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Options include a Valentine’s Day cooking class and tips on everything from growing vegetables to replacing water-thirsty lawns
Rancho San Diego, CA—Want to try sweetheart tamale making for two? Or learn about straw bale construction, shop at a “March madness” plant sale, and discover how to plant an attractive low-water landscape after the lawn is gone? These are among the classes and events coming up at the Water Conservation Garden at Cuyamaca College.
Gardening classes help residents save water and money by focusing on water-smart landscaping techniques and plants. Classes are taught by experts and topics include lawn removal, water-smart landscape design, backyard composting, irrigation design and gardening for children. Pre-registration is required for all classes. To enroll in winter or spring 2011 classes, call 619-660-0614 x 10. For more information, visit www.thegarden.org.
ONGOING EVENTS
The Water Smart Pipeline—a Horticultural Help Line
Gardening expert Nan Sterman, author of California Gardener’s Guide, v2, and Waterwise Plants for the Southwest, answers the Garden’s free horticultural help line for San Diego County residents. The Pipeline is open every Tuesday, 8:30am-12:00pm, and Thursdays, 1-4:30pm. The toll-free number is 866-962-7021. Residents get personalized answers to their most pressing gardening questions, from San Diego’s foremost gardening expert for free!
Ask the Designer
The Water Conservation Garden offers 45-minute landscape design consultation services. A professional designer who focuses on drought tolerant landscapes will meet with you one-on-one. You will leave with a design plan and a list of suggested plants. Bring a photo of your house and the area you want to re-design, the dimensions of the space, and photos of design styles you like. Call for appointment availability, designer information and reservations. Additional dates will be added as needed. $60 Members, $75 Non-Members, call 619-660-0614 x10
Ask the Horticulturist Tour
First Sunday of the month at 9:30 am
February 6, March 6, April 3
Enjoy an informative walk through the Garden with one of our professional Horticulture staff. Bring your questions and prepare for an interesting tour from the perspective of someone who works in the Garden daily. Meet at the front entrance of the Garden. Free.
Special Access Tour
Third Sunday of the month, 9:30 am
February 20, March 20, April 17, May 15
This special tour is offered monthly for individuals who may have difficulty navigating the terrain of the Garden. Explore the Garden from the comfort of the Verbeck Shuttle with David Yetz, Garden Horticulturist. This tour seats 4-5 people. Free. Reservations are required; please call 619-660-6841.
New! Spanish Language Tours
The Water Conservation Garden now offers Spanish language tours of the Garden, by reservation only. Please contact Elizabeth Ramos at 619-985-8337. Free. (Donations always appreciated to cover the cost of our Spanish speaking guides.)
Home Owner Association Tours
Last Saturday of the month (except May 21), 9:30 am
January 29, February 26, March 26, April 30, May 21
Tour the Garden while learning how to save water and money by designing a drought tolerant landscape for your association. $5 per person. Reservations required, please call 619-660-6841.
The following classes are brought to you free of charge through a generous grant from the County of San Diego Department of Public Works Watershed Protection Program. Please note locations, some classes will be held at the Garden and others will be held off-site.
After the Lawn is Gone…
Wednesday, February 2, 6:30-8:00 pm
Water Conservation Garden
Nan Sterman, garden author, television host and gardening expert teaches you how to create a beautiful, low water landscape after you have removed your lawn. Learn how to be part of the stormwater pollution solution by taking care of pests in an environmentally-friendly way. Reservations are required. Please call 629-660-0614 x10.
After the Lawn is Gone…
Will also be held at the following times and locations:
Thursday, March 10, 6:30-8:00 pm
Ramona Library
Thursday, March 17, 6:30-8:00 pm
Fallbrook Library
Reservations are required. Please call 629-660-0614 x10.
How to Hire a Landscape Contractor
Ramona Library
Saturday, March 26, 1:00-2:30 pm
Join Certified Landscape contractor Steve Jacobs for an informative session on how to select a landscape contractor for your landscape improvement projects. You’ll learn what questions to ask and what to look for. Reservations are required. Please call 619-660-0614 x10.
