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.

The 2024 seminar season has begun!  Register below, and sign up here to receive updates and reminders for the 2024 seminar season.

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Planting for Pollinators/ Siembra para polinizadores, March 19

For gardener level: All levels

Learn how to plan your space to best attract pollinators and learn about some top varieties that you can select. Aprenda a planificar su espacio para atraer mejor a los polinizadores y conozca algunas de las mejores variedades que puede seleccionar.

This seminar will also have live Spanish translation available. 

Speaker: Cassey Anderson, CSU Extension        Date & Time: Tues. March 19, 6:30-8 pm

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Waterwise Yards: Turf Removal, March 21

For gardener level: All levels
Join the experts from Resource Central’s own Lawn Removal Program to learn all about turf removal. We will cover the various methods of removal, including the pros and cons of each, and discuss what to replace your lawn with after.

Speaker: Tori Petersen & Hayden Bernot, Resource Central        Date & Time: Thurs. March 21, 6:30-8 pm

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Sprinkler Systems 101, March 26

For gardener level: All levels!
Get the most out of your sprinkler system! Learn about sprinkler system basics, such as the components of a sprinkler system, general maintenance, and irrigation scheduling. Making small changes can make a big difference in your water use.

Speaker: Neka Sunlin & Lisa Anderson, Resource Central        Date & Time: Tues. March 26, 6:30-8 pm

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Branch Out With Colorado Trees, April 9

For gardener level: Beginner
Colorado is a tough place to be a tree! This talk will prepare you for success by going over how to select, plant, and care for a tree in our dry climate with a focus on saving water and having a healthy long-lived tree.

Speaker: Eric Hammond, CSU Extension        Date & Time: Tues. April 9, 6:30-8 pm

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Veggie Garden Care Through the Seasons, April 11

For gardener level: Beginner
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. Learn about what you can grow, when different vegetables need to be planted, and how to start and care for your garden throughout the growing 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 Company       Date & Time: Thurs. April 11, 6:30-8 pm

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Sustainable Landscape Templates: Everything You Need to Know, April 16

For gardener level: All levels!
It is recommended attendees review the Sustainable Landscape Templates before attending this webinar. This webinar will help users understand, utilize, and comprehend the sustainable landscape templates and supplementary material. Following the presentation of the project will be a Q&A where attendees can have their questions answered by the project team.

Speaker: Lindsay Nerad & Spencer Bernard, Northern Water        Date & Time: Tues. April 16, 6:30-8 pm

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Earth Day: Feed the Pollinators, Feed the Earth, April 18

For gardener level: All levels!
Learn about what pollinators need to thrive and how you can provide that in your space just in time for Earth Day! *Date changed to April 18*

Speaker: Cassey Anderson, CSU Extension       Date & Time: Thurs. April 18, 6:30-8 pm

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Sponsored by:

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Ask a Master Gardener: Spring Garden Prep, April 24

For gardener level: All levels!
Unsure how to ready your garden for spring planting? Curious about soil preparation, plant maintenance, and more? This seminar is your opportunity to ask a CSU Master Gardener all your garden questions! We will begin with a quick overview of common spring garden topics, before opening the presentation up to audience questions.

Speaker: CSU Master Gardener, CSU Extension       Date & Time: Wed. April 24, 6:30-8 pm

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Right Plant, Right Place, Right Practice!, April 25

For gardener level: All levels
The Front Range along the Colorado Rockies, as well as the Intermountain Western United States, is part of one of the major steppe regions of the world, and as such has challenging climactic conditions. Successful landscape design in the steppe region demands specific horticultural best practices that are unique to this geographic region. Sustainable landscape design provides a sense of place by using the design principle right plant, right place. Join us as we discuss the right practice – tips developed at Denver Botanic Gardens to ensure long-term, functioning landscapes in our unique steppe climate. We’ll discuss soil amendments, planting practices, watering recommendations, mulch, and of course – plants!

Speaker: Laura Swain, Denver Botanic Gardens        Date & Time: Thurs. April 25, 6:30-8 pm

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Waterwise Landscapes for Homeowners Associations, May 2

For gardener level: All levels
Colorado Homeowners Associations have a huge opportunity to encourage the use of waterwise landscaping. But with community-specific governing documents, changing state legislation, and existing architectural guidelines, it’s often easier said than done. In this webinar, we’ll break down the opportunity and the legal ramifications leaving attendees with a better understanding of how to create a waterwise landscape in their home or community.

Speaker: Chris Marion, 3.0 Management        Date & Time: Thurs. May 2, 6:30-8 pm

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How to Build a Buzzworthy Pollinator Garden, May 8

For gardener level: All levels

Learn about the importance and basic biology of pollinators, such as bees, butterflies, and birds! We will also cover habitat considerations, plant recommendations, and step-by-step guidance on how to build your garden. This class will blend the research-based habitat needs of pollinators along with the practical, how-to steps to create your own garden. Whether you are a gardening enthusiast or simply curious about the who is visiting your garden, this class is perfect for all levels of experience. BONUS: Pollinator gardens offer many of the same benefits of water-wise gardens!

Speaker: Lisa Mason, CSU Extension     Date & Time: Wed. May 8, 6:30-8 pm

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Defensible Space: The First Five Feet, May 14

For gardener level: Beginner
Most homeowners consider the immediate area around their home important for both landscaping and curb appeal. But did you know this area could determine whether your home could survive a wildfire? Join Wildfire Specialist, Leslie Brodhead, to learn how you can protect your home while still making it attractive for you and your neighborhood.

