Goal of classes is to help gardeners get best results

Looking to plant a garden that is more in tune with the climate and seasons of the Intermountain West? Having trouble setting up the most efficient watering system?

The Jordan Valley Water Conservancy District is offering a series of classes that start this month, helping Wasatch Front residents get the best results out of their flower and vegetable gardens.

The series, Demonstration Garden, will start Saturday with a class called Fifty Native Perennials for the Intermountain West.

The class will run from 10 a.m. to noon at the district's headquarters, 8215 S. 1300 West.

"The idea is focusing on 50 of the best native perennials that are going to thrive well in a landscape setting," Demonstration Garden manager David Rice said. He said advice is often given to gardeners to plant flowers and other plants that are native to the area because they are best adapted to the Utah climate and to using less water. However, he said, not all are suitable for landscaping uses.

The focus of Saturday's class will be plants that are "tried and tested," Rice said. "They're not going to go crazy on you. They look good in your yard. And of course they are adapted to conserve water."

Because of minimal space, the district asks anyone planning to attend a class to call 1-877-728-3420 to reserve space. If you can't call, Rice recommends showing up early to ensure you'll have a seat.

The series will continue through June, with the following classes, all held at the district's headquarters:

• April 28 — Drip Irrigation Simplified, 6 to 8 p.m.

• May 7 — Basic Maintenance for a Healthy, More Water-Wise Landscape, 10 a.m. to noon.

• May 14 — Healthy Bluegrass Lawn and Water-Wise Lawn Alternatives, 10 a.m. to noon.

• May 21 — Water-Wise Landscape Design Principles, 10 a.m. to noon.

• June 2 — Using the Demonstration Garden as a Template for Your Own Landscape, 6 to 8 p.m.

• June 4 — Garden Fair, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., and Larry Sager's Favorite Water-Wise Plants, noon to 1 p.m. or 1 to 2 p.m.

• June 23 — Water-Wise Irrigation Basics, 6 to 8 p.m.

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E-mail: dsmeath@desnews.com