Residential Homeowner Course Description
This program was developed with the residential homeowner in mind. It covers the basics of landscape design and maintenance, and is offered as either individual, one-topic classes, a four-part series, or a four-hour condensed mini-class.
The presentations cover the following topics:
Basic Landscape Design
Getting Started
The Design Process
The Planting Design
Plant Selection
Landscape Plants
Why go Native
Plant Selection Tips
Planting Guidelines
Maintenance
Some Plant Choices
Landscape Sprinkler Systems
The Irrigation System
Layout of the Irrigation System
Components of the System
Good Installation & Maintenance Practices
Landscape Watering and Fertilizing
Scheduling your Irrigation
MWD’s Watering Calculator
Controller Programming Basics
Fertilizers
Residential Class Schedule
Click on the link above or call Beth Fahl at (714) 593-5015 for a list of agencies currently scheduling classes.
Professional Landscaper Course Description
The course consists of four consecutive classes in landscape water management, each building upon principles presented in the preceding class. The California Friendly Landscape Training Program begins with irrigation principles of soil-plant-water relationships, and concludes with irrigation scheduling. Each participant receives a bound handbook. The following is a synopsis of each class in the course:
1. Irrigation Principles: A comprehensive workshop addressing the principle factors in landscape irrigation. Concepts presented are the foundation to sound landscape water management. Topics include plant water needs, soil characteristics, and types of irrigation. Demonstrations illustrate how to determine plant water needs, how to manage irrigation in various types of soil, and provides a graphic understanding of precipitation rates and how they affect irrigation uniformity.
2. Irrigation System Troubleshooting: This session focuses on an analytical approach to solving irrigation system failures. Three potential problem areas are examined: 1) mechanical, 2) hydraulic, and 3) electrical. Workshop participants receive practical training in the use of electrical troubleshooting equipment, and an opportunity to demonstrate these skills during the hands-on portion of the session.
3. Controller Programming: A hands-on workshop where participants begin with basic controller features by programming sample cases. They then move into advanced controller features as they input more complex schedules; consideration of temperature/seasonal changes, rain, and landscape activities or demands which limit irrigation times. Irrigation controllers are provided for in-class use.
4. Irrigation Scheduling: This session focuses on two critical questions: 1) When to irrigate? and 2) How much water to apply? A variety of field techniques and methods are presented as well as the technical aspects to be considered when scheduling irrigation run times. Each class participant is furnished with the tools needed to perform an irrigation scheduling assignment. Tools must be returned to the instructor at the end of the class.
Upon completion of the course, participants receive a certificate listing all classes completed. Participants are eligible for 21 Continuing Education Units as certified by the Irrigation Association.
Professional Series Class Schedule
Click on the link above or call Beth Fahl at (714) 593-5015 for a listing of upcoming classes in your area.
Course curriculum was developed by The Irrigation Training and Research Center at California Polytechnic University in San Luis Obispo for the Metropolitan Water District
http://www.bewaterwise.com/knowledge01.html
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Corona del Mar
Roger’s Gardens
2301 San Joaquin Hills Rd., Corona del Mar
(949) 721-2100
The landscape surrounding this high-end nursery, garden and home store features California Friendly plants and landscaping.
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Costa Mesa
Mesa Water District Demonstration Garden
1965 Placentia Ave., Costa Mesa
(949) 631-1205
California Friendly plants are showcased, along with the latest in state-of-the-art irrigation practices.
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Orange County Fair Centennial Farm
88 Fair Dr., Costa Mesa
(949) 631-1205
Sponsored by the Mesa Water District, this garden is open to the public year-round and features California Friendly landscaping and will soon be expanded.
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Fullerton
Fullerton Arboretum
800 N. State College Blvd., Fullerton
(714) 278-3579
Native grasses, agaves and yuccas around the new visitor’s center show the elegant beauty and ultimate utility of using those plants as companions to wildflowers and perennials.
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Huntington Beach
Shipley Nature Center Demonstration Garden
17829 Goldenwest St., Huntington Beach
(714) 842-4772
This 1-acre garden within the Shipley Nature Preserve showcases eight habitat gardens, two built for attracting butterflies and hummingbirds. Water harvesting techniques are demonstrated, and frequent classes are held.
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San Clemente
Casa Romantica Cultural Center
415 Avenida Granada, San Clemente
(949) 498-2139
The historic home of San Clemente founder Ole Hanson boasts a 2.4-acre California Friendly garden along an ocean bluff with stunning views. The gardens were designed by Isabelle Greene (granddaughter of Craftsman architect Henry Greene.)
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San Clemente
Park Semper Fi
San Clemente Pier Bowl, San Clemente
This low coastal bluff adjacent to beach parking features endangered coastal sage scrub and chaparral plant communities indigenous to San Clemente, and a bronze monument to the U.S. Marines. |
