Design Your Sustainable Garden

Build a sustainable garden with native California plants and learn best practices for water use efficiency with informative workshops presented by Metropolitan Water District. The workshops are available in person and online to help customers make landscape changes that provide savings and identify water overuse. Water conservation efforts have changed with the seasonal rain, but efficient water use is always the path to prepare for future periods of limited water supply. Explore below for free programs available to Rainbow Water customers. 

Rain to Roots: Water Your Garden

Date: Tuesday, January 20, 2026
Time: 5:00 PM - 6:15 PM
Class Sponsored By: Metropolitan Water District
Registration: Advanced registration required for the free event. Please complete the online sign up form.
Class Venue: Virtual via Zoom

Learn how to turn rain into a resource! This class explores the best management practices for capturing rainwater in the landscape using both passive and active methods. Whether you're planning a rain garden, swales, or storage tanks, we'll help you make informed, practical decision for your site.

Topics include:

• Choosing the right rainwater capture mathod for your landscape
• Siting and sizing rain gardens for optimal performance
• Managing inflow and overflow to prevent erosion and flooding
• Maintenance tips and troubleshooting common issues

Irrigation & Controller Basics: Smart Watering

Date: Thursday, January 22, 2026
Time: 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Class Sponsored By: Metropolitan Water District
Registration: Advanced registration required for the free event. Please complete the online sign up form.
Class Venue: Virtual via Zoom

Take the guesswork out of irrigation! Whether you're a beginner or looking to refresh your skills, this course offers a comprehensive introduction to irrigation systems, controller programming, and water-use efficiency. Participants will learn how to optimize water use, improve plant health, and reduce runoff by understanding the relationship between soil, water, and system performance.

Topics include:

• Irrigation System Overview – Understand how each component works together to deliver water efficiently.
• Soil Moisture Balance – Learn how irrigation timing and soil type affect plant health.
• Typical Landscape Irrigation Problems – Identify common issues and how to correct them.
• Water Conservation Tips – Explore techniques for reducing waste and saving water.
• Drip Irrigation Basics – Learn how and when to convert from sprinklers to drip.
• Weather-Based Controllers – Discover how smart controllers adjust watering schedules automatically.
• Controller Programming Essentials – Review key terminology, programming basics, and advanced features like cycle and soak and seasonal adjustments.
• Troubleshooting – Gain confidence in diagnosing and fixing typical irrigation and controller issues.

Drip Irrigation: Maintenance & Troubleshooting

Date: Tuesday, January 27, 2026
Time: 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Class Sponsored By: Metropolitan Water District in partnership with Long Beach Utilities Department
Registration: Advanced registration required for the free event. Please complete the online sign up form.
Class Venue: Virtual via Zoom

Did you know poor irrigation practices are the #1 reason plants fail? Learn how to keep your landscape thriving by making your drip irrigation system more efficient and reliable.

Participants will gain practical knowledge on:

• Understanding Soil Moisture Balance – Learn how soil type and plant needs affect watering schedules and system performance.
• Identifying Key Drip System Components – Get familiar with filters, emitters, pressure regulators, tubing, and valves essential to a well-functioning system.
• Reviewing Common Problems & How to Avoid Them – Spot the warning signs of leaks, clogs, pressure issues, and uneven watering—and know how to fix them.
• Developing a Successful Maintenance Routine – Create a seasonal checklist to keep your system running smoothly and plants properly hydrated all year long.

Whether you're converting a traditional sprinkler system or maintaining an existing drip setup, this course will help you troubleshoot issues, extend system life, and protect your landscape investment.

Rain to Roots: Water for Your Garden

Date: Thursday, January 29, 2026
Time: 6:00 PM - 7:15 PM
Class Sponsored By: Metropolitan Water District in partnership with the Upper San Gabriel Valley Municipal Water District
Registration: Advanced registration required for the free event. Please complete the online sign up form.
Class Venue: Virtual via Zoom

Learn how to turn rain into a resource! This class explores the best management practices for capturing rainwater in the landscape using both passive and active methods. Whether you're planning a rain garden, swales, or storage tanks, we'll help you make informed, practical decision for your site.

Topics include:

• Choosing the right rainwater capture mathod for your landscape
• Siting and sizing rain gardens for optimal performance
• Managing inflow and overflow to prevent erosion and flooding
• Maintenance tips and troubleshooting common issues

Transforming Lawns: A Sustainable Approach

Date: Saturday, January 31, 2026
Time: 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Class Sponsored By: Metropolitan Water District in partnership with the City of Escondido
Registration: Advanced registration required for the free event. Please complete the online sign up form.
Class Venue: Escondido City Hall - Mitchell Room, 201 N Broadway, Escondido, CA 92025, USA
The Mitchell Room can be accessed via the Escondido Credit Union Parking Lot or the path along the southern edge of Grape Day Park. 