Speaker: Leslie Brodhead, Wildfire Advice, LLC      Date & Time: Tues. May 14, 6:30-8 pm

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Four Seasons of Xeriscape, May 16

For gardener level: Intermediate
Let’s take a deeper dive into plant design. It’s high time to move beyond flowers and think about form, texture, and most importantly – winter interest! We’ll focus on native plants and you’ll take away a deeper appreciation for the plants that can provide beauty in winter, spring, summer, and fall.

Speaker: Curtis Manning, Meadow Pro      Date & Time: Thurs. May 16, 6:30-8 pm

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Waterwise Yards: Turf Removal, June 4

For gardener level: All levels
Join the experts from Resource Central’s own Lawn Removal Program to learn all about turf removal. We will cover the various methods of removal, including the pros and cons of each, and discuss what to replace your lawn with after.

Speaker: Tori Petersen & Hayden Bernot, Resource Central        Date & Time: Tues. June 4, 6:30-8 pm

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Insect Visitors in Your Garden: Friend or Foe?, June 25

For gardener level: All levels

Colorado gardens have a wide diversity of insect and arthropod visitors, each playing a key role in the garden ecosystem–yes, even wasps have their purpose! This presentation will go over a broad range of garden insects and arthropods, their role in the ecosystem, and if they are a friend or foe. We will cover the benefits insects and arthropods provide, as well as management options for some of the common pests and invasive species we find in the garden.

Speaker: Lisa Mason, CSU Extension     Date & Time: Tues. June 25, 6:30-8 pm

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Ask a Master Gardener: Summer Troubleshooting, July 16

For gardener level: All levels
The summer season can bring unique gardening challenges, such as weeds, pests, and plant troubles. Join this seminar to have all your summer gardening questions answered personally by a Master Gardener!

Speaker: CSU Master Gardener, TBD, CSU Extension        Date & Time: Tues. July 16, 6:30-8 pm

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Creating a Fire-Resilient Landscape: Defensible Space & Design Principles, July 24

For gardener level: Beginner
This presentation will give an overview of defensible space and how to incorporate firewise principles to create an aesthetically pleasing landscape design. We will discuss native, low-water, and pollinator-friendly fire-resilient plants, as well as fire-resilient materials.

Speaker: Chris Woods, Woods Landscape Design, LLC     Date & Time: Wed. July 24, 6:30-8 pm

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Water on the Front Range/ Agua en el Front Range, August 8

For gardener level: Beginner
Water is a limited resource throughout much of the West. This talk will help you understand where water comes from, how it’s used, and how landscape management practices can contribute to water conservation. Topics covered will include soils, managing runoff, irrigation efficiency, and the basics of choosing waterwise plants.  El agua es un recurso limitado en gran parte de Occidente. Esta charla le ayudará a comprender de dónde viene el agua, cómo se utiliza, y cómo las prácticas de gestión del paisaje pueden contribuir a la conservación del agua. Los temas cubiertos incluyen suelos, manejo de escorrentía, eficiencia del riego, y los conceptos básicos para elegir plantas waterwise (plantas que ahorren agua).

This seminar will also have live Spanish translation available.

Speaker: Eric Hammond, CSU Extension      Date & Time: Thurs. August 8, 6:30-8 pm

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Perennials and Fall Planting, August 14

For gardener level: All levels
While many of your plants shine in the spring and summer, don’t forget about plants that can add a lot of impact and color to your landscape in the fall. Not only is there a great selection of perennials that flower, but some even have wonderful leaf color. Fall is also a time to do clean-up and maintenance before winter. Join Alison O’Connor for a list of some of her favorite perennials and tips on how to plant, care for, and maintain these beauties.

Speaker: Alison O’Connor, CSU Extension      Date & Time: Wed. August 14, 6:30-8 pm

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Sprinkler Systems 101, August 29

For gardener level: Beginner
Get the most out of your sprinkler system! Learn about sprinkler system basics, such as the components of a sprinkler system, general maintenance, and irrigation scheduling. Making small changes can make a big difference in your water use.

Speaker: Neka Sunlin & Lisa Anderson, Resource Central        Date & Time: Thurs. August 29, 6:30-8 pm

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Western Water: Prior Appropriations, Compacts, and Colorado Solutions, August 20

For gardener level: All levels
This presentation provides a comprehensive overview of Western water rights, tracing the historical development of the priority system and its significance in water allocation. It also delves into the intricacies of the Colorado River Compact, exploring its formation, key provisions, and the challenges it poses for water management in the region. The presentation will conclude with how Colorado is addressing water supply and climate variability.

Speaker: Michael Eytel, Advanced Engineering and Environmental Services        Date & Time: Tues. August 20, 6:30-8 pm

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Past Seminar Topics

Regenerative Agriculture Techniques, February 13

Garden Prep from a Permaculture Perspective, February 20

Intro to Xeriscape, February 21

Design & Plant Selection, February 28

Perennials, Shrubs, and More!, March 6

Knowing the Native Plants, March 13

Pre-Recorded Seminars 

Community Reviews

4.5 stars rating

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 seminar got me so excited to start low-water landscaping this summer. I was feeling very overwhelmed before this, with not having any knowledge about gardening. Now, I feel like I have the basic tools to get started and try it out.”

Seminar Participant, 2023

“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

Are you a water provider wanting to offer this program to your residents or customers? Learn about partnerships here.

Questions?

Email the Seminar Series team or call 303-999-3820 x222.