How to Hire a Landscape Contractor
Will also be held at the following time and location:
Saturday, April 2, 10:00-11:30 am
Water Conservation Garden
Reservations are required. Please call 619-660-0614 x10.
FREE Growing Up Wild! Teacher Workshop
Friday, February 4, 10:00-3:00 pm
Learn to introduce young children to nature in this hands-on workshop for educators. You’ll be introduced to great nature-related activities, and leave with an incredible free curriculum guide. Bring your own snacks and lunch please. For reservations contact Maureen Lewis, Environmental Education Connection, at
858-748-3549.
Creative Basket Making with Natural Materials
Saturday, February 5, 10:00 am-12:00 pm
Join the talented Sue Ellen Benson, Garden Docent President, for a hands-on basket-making workshop. You will use natural materials to create your own functionally beautiful rib basket using palm inflorescence. All materials included. $25 Members, $35 Non-Members
FREE Home Compost Workshop
Saturday, February 5, 10:00 am-12:00 pm
A home composting workshop taught by Certified Master Composters from the Solana Center for Environmental Innovation. Learn the basics of composting, how to compost with worms, and how to save water in the process! Compost bins will be on sale
at low cost for Unincorporated County residents.
To register for this class, please call The Solana Center at
(760)-436-7986, x225.
Create Your Own Free Plants:
Plant Propagation Made Simple
Saturday, February 12, 10:00 am-12:00 pm
Learn the secrets of professionals, and get plants for free! Everything you need to know about how to make new plants from cuttings will be taught by Connie Beck, experienced nursery manager and landscape designer.
Learn techniques for preparing, storing and planting
seeds. Bring samples of plants you wish to propagate.
$30 Members, $40 Non-Members
NEW! Sweetheart Tamale Class:
Celebrate Valentine’s Day the Culinary Way
Sunday, February 13, 10:00 am-1:30 pm
Spend an afternoon cooking with your sweetheart, your best friend, or a favorite person (kids 12 and up, please). In this class for two, you’ll learn to make two kinds of tamales, one savory and one sweet, as well as delicious ruby red hibiscus tea. While your tamales cook, take a Garden tour with Horticulturist David Yetz, then return to enjoy your freshly steamed tamales and tea. $70 per couple, Members, $80 per couple, Non-Members
MARCH PLANT MADNESS!
Saturdays in March, 9:00 am-12:00 pm
Each Saturday during the month of March, the Garden will offer hour-long seminars followed by specialized plant sales to help you make the most of your water-wise spring garden.
Member Discount Madness
Saturday, March 5, 20% Discounts All Day in the Nursery
The Garden thrives in large part because of the contributions received from our family of members. As a thank-you to this special group of people, the Garden is offering all members a 20% discount on garden art and any plants purchased from the Garden’s nursery (Walter Parkola’s plants excluded). Not a member? Become a member on March 5th and enjoy this day of discounts.
Designing with Succulents
Saturday, March 5, Presentation 9:00-10:00 am
Plant Sale 9:00 am-12:00 pm
Join the Garden Docents for an informative and fun presentation on these beautiful and drought tolerant plants that are easy to propagate and great for creative container gardens. The presentation will be followed by a sale of succulents propagated by the Docent team. Presentation free to Members, $5 Non-Members
Australians and South Africans:
Drought-tolerant exotics from around the world
Saturday, March 12, Presentation 9:00-10:00 am
Australian/South African Plant Sale 9:00 am–12:00 pm
Learn how to grow and care for the protea species when Walter Parkola of Blossom Valley Protea discusses these exotic-looking plants, including the stunning pincushion and a favorite of hummingbirds, the unusual grevillea. Walter’s one-hour presentation will be followed by a sale of gorgeous plants from his nursery. Presentation free to Members, $5 Non-Members
Grow Heirloom Tomatoes with the Tomato Lady
Saturday, March 19, Presentation, 9:00-10:00 am
Tomato Plant Sale 9:00 am-12:00 pm
Want to grow bushels of succulent heirloom tomatoes? Join Master Gardener Karen Greenwalt as she shares her proven organic tomato growing strategies. Karen will share the attributes of different heirloom tomatoes, which will be for sale following her presentation. Presentation free to Members, $5 Non-Members
Vegetable Gardening the Organic Way!
