LAKEPORT, Calif. – Lake County Special Districts and the UC Lake County Master Gardeners will host two free public workshops about planting drought tolerant plants and landscapes.

Fall is the best time to plant drought tolerant plants as they will develop a strong root base during the winter and will not require much water by summer.

The workshops are identical and located at the Lake County County Museum, 255 N. Main St. in Lakeport on Friday, Oct. 16, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. and again on Saturday, Oct. 17, from 10 a.m. to noon.

Light refreshments will be provided.

Everyone attending the workshops will receive a free moisture meter (while supply lasts) to help determine the moisture of soil below the surface and know exactly when it is time to water.

In addition, drawings will be held for free starter plants of lavender or rosemary. All attendees also receive resources from the UC Lake County Master Gardeners including a helpline that can be used when questions arise.

Special Districts received a mini-grant from the Department of Water Resources and the California Urban Water Conservation Council to fund these workshops.

These workshops are open to the public and they invite anyone interested in drought tolerant landscapes to attend.

The Department of Water Resources is offering a rebate program for removing turf and replacing it with low water using landscapes for single family residences to support the state’s drought response.

Up to $2 per square foot of removed and replaced turf will be rebated up to a total of $2,000 per household.

Information about rebates can be found at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or by calling 844-642-7410.

An aesthetically pleasing, low water use, low maintenance garden that is in harmony with local climate and resources, and provides habitat for native pollinators and beneficial insect species is attainable. These gardens reduce water use, and the need for pest and disease control.

Participants will learn what and when to plant, how and when to irrigate, sources for suitable plants, seeds, soil, compost and more.

If you have questions, call Jan Coppinger at Special Districts 707-263-0119.