Water Use It Wisely

Mesa's Take the Guesswork out of Landscape Watering
2026-09-26 10:30 - 12:00 (America/Phoenix) | Mesa Main Library, 64 E 1st Street, Mesa, AZ, 85201, United States
Join us for Part I of the Watering in the Arizona Desert Series.
If you’ve ever been unsure how to water your landscape, this workshop is for you. Learn when, how often, and how much to water using simple techniques from the newly updated Landscape Watering by the Numbers guide. You’ll discover how to measure your irrigation system’s output, make seasonal adjustments, and water more efficiently to keep your landscape healthy while saving water and money. Whether you’re new to desert gardening or simply looking to fine-tune your watering practices, you’ll leave with practical skills and resources and the confidence to water wisely.
Bonus! All attendees will be entered into a drawing to win a signed book by Arizona Plant Lady (Noelle Johnson) or a $50 gift card to a local nursery.

Peoria - Container Gardening
2026-10-03 09:30 - 11:00 | Peoria Rio Vista Recreation Center, 8866 W Thunderbird Rd., Peoria, AZ, 85381, United States
Short on space but still want to grow plants? Container gardening is a flexible and effective way to garden in the desert. Our plant expert will talk about container types and sizes, potting mix, water, fertilizer, and a list of plants that actually prefer growing in containers.
Register HERE

Glendale – Earth-friendly Desert Gardening
2026-10-14 12:30 - 14:00 | Glendale Adult Center, 5970 W. Brown St, Glendale, AZ, 85302, United States
Work with the forces of nature to create an attractive, wildlife-friendly garden built to thrive in our desert climate. Learn about the importance of proper plant selection, water, mulch, maintenance and more from Water Conservation Specialist, Anne Stahley, with the City of Glendale.

Free Workshop: Irrigation Design and Installation
2026-10-17 09:00 - 11:00 | Queen Creek Library – Zane Grey Room, 21802 S. Ellsworth Road, Queen Creek, AZ, 85142, United States
This free class can help you learn what to look for and the questions to ask before investing in a new or updated drip or lawn irrigation system. Whether you plan on doing it yourself or hiring a professional, this class will boost your knowledge of what goes into designing and installing a drip or lawn irrigation system.
This FREE Water-Smart Workshop is open to all Town of Queen Creek water customers. Seating is limited and registration is required.
Register HERE

Glendale – More than Monarchs
2026-10-17 10:00 - 11:30 | Glendale Main Library, 5959 W Brown St, Glendale, Arizona, 85302
Did you know that Arizona is home to over 330 species of butterflies? Expand your knowledge of the nectar-rich plants the depend on for food and the host plants necessary for completing their life cycle. Learn how to build a garden space that attracts a variety of butterflies from Shauna Dempsey.

Goodyear - Pruning Desert Trees and Plants
2026-10-17 10:00 - 12:00 | Goodyear Georgia T Lord Library, 1900 N. Civic Square, Goodyear, Arizona, 85395, United States
An attendee-favorite course on how best to maintain your desert plants for beauty and water efficiency.
Register HERE

Free Workshop: Water Saving Strategies for the Desert Garden
2026-10-24 09:00 - 11:00 | Queen Creek Library – Zane Grey Room, 21802 S. Ellsworth Road, Queen Creek, AZ, 85142, United States
Join author and horticulturist Noelle Johnson, “AZ Plant Lady,” as she shares practical strategies for creating a beautiful, low-water landscape. Learn how to reduce outdoor water use—often the biggest portion of household consumption—through smart plant choices, soil improvement, microclimates, rain harvesting, and more. Leave with actionable tips to conserve water while maintaining a thriving desert garden.
This FREE Water-Smart Workshop is open to all Town of Queen Creek water customers. Seating is limited and registration is required.
Register HERE

Peoria - Fun with Succulents
2026-10-27 18:00 - 19:30 | Peoria Rio Vista Recreation Center, 8866 W Thunderbird Rd., Peoria, AZ, 85381, United States
All cacti are succulents, but not all succulents are cacti! Succulents come in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, and colors – perfect for desert landscapes. Our desert horticulture expert will share varieties of succulents and cacti that can be star features in your landscape.
Register HERE

Glendale – Plant Watering & Pruning
2026-11-05 18:00 - 22:00 | City of Glendale Foothills Library, 19055 N. 57th Ave., Glendale, AZ, 85308, United States
Did you know that hyper pruning or shearing increases a plant’s water needs? Understand the meaning of watering deeply and infrequently. Embrace proper pruning practices that will prolong a plant’s lifespan, increase flowering, and reduce water consumption. Learn proper watering and pruning techniques with Master Gardener and Landscaper, George Reconco, with Native Landscape & Garden.

