Gayle Anderson was live in Sun Valley for THEODORE PAYNE FOUNDATION .

Drought restrictions that limit the use of water have resulted in a renewed interest in native gardens as a drought-friendly alternative to grass lawns.

Gardens and landscapes comprised of California native plants use 60 to 90 percent less water than conventional landscapes and require fewer fertilizers, soil amendments or pesticides. A City of Santa Monica experiment showed that a native plant garden using appropriate watering methods used nearly 220,000 fewer gallons of water than a similarly sized conventional garden—a 77 percent decrease in water use. Information courtesy ACR 173.

Those interested in water conservation can learn all about native gardens and plants at the THEODORE PAYNE FOUNDATION FOR WILD FLOWERS AND NATIVE PLANTS, which offers classes on native garden design and maintenance. Upcoming classes in the month of September include “Look Ma, No Lawn!,” a “Three-Part CA Native Garden Design,” a “Hypertufa Container Workshop,” “Native Plants – Planting for Success: Installation, Establishment and First Year Care,” “Four Seasons of Color with California Natives,” “Native Seed-Starting Workshop,” and “CA Native Plant Horticulture.” For more information about these classes, visit www.TheodorePayne.org .

Just this year, the THEODORE PAYNE FOUNDATION broke ground on its Nature and Educational Facilities project. In April 2011, the Foundation received a $930,000 grant from the State of California to build new nature education facilities on its property. The funds were from the Safe Drinking Water Bond Act, Proposition 84, passed by voters in November 2006. The facilities will include two fully equipped classrooms, a student orientation area, expanded parking, improved restrooms and septic system, expanded ADA access throughout, a fire management demonstration garden and interpretive signage.

In addition to education, the THEODORE PAYNE FOUNDATION offers more than 600 different species and cultivars of native plants for purchase. Those interested in a bargain should save the date for the upcoming Fall Plant Sale in October. Member Days are on Friday and Saturday, October 10 th and October 11 th from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Members get 15% off plants and 10% off seed. Non-members can sign up for a membership at the door. The savings continue for members the following weekend. On Friday and Saturday, October 17 th and 18 th from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., members get 15% off plants and non-members get 10% off. Both members and non-members get 10% off seed.

The THEODORE PAYNE FOUNDATION is open Thursday through Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The Foundation is closed Sunday through Wednesday.

Established in 1960, the THEODORE PAYNE FOUNDATION FOR WILD FLOWERS AND NATIVE PLANTS is a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization dedicated to the understanding, preservation and use of California native flora. The Foundation preserves the legacy and carries on the work of Theodore Payne, a pioneering Los Angeles nurseryman, horticulturist and conservationist widely considered to be the father of the native plant movement in California.

In addition to the THEODORE PAYNE FOUNDATION, other resources are available to help educate the public on drought tolerant landscapes. Pasadena Water & Power Department (PWP) customers can receive expert advice on how to cut their irrigation bills with native plants and get bargain-priced rain barrels during a FREE Drought Tolerant Landscape & Rain Barrel Event from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sunday, September 14 th at Descanso Gardens in La Ca ñada Flintridge .

During the four-hour event, a landscape expert will show participants how to maximize their water-bill savings by choosing drought-tolerant plants and groundcover. Participants will also learn tips for putting their rain barrels to work, capturing rooftop runoff and providing backyard plants with chemical-free and nutrient-rich water.

PWP customers can reserve their seats now by calling the Pasadena Citizen Service Center at (626) 744-7311 or by visiting www.CityofPasadena.net/CSC .

Space is limited. This event is co-hosted by PWP, City of Burbank, City of Glendale, City of Pasadena, Crescenta Valley Water District and Foothill Municipal Water District.

To receive a FREE rain barrel at the workshop, participants must purchase one in advance at www.RainBarrelsIntl.com by Wednesday, September 10 th . Click the “Events” tab and choose “Descanso Gardens.” The $85 barrels come in a choice of black or terra cotta, with a brass spigot that attaches to any garden hose. Pasadena residents can then apply for a $100 rain barrel rebate through Metropolitan Water District’s website, www.SoCalWaterSmart.com . Attendees are not required to purchase a rain barrel.

Since landscape irrigation accounts for up to 50% of Pasadena’s water use, PWP offers a long list of rebates on water-saving landscape fixtures, as well as a $2-per-square-foot turf removal rebate to entice property owners to replace thirsty lawns and drought-tolerant, native landscaping. Find a full list of available rebates, as well as conservation tips, a water-saving landscape guide, before-and-after photos and how-to videos at www.PWPweb.com/SaveWater .

Information:

THEODORE PAYNE FOUNDATION FOR WILD FLOWERS & NATIVE PLANTS

10459 Tuxford Street

Sun Valley, CA 91352

(818) 768-1802

Sunday, September 14 th

10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

FREE Drought Tolerant Landscape & Rain Barrel Event

Descanso Gardens

1418 Descanso Drive

La Ca ñada Flintridge , CA 91011

(626) 744-7311