Go from "I Should" to "I Can"

 

Creating a Watershed Wise landscape is one way both residential or commercial landscapes can conserve water and mitigate climate change. The Climate-Ready Landscape Academy provides practical and specific how-to instructions for creating functional AND beautiful landscapes in a fun and accessible way. The series also addresses issues not often discussed such as budget concerns, how to revive existing landscapes, and what to do when removing the lawn is not an option. Everyone should be able to create a beautiful thriving garden that regenerates the land, air, water, and life of the planet. Join the Climate-Ready Landscape Academy to achieve it.

Date Time Event City / Town
05/12/2025 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM Landscape Myth Buster - WWT Property Owner Virtual

Classes Offered in the Series

You Can Do It! Design a New Landscape Without Starting Over

Though we often think that a successful landscape requires the removal of everything and working from a blank slate. That is a myth. You can have a thriving, beautiful garden by maximizing opportunities that already exist and discovering what easy steps you can take to create the garden you imagine. Topics include: 

  1. Tactics for gradually converting conventional landscapes and getting started
  2. Special considerations for designing small spaces, shade, and slopes 
  3. Develop a flexible palette of local climate-appropriate plants 
  4. Place plants according to microclimates, hydrozones, and function
  5. Ideas for repurposing and reusing materials to rejuvenate your landscape
Slow, Spread, Sink & Store Rain 

Rain is a free resource, yet it is invaluable in the landscape. If the goal is to conserve water, reduce runoff, and support a healthy, thriving landscape, this class gives you the tools and knowledge to make the most out of this precious resource. Topics include: 

  1. Select which rainwater capture method to best for your site
  2. Properly size and site a rain garden, swale, infiltration area, or flow-through planter
  3. Redirect rain from roof to garden, even on slopes, small spaces, and tight corners
  4. Design a landscape to maximize its overall permeability
  5. Utilize storage devices to hold on to even more water, if the situation calls for it
Select Climate-Ready Plants Like a Pro 

Choosing the plants for our landscape is not just about the color of the flowers or the butterflies it will attract. It is also about understanding how to select plants that will naturally thrive in a garden’s unique conditions. Topics include: 

  1. Understand how plants adapt to their climates through the help of the soil microbiome 
  2. Begin to see plants as part of a greater ecosystem, filled with diversity and delight
  3. Select the trees that become the cornerstone to your resilient landscape 
  4. Appreciate the benefits (and challenges) of working with local native plants
  5. Develop your inner “green thumb,” no previous experience required 
Compost: Creating Healthy Soils and Edible Gardens  

Learn how to turn kitchen scraps and yard waste into biologically active compost to enliven the soil, reduce waste, and cyle back into healthy local food. This class covers why to compost, what to compost, and how to work with nature to create your own climate-ready landscape, no matter what you are planting. Topics include: 

  1. Understand the important role of microbes and plants in overall soil health 
  2. Discuss different composting methods for different outcomes
  3. Learn what to use and what to avoid in building compost piles
  4. Use “sheet composting” to build healthy living soil on a landscape scale
  5. Grow abundant healthy food even in the city
Landscapes Deserve Water – Just Not Too Much 

The number one reason gardens struggle is due to poor watering practices, yet landscapes in many climates need supplemental irrigation to thrive. This class provides practical tools for irrigating gardens more efficiently and effectively. Topics include: 

  1. Understand how irrigation works to replace soil moisture removed by plants
  2. Properly design and install a drip irrigation system to water your landscape
  3. Prevent runoff, overspray, and water waste
  4. Troubleshoot common outdoor leak issues
  5. Work with recycled and other supplemental water sources 
Landscape Installation for Every Budget

Whether you’re looking to transform your yard completely or eager to add a new corner to your garden, reimagining your space doesn’t have to break the bank. Landscaping projects can be overwhelming, but with a little creativity and a little know-how, your dream garden can become a reality. You can do it! This class helps you get great results whether you install your landscape as a weekend project or work with professionals.  Topics include  

  1. Prioritize installing landscape design elements when you are on a limited budget
  2. Develop a planningi framework for your garden transformation and your investment
  3. Decide whether you do it yourself or invest in professional assistance
  4. Get creative with materials and techniques – where to source and how to use them
  5. Install with future “landcare” in mind