Saturday, March 26, Presentation 9:00-10:00 am
Vegetable Plant Sale 9:00 am-12:00 pm
Learn the ins and outs of raising healthy organic vegetables with Garden Horticulturist David Yetz. David will briefly discuss building a raised bed, organic methods for preparing your soil, what to plant together and when, adding nutrients to the soil, and managing pests. A vegetable seedling sale will follow Dave’s presentation. Presentation free to Members, $5 Non-Members
Water Smart Landscape:
Beautiful Landscape on a Low-Water Budget
Tuesday, February 15, 6:30-8:30 pm
Landscape Designer Jan Tubiolo takes the mystery out of Water Smart landscaping. Learn seven principles of low-water landscaping, and discuss plant selection and planting techniques. This workshop includes a classroom lecture and a brief interpretive tour of the Water Conservation Garden. $15 Members, $25 Non-Members
NEW! Vegetable Gardening the Organic Way
Saturday, February 26, 10:00 am–12:00 pm
Get ready for gardening season with Garden Horticulturist David Yetz. You’ll learn how to build a raised bed, organic methods for preparing your soil, what to plant together and when, and how to manage pests and provide nutrients for your plants while being a good steward of our environment. $20 Members, $30 Non-Members
Toss the Turf: Less Water, Less Grass, More Fun!
Sunday, February 27, 10:00 am–12:00 pm
Join David Yetz for a short course in turf removal. Get tips for evaluating soil, tuning up your irrigation system, and creative ideas for a beautiful, low-water-use landscape in lieu of lawn. $20 Members, $30 Non-Members
Coming in March: (Date to be determined)
NEW! Strawbale Construction Workshop
Strawbale construction is a unique, eco-friendly building method that is energy efficient, uses sustainable materials, and provides opportunities to design uniquely beautiful structures. Local contractor Lane McClelland will construct a strawbale building on the grounds of the Garden. Participants should bring gloves and wear closed-toed shoes and comfortable clothes. The workshop will last 4-6 hours. Limited to 16 participants, adults only please. For more information, call 619-660-6841. $40 Members, $45 Non-Members
Hillside Gardening
Tuesday, March 1, 6:30-8:00 pm
Landscape Designer Connie Beck will show you how to make the most of gardening on a slope. Topics include erosion control, proper plant choices, terracing, and retaining walls. A colorful slideshow of San Diego hillside gardens will reveal the creative possibilities unique to this style of gardening.
$15 Members, $25 Non-Members
Secrets of the Best Garden Designs
Tuesday, March 22, 6:30-8:30 pm
Join professional landscape designer Connie Beck to learn the inside secrets of design. You’ll be introduced to design principles that will lead to a beautiful, functional, and low water landscape you will enjoy for years. Connie will share an inspirational visual presentation highlighting the best garden designs in both public and private gardens.
$20 Members, $30 Non-Members
Water Smart Landscape:
Beautiful Landscape on a Low-Water Budget
Tuesday, February 15, 6:30-8:30 pm
Landscape Designer Jan Tubiolo takes the mystery out of Water Smart landscaping. Learn seven principles of low-water landscaping, and discuss plant selection and planting techniques. This workshop includes a classroom lecture and a brief interpretive tour of the Water Conservation Garden. $15 Members, $25 Non-Members
NEW! Vegetable Gardening the Organic Way
Saturday, February 26, 10:00 am–12:00 pm
Get ready for gardening season with Garden Horticulturist David Yetz. You’ll learn how to build a raised bed, organic methods for preparing your soil, what to plant together and when, and how to manage pests and provide nutrients for your plants while being a good steward of our environment. $20 Members, $30 Non-Members
Toss the Turf: Less Water, Less Grass, More Fun!
