Community Corner

Water-Wise Landscaping Workshops coming this fall

Napa’s upcoming Water-Wise Landscaping Workshops will help residents save water by sharing the latest techniques in sprinkler scheduling, drip irrigation, lawn removal, rainwater capture, and garden design. 

 

“This very dry year serves as a powerful reminder that outdoor conservation is still the key to a reliable water future,” said Patrick Costello, Water Resources Analyst for the City of Napa. January and February, normally the wettest months of the year, did not see much precipitation, and only 3.5 inches of rain has fallen since January 1. 

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The City is teaming with the Napa County Resource Conservation District and Napa County Public Works in presenting this educational series.  For four consecutive weeks beginning September 16, Monday evening sessions will be held in the Little Theater on the Vintage High School campus from 6:30 to 8:30 pm.  As a bonus, we are also holding two Saturday morning hands-on sessions September 28 and October 5 beginning at 10 am centered around the developing new Vintage High School Rain Garden and Water-Wise Landscape

 

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The series features expert presenters, free water-saving tools, literature, and door prizes, and information on current local rebate incentives.  Some very special offerings this year include the September 28 Bay-Friendly Lose Your Lawn talk and tabling, and an October 7 author appearance.  Workshops are free, but residents are urged to register for specific dates by calling (707) 252-4188 ext. 116, or emailing frances@naparcd.org.

 

Irrigating Smartly

Monday, September 16, 6:30-8:30 pm

After learning to "take control of your controller" using a new online tool/smartphone app and hearing about weather-based "Smart" controllers, watch Harmony Farm Supply staff resolve the mysteries of drip irrigation, the most efficient water delivery system for plants.  Real-life drip applications will be discussed and system components will be displayed.  All attendees will enjoy some hands-on practice.

 

Preparing Your Site

Monday, September 23, 6:30-8:30 pm

Following a summary of the eight principles of water-wise landscaping, local Master Gardeners will thoroughly review our local soils and the critical importance of aeration, amendments, and mulch.  The basic landscape design concept of hydrozoning will be introduced.

 

Lose Your Lawn

Saturday, September 28, 10-11:30 am

Learn how to remove your lawn without tearing it out, at this free Bay-Friendly Landscaping & Gardening Coalition event!  Along with design and plant selection advice, there will be a hands-on demonstration of sheet mulching, the innovative technique of layering materials on top of your lawn, allowing you to plant right into it.  The hour-and-a-half talk is followed by an optional hour of tabling where you can get one-on-one advice from a garden design expert.  You will also have an opportunity to continue sheet mulching on site to help us lose the remaining lawn at the new Vintage High School Rain Garden and Water-Wise Landscape.

 

Capturing the Rain

Monday, September 30, 6:30-8:30 pm

Slow it - Spread it - Sink it!  Hear from an expert how and why to design and install a rain garden on your property.  See the best techniques for capturing rainwater to supplement your irrigation supply.  Napa County's rebate incentives for rain gardens and rain barrels/cisterns will be reviewed.

 

Lay the Groundwork

Saturday, October 5, 10-11:30 am

Be a part of the team developing the Vintage High School Rain Garden and Water-Wise Landscape, a valuable new educational resource for the Napa community showcasing sustainable gardening.  Put into practice your workshop learning as we check on the previous week's sheet mulching, add drip lines/emitters, and spread compost/mulch.

 

Choosing the Right Plants

Monday, October 7, 6:30-8:30 pm

Featuring a special presentation by Sarah Sutton, author of The New American Front Yard: Kiss Your Grass Goodbye, our annual plant show will demonstrate that drought-tolerant is anything but boring.  Colorful and beautiful tree, shrub, perennial, grass, vine, and groundcover species will be discussed, along with landscape design principles.  Dozens of plants will be on hand for viewing, including California natives.

 

For more details, please visit the Water Conservation section at www.cityofnapa.org/water.

 


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