Learn about 'California friendly' gardening
By Stephanie Bertholdo bertholdo@theacorn.com

The Las Virgenes Municipal Water District is inviting customers to register for four free classes on how to create waterwise "California friendly" gardens.

Randall Orton, director of the district's resource conservation and public outreach department, said the workshops will address different topics, all in keeping with the overall goal of reducing the amount of water used in landscaping and curbing the detrimental effects of urban runoff.

Workshops will be conducted on consecutive Wednesday evenings in April and May. The first workshop- "Basic Landscape Design"- is scheduled for April 18, followed by a class on California-friendly plants on April 25. The workshops are sponsored by the LVMWD and the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California.

On May 2, "Efficient Irrigation Systems" will be the evening's topic, followed by a workshop on "Soils, Water and Fertilizers" on May 9. Orton said it's important to understand soil conditions before shrubs, trees or flowers are planted or irrigated.

The classes will be taught by Juan Garcia, a landscape architect and "water-wise" consultant to the district.

The workshops are part of an integrated effort by the water district and the MWD to reduce water consumption and the urban runoff created by overwatering lawns. Excess water flows down streets collecting pollutants, then washes down storm drains into local creeks, eventually ending up in the ocean. Urban runoff has been identified through studies as the single greatest source of pollution, Orton said.

The water district study found that 69 percent of water use is for irrigation.

The workshops are among several programs offered at the water district. District officials recently introduced the Malibu Creek Runoff Control program. The program offers customers a free assessment of their water usage including irrigation. The district provides a written report to customers, outlining recommendations and problem areas.

If a property is found to contribute to runoff, homeowners will be offered rebates and up to $500 for improvements, which might include irrigation sensors and other system enhancements. The rebates often pay for the full cost of improvements.

The homeowner will not be required to make any improvements, but the financial and environmental benefits are compelling. Waterwise gardens- or xeriscaping- combined with a "smart irrigation controller" can save a lot of money on monthly water bills.

Philippa Klessig, a Westlake Village City Council member, has created a water-wise garden at her home. She said the droughtresistant landscaping has reduced her water bill by at least $1,000 per year.

The water district and other agencies hope to reduce urban runoff through voluntary programs. State and federal regulations on water pollution in general, and urban runoff in particular, are tightening and mandatory regulations may be implemented if pollution isn't reduced, Orton said.

The Las Virgenes Municipal Water District serves customers in the cities of Agoura Hills, Calabasas, Hidden Hills, Westlake Village and unincorporated areas of western Los Angeles County.

The workshops will be conducted at LVMWD Headquarters, 4232 Las Virgenes Road, Calabasas from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Guests will be treated to a light supper.

Space is limited for the garden workshops, and reservations are required. To register for the workshops or for further information on the water district's programs, call (818) 251-2100.