Water-Wise Landscape Classes - Now Available Online!

Colorado Springs Utilities (CSU) provides free live Water Wise landscape classes online due to the restrictions on large gatherings and guidelines on social distancing. The webinars include a wide variety of topics geared to both newcomers and long-time residents who want to learn more about landscaping their properties. These classes are designed to provide a "building block" approach to landscape design and maintenance, and all of them are recorded for later viewing on the CSU website. 

Upcoming webinars include:

August 19, 6 PM, August Highlights from the Demonstration Gardens - Looking for landscape plants that look their best in later summer? Find out which plants are looking great at the Water Wise Demonstration Garden during the month of August. They'll cover options that thrive in the Pikes Peak Region you can use in your own yard.

September 16, 6 PM, Fall Landscape Care for Colorado Springs - Learn how to care for your landscape in fall with the correct techniques for the Colorado Springs area. They'll address lawn care, plants to cut back or prune, planting tips, weed control and sprinkler system care for the fall.

September 23, 6 PM, September Highlights from the Demonstration Garden - Fall can be a glorious time for well-chosen landscape plants. Find out which plants are looking great at the Water Wise Demonstration Garden. They'll cover options that thrive in the Pikes Peak Region you can use in your own yard.
    
FAQs

Who can attend a webinar?
   - These programs present information specific to Colorado Springs Utilities water customers, but people from neighboring communities are welcome to attend

Do I have to register to view the webinar?
   - YES. Please register for your desired class(es) to receive the required webinar link(s)

What can I do if I need special accommodations to attend the class?
   - CSU encourages participation by all individuals. If you have a disability, advance notification of any special needs will help them better serve you. Contact Catherine Moravec at cmoravec@csu.org or (719) 668-4559.

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In case you missed an earlier webinar, or just want to learn more about local landscaping, check for links to the recorded webinars here. Some of the earlier classes (in "building block" order) included:

Water-wise Landscaping for Beginners - If you are interested in creating a water-wise landscape but unsure where to start, this webinar is for you. It will cover landscape options to consider, their pros and cons, and the next steps to get started on your sustainable landscaping journey. You’ll also learn about common landscaping mistakes and how to avoid them. Great for people new to landscaping or the Colorado Springs area.

Water-wise Landscape Design - You'll learn an overview of the landscape design process that keeps usability and long-term water use top of mind. The webinar will also cover do-it-yourself options and when it may be best to hire a professional. Discover tips professionals use to create unified, beautiful landscapes.

Water-wise Plants and Grass Types - If you want to know which types of flowers, trees, shrubs and grasses thrive in the Pikes Peak Region, this webinar is for you. It will cover tried and true options, lowest-water plants, and promising new plants to make sure your green thumb comes alive. Learn about resources you can use to choose plants adapted to our erratic weather and periodic droughts.

Into to Landscaping with Native Plants - Learn how landscaping with native plants can add beauty, pollinators and wildlife habitat, and drought resistance to your yard. This webinar will cover some of the easiest native plants to grow. You'll also get a plant list and online resources to help you in the future.

Designing a Drought Resistant Landscape - Landscaping your yard is a big investment. While we expect to have outdoor water restrictions about once every ten years due to drought, there are many ways to create a tough and resilient landscape that use water wisely every year. Learn about how to set your landscape up for success through smart plant selection, wise irrigation and landscaping for the climate in which we live
                                                 
How to Install Buffalograss and Blue Gramma Grass - Planting buffalograss or blue gramma grass can result in big water and maintenance savings. Learn the steps to plant these grasses in your own yard so you get quick coverage, healthy grass and fewer weeds. The webinar will also cover how to care for these grasses long term.

Creating a Low Maintenance Landscape - Creating a beautiful landscape doesn't have to also create a lot of work. Join this webinar to learn the guiding principles and low-maintenance plants that can help you create a low maintenance landscape. It will also discuss examples of projects you can implement in your own yard.