Mike Dressler on Green Building, Buying and Living

Tired of that drab grass in your outdoor living space sucking down water day after day? Maybe it’s time to consider creating a more interesting landscape in which to enjoy these beautiful Southern California evenings. The use of drought tolerant plants in landscaping, also known as Xeriscaping, can produce beautiful yards that use less water, promote natural habitat for insects and birds and take less time and effort for maintenance than your standard patch of grass.

The Long Beach Water Department is offering free sustainable landscaping classes to nurture the inner landscaper in you. The workshops range from classes on effective irrigation techniques to choosing the perfect succulent. The classes are held at the LB Water Department at 1800 E. Wardlow Rd from 9:30 am to 1 pm on the dates listed below.

These courses can be used in conjunction with the Water Department’s Lawn to Landscape program in which you can receive $2.50/square foot of front lawn you replace with drought tolerant, native California plants. The program is designed to help you create a more natural landscape that uses less water, saving you money in the long run.

For more information on the Lawn To Garden program, drought tolerant plant lists, or examples of Xeriscaped gardens visit the Beautiful Long Beach Landscapes site from the Long Beach Water Department. The site will also direct you to nursery’s that can provide the appropriate plants for your new garden.

RSVP for the Water Department gardening courses by calling 562.570.2308, or visit http://www.lbwater.org/conservation/landscapeclasses.php.

 

Landscape Class Schedule 

Sept 10 – Residential Irrigation Workshop

Sept 24 – Choosing the Best Plants for You

Oct 8 – Harscape: Creating Architectural Interest in your Landscape

Oct 22 – Succulents in the Landscape

Nov 5 – Designing Your New Landscape

Happy Gardening!