Sunday, February 27, 10:00 am–12:00 pm
Join David Yetz for a short course in turf removal. Get tips for evaluating soil, tuning up your irrigation system, and creative ideas for a beautiful, low-water-use landscape in lieu of lawn. $20 Members, $30 Non-Members
Coming in March: (Date to be determined)
NEW! Strawbale Construction Workshop
Strawbale construction is a unique, eco-friendly building method that is energy efficient, uses sustainable materials, and provides opportunities to design uniquely beautiful structures. Local contractor Lane McClelland will construct a strawbale building on the grounds of the Garden. Participants should bring gloves and wear closed-toed shoes and comfortable clothes. The workshop will last 4-6 hours. Limited to 16 participants, adults only please. For more information, call 619-660-6841. $40 Members, $45 Non-Members
Hillside Gardening
Tuesday, March 1, 6:30-8:00 pm
Landscape Designer Connie Beck will show you how to make the most of gardening on a slope. Topics include erosion control, proper plant choices, terracing, and retaining walls. A colorful slideshow of San Diego hillside gardens will reveal the creative possibilities unique to this style of gardening.
$15 Members, $25 Non-Members
Secrets of the Best Garden Designs
Tuesday, March 22, 6:30-8:30 pm
Join professional landscape designer Connie Beck to learn the inside secrets of design. You’ll be introduced to design principles that will lead to a beautiful, functional, and low water landscape you will enjoy for years. Connie will share an inspirational visual presentation highlighting the best garden designs in both public and private gardens.
$20 Members, $30 Non-Members
18th Annual Spring Garden Festival
Saturday, April 9, 9:00 am–4:00 pm
Join the Water Conservation Garden and Cuyamaca College’s Ornamental Horticulture Department as we celebrate the spring season with “Conservation in Bloom”. The college will host its biggest plant sale of the year, and the Garden will buzz with experts, workshops and exhibits that will empower visitors to create the drought-tolerant landscape of their dreams. Other activities include animal exhibits, musical guests and dancers, kids’ activities, and an international food court. For program details, please visit www.thegarden.org.
NEW! Water Smart Edibles in Your Landscape
Saturday, April 16, 10:00 am-12:00 pm
Yes, you CAN grow fruit while conserving water! Join Garden Horticulturist David Yetz for an informative and delicious exploration of fruit that can be grown in a water conserving landscape. You’ll be introduced to a variety of interesting edibles, enjoy a few samples, and see some of these plants growing in the Garden. David will discuss proper planting, drip irrigation, and maintenance of these desirable plants that contribute more than just beauty to your landscape. $20 Members, $30 Non-Members
NEW! Cooking in the Raw
Saturday, April 30, 9:30 am-12:30 pm
Chris DeMarcus shares information and delicious recipes focused on raw food. Raw foodism is a lifestyle promoting the consumption of uncooked, unprocessed, and often organic foods as a large percentage of the diet. Join Chris for an informative demonstration, discussion, and tasting of raw food recipes. $10 Members, $15 Non-Members
SAVE THE DATES!
Mother’s Day Brunch
Sunday, May 8, 10:00 am and 1:00 pm
The Garden will host a delicious Mother’s Day Brunch amidst the beauty of five acres of water smart plants. There will be two seatings, 10 am and 1 pm. Select vendors will be on hand offering lovely gifts for Mom. Please call 619-660-0614 x10 for more details and to make reservations. Space is limited, so reserve early.
FREE Home Compost Workshop
Saturday, May 21, 10:00 am-12:00 pm
See description for February 5. To register for this class, please call The Solana Center at (760)-436-7986, x225.
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