Green Gardener workshop series helps local gardeners thrive in California’s climate

Hands-on workshops teach sustainable gardening practices and water-smart landscaping

The Green Gardener at Home series has just wrapped up its latest round of workshops, empowering 35 participants with the knowledge and tools to manage their landscapes effectively. These individuals are now equipped to create thriving gardens that flourish and use water efficiently. Now in its 13th year, the series continues to provide valuable, hands-on education for local gardeners in partnership with the City of Roseville's Utility Exploration Center and the Environmental Utilities Water Efficiency Group.

In California, especially in Sacramento, most water use occurs outdoors - before entering your home. Water consumption spikes during spring and summer as residents strive to maintain healthy, attractive landscapes.

"The Green Gardener classes equip people with the tools to make smart gardening decisions that conserve water and support local ecosystems. It's about creating gardens that thrive in California's climate while benefiting the environment," said Cheryl Buckwalter, class instructor. "For example, we teach the best pruning techniques for California gardens, from native and low-water plants to shrubs and trees."

Whether you're interested in creating a drought-resilient garden, improving soil health and your composting skills, or learning which low water-use California native and climate-appropriate plants to select, these classes provide the knowledge to grow and maintain an eco-friendly garden in California's unique climate.

"We recognize the importance of these classes in helping residents balance a beautiful landscape with water conservation," said Bobby Alvarez, Water Conservation Administrator for the City of Roseville. "This is one of the many ways we encourage sustainable gardening practices in our community."



Feedback from participants has been overwhelmingly positive.

• One attendee shared, "I can't say enough good things about the Gardening series! It was especially helpful since I moved here from Illinois last October, and I've been telling my neighbors about it."

• Another participant said, "I hope to join more garden classes in the future."

• Many praised the practical, hands-on approach of the classes. "The instructors are so knowledgeable, and the resources are amazing. This helped me understand so much more about soil, water usage, and plant needs," one participant said.

The series is also known for its flexibility and interactive format. "The presentations were detailed, and having optional Saturday Demo/Q&A classes was a great way to dive deeper into the topics," another participant added.

The Green Gardener program is making a significant impact by helping gardeners become more mindful of their water use. As one participant put it, "Every homeowner should know this information. It's a must for anyone planning to redo their yard."

The Utility Exploration Center and the Environmental Utilities Water Efficiency Group continue to offer workshops and resources to help residents create and maintain sustainable gardening practices.

Look for upcoming classes at roseville.ca.us/exploremore, where you can learn about irrigation management, maintaining healthy soils, gardening basics, and more.