Free Workshop: Drip System Maintenance and Operation
2026-11-07 09:00 - 11:00 | Queen Creek Library – Zane Grey Room, 21802 S. Ellsworth Road, Queen Creek, AZ, 85142, United States
Discover the secrets to maintaining your drip irrigation system with a local expert! Learn the essential techniques and best practices for ensuring optimal water usage and minimal waste.
This FREE Water-Smart Workshop is open to all Town of Queen Creek water customers. Seating is limited and registration is required.
Register HERE

Peoria - Designing for the Desert
2026-11-07 09:30 - 11:00 | Peoria Rio Vista Recreation Center, 8866 W Thunderbird Rd., Peoria, AZ, 85381, United States
A successful desert landscape starts with a thoughtful plan. Join a local landscape architect to learn best practices for designing a landscape that thrives in the desert. Explore real examples, including three Peoria-specific designs, and gain ideas you can use to create a beautiful, water-efficient outdoor space.
Register HERE

Buckeye - Caring for Cacti and Succulents
2026-12-12 10:30 - 12:00 | Coyote Library – Buckeye, 21699 W Yuma Rd #116, Buckeye, 85326, United States
Discover how best to care for these tough, unique desert beauties in Arizona.
Register HERE

Free Workshop: Citrus Clinic
2027-01-23 09:00 - 11:00 | Queen Creek Library – Zane Grey Room, 21802 S. Ellsworth Road, Queen Creek, AZ, 85142, United States
Cultivating backyard fruit in the desert can be challenging. However, with knowledge and proper care, home gardeners can successfully grow citrus. Join us at this free class to learn the ins and outs of planting, pruning, watering and fertilizing, as well as simple pest and disease diagnosis and care from a local expert.
This FREE Water-Smart Workshop is open to all Town of Queen Creek water customers. Seating is limited and registration is required.
Register HERE

Free Workshop: The Heat-Proof Desert Landscape
2027-02-20 09:00 - 11:00 | Queen Creek Library – Zane Grey Room, 21802 S. Ellsworth Road, Queen Creek, AZ, 85142, United States
Hotter summers and record-breaking temperatures are taking a toll on desert landscapes. In this class, horticulturist and author Noelle Johnson (“AZ Plant Lady”) shares practical strategies for creating a heat-resilient garden. Learn how to identify signs of heat stress, reduce reflected heat around your home, and discover her top picks for “heat-proof” plants that thrive in extreme desert conditions.
This FREE Water-Smart Workshop is open to all Town of Queen Creek water customers. Seating is limited and registration is required.
Register HERE

Free Workshop: Pruning & Maintaining Your Landscape
2027-03-13 09:00 - 11:00 | Queen Creek Library – Zane Grey Room, 21802 S. Ellsworth Road, Queen Creek, AZ, 85142, United States
Trees and shrubs are the most essential living elements of your landscape. Join us for this free class taught by a local expert and learn the basics of pruning to keep your investments healthy, functional and looking great!
You will learn the art and science of good pruning at this workshop, including:

How to prune young trees for good structure
The five types of pruning and when to use them
How to avoid the two worst pruning mistakes

You will leave this class ready to prune your trees and shrubs confidently and effectively.
This FREE Water-Smart Workshop is open to all Town of Queen Creek water customers. Seating is limited and registration is required.
Register HERE

Free Workshop: Butterfly Gardening in the Desert
2027-04-03 09:00 - 11:00 | Queen Creek Library – Zane Grey Room, 21802 S. Ellsworth Road, Queen Creek, AZ, 85142, United States
Discover how to turn your desert garden into a butterfly haven! In this class, horticulturist and author Noelle Johnson (“AZ Plant Lady”) will teach you how to attract butterflies using the four key elements of a butterfly-friendly landscape. Learn about local species, the best plants to support them, and simple design tips to create a colorful, pollinator-friendly space. Perfect for gardeners of all levels!
This FREE Water-Smart Workshop is open to all Town of Queen Creek water customers. Seating is limited and registration is required.
Register HERE
