Comprehensive Irrigation for Native Plants with Tim Becker — Sept 2026

The summer heat is ON and optimizing your garden's irrigation schedule is key to sustainable water use and cost savings. This three-hour course offers a deeper look at how, when, and why to irrigate native plants in home gardens and landscapes. Participants will explore irrigation scheduling, plant establishment and long-term care, soil considerations, seasonal adjustments, and the strengths and limitations of different watering methods and systems. Through discussion and observation in the gardens, students will gain practical strategies for supporting plant health while reducing unnecessary water use. Designed for home gardeners seeking a more complete understanding of irrigation practices, this course provides an opportunity to learn from an experienced, native plant horticulturalist and build confidence in making informed irrigation decisions. Classroom instruction is followed by a field walk and review of Theodore Payne Foundation irrigation systems and management. Students will leave with a comprehensive resource guide. Guests should wear closed-toe shoes and sun protection, and be prepared to walk on sloped and uneven surfaces. Water bottles are strongly recommended. Tim Becker is the Theodore Payne Foundation’s Director of Horticulture where he oversees plant production, nursery operations, and horticultural education focused on California native plants. With a background in Environmental Studies and Agroecology from UC Santa Cruz, he brings expertise in sustainable landscape practices and ecological horticulture. Through his work, he leads efforts to promote biodiversity, natural resource conservation, and habitat restoration. 🌿Members: Enter your member code to receive your 25% Member Discount when registering! Not sure of the code or your member status? Log in and check your status here: https://store.theodorepayne.org/collections/membership/#k-hub/ Not a member? Join today! 📅 Refund Policy: Refunds are available up to seven days before the event. Within seven days, refunds and credits are no longer available, as this helps us plan responsibly and support our instructors. Thank you for your understanding. 🎟️ Enrollment Threshold for Classes: We require a minimum of five participants for a class to run; when enrollment falls below that number, we may need to cancel in order to responsibly cover program costs and maintain an engaging experience for those attending.