Thinking about removing your lawn? Join us for a class on turf replacement where you'll learn how to transform your yard into a beautiful, sustainable, and water-efficient landscape. This session covers everything from soil preparation and microclimates to site planning and irrigation strategies that support long-term conservation.

Workshop will guide you through:

• Selecting climate-appropriate plant palettes
• Considering turf removal options and rebates
• Planning a new landscape that thrives with less water
• Exploring sustainable landscape techniques and functions

 

A Friendly® & Native Plant Landscape Training

Date: Tuesday, February 3, 2026
Time: 6:00 PM - 7:15 PM
Class Sponsored By: Metropolitan Water District
Registration: Advanced registration required for the free event. Please complete the online sign up form.
Class Venue: Virtual via Zoom 

Transform your outdoor space into a beautiful, water-efficient landscape with our California Friendly® & Native Plant Landscape Training. This engaging and practical course introduces participants to the core principles of sustainable landscaping, tailored specifically for California’s unique climate and ecology.

Participants will learn how to:

• Build Healthy Living Soil – Discover the importance of soil biology and techniques to nurture nutrient-rich, water-retaining soil.
• Capture Rainwater – Explore simple strategies to slow, spread, and store rainwater to reduce runoff and replenish groundwater.
• Select Climate-Appropriate & Native Plants – Choose vibrant, low-maintenance plants that support local biodiversity and thrive with minimal water.
• Use High-Efficiency Irrigation – Implement smart irrigation systems and best practices that reduce waste and save money.

The course includes helpful information on current rebate programs, making it easier to start your sustainable landscaping journey!

 

Transforming Lawns: A Sustainable Approach

Date: Wednesday, February 4, 2026
Time: 6:00 PM - 7:15 PM
Class Sponsored By: Metropolitan Water District
Registration: Advanced registration required for the free event. Please complete the online sign up form.
Class Venue: Virtual via Zoom 

Thinking about removing your lawn? Join us for a class on turf replacement where you'll learn how to transform your yard into a beautiful, sustainable, and water-efficient landscape. This session covers everything from soil preparation and microclimates to site planning and irrigation strategies that support long-term conservation.

The workshop will guide you through:

• Selecting climate-appropriate plant palettes
• Considering turf removal options and rebates
• Planning a new landscape that thrives with less water
• Exploring sustainable landscape techniques and functions

 

Garden Design Seminar

Date: Thursday, February 5, 2026
Time: 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM
Class Sponsored By: Metropolitan Water District
Registration: Advanced registration required for the free event. Please complete the online sign up form.
Class Venue: Virtual via Zoom 

Ready to create a garden that’s both beautiful and climate-resilient? This design seminar will walk you through the process of planning a landscape that captures rainwater, conserves resources, and thrives with local conditions.

You’ll learn how to:

• Understand and contour your landscape to capture and retain rainwater
• Calculate and site a rain garden for maximum benefits
• Create hydrozones to improve irrigation efficiency
• Choose climate-appropriate plants and group them for visual impact and function
• Integrate permeable hardscaping elements that support drainage and aesthetics
• Apply key design principles including “right plant, right place,” plant forms, accents, and color

By the end of the class, you’ll have the tools to develop a plant palette, sketch your layout, and design a landscape that’s sustainable, low-maintenance, and uniquely yours.

 

Irrigation & Controller Basics: Smart Watering

Date: Tuesday, February 10, 2026
Time: 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Class Sponsored By: Metropolitan Water District
Registration: Advanced registration required for the free event. Please complete the online sign up form.
Class Venue: Virtual via Zoom 

Take the guesswork out of irrigation! Whether you're a beginner or looking to refresh your skills, this course offers a comprehensive introduction to irrigation systems, controller programming, and water-use efficiency. Participants will learn how to optimize water use, improve plant health, and reduce runoff by understanding the relationship between soil, water, and system performance.

Topics include:

• Irrigation System Overview – Understand how each component works together to deliver water efficiently.
• Soil Moisture Balance – Learn how irrigation timing and soil type affect plant health.
• Typical Landscape Irrigation Problems – Identify common issues and how to correct them.
• Water Conservation Tips – Explore techniques for reducing waste and saving water.
• Drip Irrigation Basics – Learn how and when to convert from sprinklers to drip.
• Weather-Based Controllers – Discover how smart controllers adjust watering schedules automatically.
• Controller Programming Essentials – Review key terminology, programming basics, and advanced features like cycle and soak and seasonal adjustments.
• Troubleshooting – Gain confidence in diagnosing and fixing typical irrigation and controller issues.

