Gardening Classes

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Mark Guthrie teaches a group of people in chairs surrounded by plants at a nursery.

The Saving Water Partnership sponsors free gardening classes each spring and fall to help you create and maintain beautiful, healthy landscapes that use water wisely. Classes are taught by landscape professionals who share practical guidance on plant care, soil health, and efficient watering practices.

Registration is now open! View upcoming sessions and reserve your spot today. We hope to see you there!

The Unthirsty Landscape: Drama without the Drinking 

Come learn new tips and techniques to use less water but still have a beautiful landscape! You will learn how and when to water your container gardens, shrubs, and flower beds to keep them healthy without wasting water. You will also learn how to mulch, which mulch you should use, and how to catch rain to water your plants. 

  • Date: Thursday, July 9  
  • Time: 6:30 – 7:30 pm
  • Location: King County Water District #90 Office | 15606 SE 128th St, Renton, WA 98059 
  • Presenter: Marianne Binetti, author, NW horticultural expert, syndicated columnist, TV and radio host 
  • To register: Email kirstenk@kcwd90.com or call (425) 255-9600 

Container Gardening Do’s and Don’ts

Don’t have a ton of space to garden? Want to liven up your porch or deck?  Popular gardening educator Marianne Binetti will share her tricks for growing glorious gardens in compact containers.  Learn the most sustainable ways to fertilize, water, and design with containers.

  • Date: Saturday, July 11
  • Time: 11:00 am – 12:00 pm
  • Location: West Seattle Nursery
  • Presenter: Marianne Binetti, author, NW horticultural expert, syndicated columnist, TV and radio host
  • To register: Register here
  • Questions? Email Maika Mattson at maika@westseattlenursery.com or call (206) 935-9276

Automatic Sprinkler Systems – How to Water Your Yard and Garden Efficiently 

Have an in-ground irrigation system? Thinking about installing one? Do you want to reduce your water bill while maintaining a beautiful garden and landscape? Mark Guthrie, Landscape Water Efficiency Program Manager for the Saving Water Partnership, will explain how you can make your irrigation system more efficient and use less water. Topics include how to set your irrigation timer, choosing the best irrigation equipment for watering plants, and how to use your water meter to check for leaks.  

  • Date: Wednesday, July 15
  • Time: 6:00 – 7:30 pm
  • Location: King County Water District #90 Office | 15606 SE 128th St, Renton, WA 98059 
  • Presenter: Mark Guthrie, Landscape Water Efficiency Program Manager for the Saving Water Partnership; ecoPRO Certified Landscape Professional; Certified Landscape Irrigation Auditor 
  • To register: Email kirstenk@kcwd90.com or call (425) 255-9600 

Less Work, Better Gardens the Natural Way 

Learn how you can become a more successful gardener and do it with less work. Discover how to create a more beautiful garden by working with Mother Nature. Learn about natural yard care topics such as how to build healthy soils and water your garden the right amount. 

  • Date: Wednesday, September 9 
  • Time: 6:00 – 7:30 pm
  • Location: Virtual
  • Presenter: Marianne Binetti, author, NW horticultural expert, syndicated columnist, TV and radio host
  • To register: Sign up online. The course ID is 33028.
  • Questions? Email Lauren Imhoff at limhoff@rentonwa.gov or call (425) 430-7287

Fall and Winter Chores to Make Your Spring Gardening Easier

The fall season is the best time to prepare for the spring! Ladd Smith will teach fall natural yard care techniques that will ease your spring labor. Learn what to do if you have poor soil, how to improve your soil with mulch, the benefits of trees and native plants, and the best practices for planting in the fall.

Fall and Winter Chores to Make Your Spring Gardening Easier 

The fall season is the best time to prepare for the spring! Ladd Smith will teach fall natural yard care techniques that will ease your spring labor. Learn what to do if you have poor soil, how to improve your soil with mulch, the benefits of trees and native plants, and the best practices for planting in the fall. 

Four Seasons of Color: The Year-Round Garden 

Learn design and planting tips to make your landscape attractive all year long. You will learn secrets for less maintenance and more color using garden art and structures, with garden inspiration from around the world. 

  • Date: Tuesday, September 29 
  • Time: 6:00 – 7:30 pm
  • Location: Virtual
  • Presenter: Marianne Binetti, author, NW horticultural expert, syndicated columnist, TV and radio host
  • To register: Sign up online. The course ID is 33027.
  • Questions? Email Lauren Imhoff at limhoff@rentonwa.gov or call (425) 430-7287

For other local class offerings, please click on the following links:

Other Local Classes