The Saving Water Partnership sponsors free gardening classes in the spring and fall to help you create and maintain beautiful, healthy landscapes that use water wisely.
The Saving Water Partnership sponsors free gardening classes in the spring and fall to help you create and maintain beautiful, healthy landscapes that use water wisely.
Virtual and in-person classes
Our gardening classes have moved online since we are currently unable to meet in person due to COVID-19. It’s our hope that we will be able to meet in person again soon.
Below, we have provided information on the physical location for some of the classes. However, those classes will be moved online if in-person meetings are not allowed at the time of the class. When that happens, those registered for the class will receive information on how to join the class virtually.
Designing for the northwest garden
Presenter: Greg Rabourn, Educator and Radio Personality
Native plants adapted to our soil and climate solve many landscape woes—less watering, less need for pesticides and fertilizers, and less chance of introduction and spread of invasive species. They also attract valuable native wildlife. You’ll come away with design tips and species recommendations to make your own Northwest native haven. Discover just how beautiful, sustainable, and low-maintenance gardening can be with native plants!
Wednesday July 21st, 5:00 – 6:30 pm
To register: call 425-255-9600 or email daniellet@kcwd90.com
Location: King County Water District 90, 15606 SE 128th St., Renton
If in-person meetings are not allowed at the time of this class it will be moved online and information to join via Zoom will be emailed before the class.
Know your garden: winning the war on water use with great plants and techniques
Presenter: Marianne Binetti, Author and NW Horticultural Expert
Get inspired to plant not just shrubs and perennials that will survive in our climate, but plants that make a knockout statement when grown together. These plants will also smother weeds and solve other landscape problems. Learn how to create stunning plant marriages; how to use short plants to support taller specimens to avoid stakes or ties; and how to use trees and large shrubs already in your landscape as focal points to create gardens with seasonal interest that will knock your socks off.
Wednesday August 4th, 5:00 – 6:30 pm
To register: call 425-255-9600 or email daniellet@kcwd90.com
Location: King County Water District 90, 15606 SE 128th St., Renton
Thursday September 2nd, 6:30 – 8:00 pm
To register: call (206) 362-8100 or email theresah@northcitywater.org
Location: North City Water District, 1519 NE 177th St Shoreline
If in-person meetings are not allowed at the time of these classes they will be moved online and information to join via Zoom will be emailed before the class.
The down and dirty: soil building secrets for greener gardens
Presenter: Ea Murphy, Soil Scientist and Author
How do you grow more productive, greener, and healthier gardens and farms, with less time and money? The secret is healthy, living soil! Join Ea in unlocking the secrets of living soil. Learn how to recognize healthy soil, feed and nourish the soil food web, and build fertility using natural strategies and techniques that come from getting down to the ground, a soil-eye view that will change the way you grow.
Thursday August 12th, 5:00–6:30 pm
To register: call 425-255-9600 or email daniellet@kcwd90.com
Location: King County Water District 90, 15606 SE 128th St., Renton
If in-person meetings are not allowed at the time of this class it will be moved online and information to join via Zoom will be emailed before the class.
Perma-what? Designing your own permaculture paradise
Presenter: Jessi Bloom, Best-Selling Author and Owner/Lead Designer of N.W. Bloom EcoLogical Landscapes
Landscapes and gardens offer a wealth of benefits if designed and managed well. Learn how to look at your garden as an ecosystem and explore the possibilities to make your space more sustainable. How to build healthy soils, good design, as well as proper maintenance strategies will be covered and you will see examples of beautiful gardens for inspiration.
Wednesday, September 8th, 5:00 – 6:30 pm
To register: call 425-255-9600 or email daniellet@kcwd90.com
Location: King County Water District 90, 15606 SE 128th St., Renton
If in-person meetings are not allowed at the time of this class it will be moved online and information to join via Zoom will be emailed before the class.
Native Plants: Combining beauty with water conservation
Presenter: Peggy Campbell, Horticulturist
Enjoy beauty sustainably with Northwest natives. Naturally suited to our wet winter and dry summer climate, discover these low-maintenance, water-saving wonders. Peggy Campbell shares sun-loving and shad-preferring favorites, how to match them to your garden spots, and tips for successful, fuss-free gardening.
Tuesday, September 14th, 6:30 – 8:00 pm
To Register: call (425) 430-7387 or email limhoff@rentonwa.gov
Location: class will be online – information to join via Zoom will be emailed before the class.