 
California Friendly® & Native Plant Landscape Training

Date: Thursday, February 12, 2026
Time: 6:00 PM - 7:15 PM
Class Sponsored By: Metropolitan Water District in partnership with Las Virgenes-Triunfo Joint Powers Authority (JPA)
Registration: Advanced registration required for the free event. Please complete the online sign up form.
Class Venue: Virtual via Zoom 

Transform your outdoor space into a beautiful, water-efficient landscape with our California Friendly® & Native Plant Landscape Training. This engaging and practical course introduces participants to the core principles of sustainable landscaping, tailored specifically for California’s unique climate and ecology.

Participants will learn how to:

• Build Healthy Living Soil – Discover the importance of soil biology and techniques to nurture nutrient-rich, water-retaining soil.
• Capture Rainwater – Explore simple strategies to slow, spread, and store rainwater to reduce runoff and replenish groundwater.
• Select Climate-Appropriate & Native Plants – Choose vibrant, low-maintenance plants that support local biodiversity and thrive with minimal water.
• Use High-Efficiency Irrigation – Implement smart irrigation systems and best practices that reduce waste and save money.

The course includes helpful information on current rebate programs, making it easier to start your sustainable landscaping journey!

California Friendly® & Native Plant Landscape Training

Date: Wednesday, February 18, 2026
Time: 6:00 PM - 7:15 PM
Class Sponsored By: Metropolitan Water District
Registration: Advanced registration required for the free event. Please complete the online sign up form.
Class Venue: Virtual via Zoom 

Transform your outdoor space into a beautiful, water-efficient landscape with our California Friendly® & Native Plant Landscape Training. This engaging and practical course introduces participants to the core principles of sustainable landscaping, tailored specifically for California’s unique climate and ecology.

Participants will learn how to:

• Build Healthy Living Soil – Discover the importance of soil biology and techniques to nurture nutrient-rich, water-retaining soil.
• Capture Rainwater – Explore simple strategies to slow, spread, and store rainwater to reduce runoff and replenish groundwater.
• Select Climate-Appropriate & Native Plants – Choose vibrant, low-maintenance plants that support local biodiversity and thrive with minimal water.
• Use High-Efficiency Irrigation – Implement smart irrigation systems and best practices that reduce waste and save money.

The course includes helpful information on current rebate programs, making it easier to start your sustainable landscaping journey!

Transforming Lawns: A Sustainable Approach

Date: Tuesday, February 24, 2026
Time: 6:00 PM - 7:15 PM
Class Sponsored By: Metropolitan Water District
Registration: Advanced registration required for the free event. Please complete the online sign up form.
Class Venue: Virtual via Zoom 

Thinking about removing your lawn? Join us for a class on turf replacement where you'll learn how to transform your yard into a beautiful, sustainable, and water-efficient landscape. This session covers everything from soil preparation and microclimates to site planning and irrigation strategies that support long-term conservation.

We will guide you through:

• Selecting climate-appropriate plant palettes
• Considering turf removal options and rebates
• Planning a new landscape that thrives with less water
• Exploring sustainable landscape techniques and functions

Garden Design Seminar

Date: Thursday, February 26, 2026
Time: 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM
Class Sponsored By: Metropolitan Water District
Registration: Advanced registration required for the free event. Please complete the online sign up form.
Class Venue: Virtual via Zoom 

Ready to create a garden that’s both beautiful and climate-resilient? This design seminar will walk you through the process of planning a landscape that captures rainwater, conserves resources, and thrives with local conditions.

You’ll learn how to:

• Understand and contour your landscape to capture and retain rainwater
• Calculate and site a rain garden for maximum benefits
• Create hydrozones to improve irrigation efficiency
• Choose climate-appropriate plants and group them for visual impact and function
• Integrate permeable hardscaping elements that support drainage and aesthetics
• Apply key design principles including “right plant, right place,” plant forms, accents, and color

By the end of the class, you’ll have the tools to develop a plant palette, sketch your layout, and design a landscape that’s sustainable, low-maintenance, and uniquely yours.

 

Questions

Email questions to: mwd@greenmediacreations.com

Call for support or class inquiries: (909) 252-7670

Be sure to include the date of the class in your email. Get more information about removing your lawn and creating a beautiful new landscape at www.greenmediacreations.com/mwd

Please note: All residents within Metropolitan Water District’s service area are welcome to attend this class. To confirm if your local water agency is located within MWD's boundaries, you may check here.