Water District Offers Free Water-Wise Gardening Classes

Las Virgenes Municipal Water District (LVMWD) is offering its customers a free series of water-saving garden and landscape classes designed to conserve water and enhance the homeowner gardening experience.

While space is available, participants may register at the District’s website, www.LVMWD.com and click on “Conservation,” then “Garden Classes.” Seating preference is given to LVMWD customers. Because of the program’s popularity, walk-ins cannot be accommodated.

The class schedule includes:

• Life Giving Gardens - Wednesday, April 17th, 5:30 - 7:30 p.m: Sustainable landscape designer and author Douglas Kent highlights the core attributes of a modern landscape. Learn how to create beautiful gardens that also improve public health, conserve energy and reduce water use.

• Veggie Garden Workshop - Thursday, April 25th, 5:30 - 7:30 p.m: Learn how to plan a garden, select the best site, choose plants, order seeds, plant the crops and track your progress. Taught by food garden consultant and author Christy Wilhelmi.

• The Beauty and Benefits of Native Plants - Thursday, May 2nd, 5:30 - 7:30 p.m: Gardening with native plants saves water, wildlife and energy. Author, educator and activist Lisa Novick shares practical advice on how to incorporate beautiful plants into a garden that benefits the environment.

“After the unusually dry winter season, water-wise landscapes take on added importance,” said David W. Pedersen, LVMWD’s General Manager. “We know the cost of water is steadily increasing and another dry winter could return us to managing a drought situation. It makes good sense to reduce water use with better landscape designs and practices.”

Surveys have confirmed that nearly 70 percent of the water delivered in the region is used outdoors. Water-wise gardening can reduce costs and when properly done, enhance the appearance of a home.

LVMWD serves some 70,000 residents of Agoura Hills, Calabasas, Hidden Hills, Westlake Village and surrounding unincorporated areas of Los Angeles County.