event Water Smarter with Smart Irrigation!, April 26
Past Event Insects Who Share the Garden, May 9
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