Published in Las Cruces Bulletin 10.7.22
By Cassie McClure
After a hiatus prompted by COVID-19, Las Cruces Utilities’ (LCU) Lush & Lean free workshops are back this October. Four workshops will help you investigate what you have in your yard and help make your garden a perfect space for enjoyment while utilizing water conservation.
“We’ve been so excited to get residents and their questions back together with our local experts,” said LCU Water Conservation Program Coordinator Rhonda Diaz. “It also gives us a chance to highlight water saving tips for residents in their outdoor spaces”
Thursday, October 13: Landscapes That Like It Here
Instructor: David Cristiani, Environmental Designer, QUERCUS
Enjoy outdoor living in the desert compared to hotter or colder places. Imagine this by optimizing water use, function, and habitat where you live.
Thursday, October 20: Rainwater Harvesting
Instructor: Jeffrey Anderson, M.S., Agronomy and Horticulture Agent, NMSU
Learn how to harvest rainwater and gray water and optimizing this alternative water source for your landscape water requirements. Learn about options for free ground cover: composted mulch and crushed glass, and other sustainable options to conserve soil moisture, prevent erosion and control weeds.
Thursday, November 3: Fruit Trees for the Las Cruces Environment
Instructor: Marisa Thompson, Ph.D., Extension Urban Horticulture Specialist, NMSU
Ready to plant fruit trees but don’t know how to get started? Or maybe you have a struggling fruit tree and don’t know what it needs? We’ll review recommended fruit tree varieties (and some to avoid), picking an ideal spot to plant it, best planting practices, and winter care tips to optimize tree health and fruit production for years to come.
Thursday, November 10: Weeds and Invasive Species
Instructor: Leslie Beck, Ph.D., Extension Weed Specialist and Assistant Professor, NMSU
Learn the importance of weed identification and discuss control methods within the home landscape. Attendees are encouraged to bring in samples to identify if time allows.
The free workshops will be at the Branigan Library, Roadrunner Room, 200 E. Picacho in Las Cruces, on Thursdays from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Presentations begin promptly at 5:45 p.m. For more information call 575-528-3566.
LCU – Your Utility Connection. Customer Central can be reached at 575-541-2111 from 8 a.m. - 6 p.m. Monday through Friday. LCU provides clean, safe, and reliable services to Las Cruces residents and businesses. Learn more at: las-cruces.org/180/Utilities
For emergencies, call Dispatch at 526-0500.
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PHOTO 1: Have you been wondering how to spruce up your yard – or figure out what plants might be in your yard and how to best care for them? Come out to LCU’s Lush & Lean free workshops to find out!