Pasadena is turning to a surprising ally in water conservation: plants that have called this region home for millennia.
This week, Pasadena Water and Power will host a workshop on native plant gardening, part of its “Native Nights Series.” The event will show residents how swapping thirsty lawns for drought-tolerant landscapes can slash water bills and breathe new life into local ecosystems.
David M Reyes, PWP’s Interim General Manager, announced the event.
“This workshop will cover whole-systems thinking and gardening, including harvesting water, improving soil health, and planting native plants,” Reyes said. “Attendees will learn to enhance their garden and support biodiversity.”
The workshop, scheduled for Tuesday, October 15, at 5:30 p.m., will take place at the Hahamongna Native Plant Nursery, located at 4550 Oak Grove Drive.
Pasadena Water and Power has partnered with the Arroyo Seco Foundation to host this second installment of the series, which began in the summer of 2023.
Two experts in sustainable landscaping will lead the event.
Shawn Maestretti, a local landscape architect, contractor, certified arborist, and educator, will share insights on environmentally-aligned practices. Described as a “collaborative visionary,” Maestretti is the founder of Studio Petrichor in Los Angeles.
Leigh Adams, an eco-sensitive designer and educator passionate about environmental issues, clean water, teaching, water harvesting, and habitat gardens, will also present at the workshop.
The focus on native plants aligns with Pasadena Water and Power’s broader initiative to promote water conservation and sustainable landscaping in Pasadena. Native species typically require less water and are better adapted to local climate conditions, making them ideal for water-saving gardens.
Participants will learn about whole-systems thinking, water harvesting methods, soil health improvement, and native plant cultivation. These skills aim to help residents create more sustainable landscapes that conserve water and enhance local biodiversity.
The ongoing Native Nights Series demonstrates Pasadena Water and Power’s sustained commitment to environmental education and water conservation efforts in the community. For more information about the event, other water-saving resources, and upcoming events, residents are encouraged to visit PWPweb.com/TheRippleEffect and PWPweb.com/Events.
