ST. GEORGE – Homeowners thinking about tearing out their lawn to conserve water may want to first attend a planned workshop offering design help and practical advice on how to create a low-water-use landscape suitable for Southern Utah.
“Reducing outdoor watering is the biggest step homeowners can take to reduce their water use and is, therefore, a primary target in the district’s conservation initiatives,” water district spokeswoman Karry Rathje said in a news release.
“We’re confident this workshop will give homeowners the resources and information they need to retrofit their landscape incorporating both water and cost savings.”
Homeowner University, sponsored by the Washington County Water Conservancy District, is a three-part workshop to help homeowners plan and design a water-efficient yard to replace an outdated and water-intensive landscape.
The $30 class will feature design professionals to help homeowners through all the stages of creating a base map, building a rough plan and then refining the design.
Homeowner University begins Wednesday and runs for three consecutive Wednesdays from 5:30-7 p.m. at the Washington County Water Conservancy District, 533 E. Waterworks Drive in St. George.
The first class on Aug. 10 will provide an introduction to the landscape renovation process and show examples of what is possible. Experts will discuss what needs to be considered before tearing out a lawn; participants will look at several methods of creating a base map and how to complete an inventory, analysis and rough landscape concepts.
On Aug. 17, the second class will focus on refining landscape designs; landscape professionals will lead the discussion in small groups and offer expertise as homeowners evaluate functional solutions. Actual scaled landscape plans will be created and plant selection discussed.
The third and final class Aug. 24 will focus on the nitty-gritty of turning participants’ designs into reality and will include lawn removal methods, how to protect remaining landscape areas and how to retrofit existing irrigation systems.
Homeowners will create basic irrigation layouts that can be taken to local suppliers that offer free design and can help with parts lists.
For more information or to sign up for the workshops, visit the Red Hills Desert Garden webpage.
Event details
- What: Homeowner University workshop by Washington County Water Conservancy District, three-part series
- When: Wednesdays, Aug. 10, 17 and 24, 5:30-7 p.m.
- Where: Washington County Water Conservancy District, 533 E. Waterworks Drive, St. George
- Cost: $30 or the whole course | Register online
- Contact for more information: Telephone 435-673-3617
Email: [email protected]
Twitter: @STGnews
Copyright St. George News, SaintGeorgeUtah.com LLC, 2016, all rights reserved.
This sounds like a great program that the County Water Conservancy is offering to residents. I just wonder why they are charging for the workshop. I would think that an educational program like this would be offered to the public free of charge. The County Extension Office occasionally offers education programs that are free. Is this a way to fund the pipeline? If so, I guess we had all better enroll.
This is a very important opportunity for homeowners two attend that desire two engage in water saving household projects. because of the situation with the lack of rain and snow this is an important issue for our community. . kudos two the people putting these types of classes together
Make sure you build a pool and fill it up! It will look fantastic with the landscaping
Well of course. We will surround the pool with cactus and scorpions and rusted up old cars filled with bullet holes
According to a 2014 LA Times study, “a pool use less water over three years than a turf lawn of the same size.”
Henry. Yep I was reating all those. ( water facts ) put out by the state of California. I have no lawn in my yard, it’s all desert landscaping . I have 4 shade trees that cover the house. but they are trees that need less water than other trees.
Oh snap! I didn’t know I am a water conservationist. ?