This syllabus is for a 6-week course on dry climate landscaping called Xeriscape taught by Wayne Smith at Cal Poly Pomona. The course will cover sustainable landscape techniques that promote water conservation, use of drought-tolerant plants, efficient irrigation systems, soil management, and maintenance practices. Students will complete readings, assignments, and a final assessment to test their understanding of the materials. Attendance at all classes is required to receive a passing grade.

1. College of the Extended University
Cal Poly Pomona
SYLLABUS
Dry Climate Landscaping: Xeriscape
Instructor Name: Wayne Smith
Contact Information: 909‐869‐2393 (office) Email: melwayne@cox.net
Instructor Biography: As one of the early leaders in the water conservation movement,
sustainable landscaping, and Xeriscape education in Southern California, Wayne Smith
founded the Landscape Technology Certificate Program in 1980 at Cal Poly University,
Pomona. With thirty years experience in the landscape industry, both in the private and
public sectors, Wayne has held licenses in the major fields of discipline: the Landscape
Architect License, the Landscape Contractor License, and the Pest Control Advisor
License. Since teaching his first ornamental horticulture class in 1978, he has proudly
served the green industry as a board member for the Southern California Xeriscape
Committee, the California Park and Recreation Society, and the National Association for
Self‐Esteem, as well as hosting and speaking at landscape shows and Xeriscape
seminars. Wayne has also conducted leadership seminars, including radio and television
appearances for sustainable landscapes and the water conservation movement.
Course Description: A study of xeriscape and sustainable landscape techniques
emphasizing the ecological landscape: promoting water conservation resulting in energy
and labor savings. Topics include the implementation of drought‐tolerant plants and wildlife
habitats, water‐conserving irrigation systems, integrated pest management, reduced
pruning, chemical and fertilizer programs, and mulching applications. The future of the
green industry as it relates to resource efficiency and water conservation is discussed.
Required Textbook/Materials:
• Sunset Western Garden Book
• Notebook/paper and pen/pencil
Suggested Readings and Internet Websites:
• Landscape Plants for Western Regions, Bob Perry.
• Southwest Smart Garden Regional Guide, American Horticulture Society.
• www.cimis.water.ca.gov
• www.sbwater.org
• www.wmwd.com/landscape.htm (Western Municipal Water District site)
• www.acwa.com (Association of California Water Agencies)
• www.landscapeonline.com
• www.cuwcc.org/ab2717_landscape_task_force.lasso
• www.californiagreensolutions.com
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2. College of the Extended University
Cal Poly Pomona
Instructional Methods: Each class is comprised of three (3) hours (180 minutes) of
lecture and interactive discussion. Among the teaching tools that may be used during
the six‐week course include:
• Reading assignments
• Website visits and reviews
• Power Point Presentations and Videos
• Guest speakers
• Work‐related assignments
• On‐line educational activities
• Break out discussions
• Field trips and site visits
Learning Outcomes: This course provides an introduction to the concepts and industry‐
standard techniques used in dry climate—sustainable—landscaping: xeriscape.
Week 1: Introduction and overview of xeriscape—sustainable landscaping.
• Managing resources, waste reduction, and pollution prevention.
• AB 2717 with top twelve recommendations.
• Assignment: Read and review AB 2717 at recommended website.
Week 2: Review of dry climate plants and wildlife habitats.
• Review of plants and their major climate regions in Southern California.
• Assignment: Read Landscape Plants for Western Regions, pages 42 to 63.
Week 3: Study dry climate landscape design concepts—“right plant in the right place”.
• Review plant selection and proper grouping as per species water requirements.
• Assignment: Review Southwest Smart Garden Regional Guide.
Week 4: Review of irrigation systems and water efficiency.
• Study water‐conservative irrigation systems.
• Assignment: Visit and review recommended irrigation websites.
• Contact irrigation distributors to obtain irrigation catalogs.
Week 5: Review of soils, fertilizers, and integrated pest management.
• Study western soils, appropriate plant nutrients, and efficient pest control.
• Assignment: Review recommended irrigation websites.
Week 6: Review of landscape maintenance techniques; including mowing, pruning,
mulching, grasscycling, with emphasis on resource efficiency—water, energy, labor.
• Discussion of new landscape maintenance techniques in the green industry.
• Instructor/Course Evaluation (end of final class).
• Course Assessment (end of final class).
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3. College of the Extended University
Cal Poly Pomona
Tardiness and Attendance Policy: Students are expected to attend class regularly and
will be allowed one (1) absence. More than one absence will result in a failing grade.
Class Procedures and Expectations: It is expected that all students will have read the
assigned discussion text before attending class. Participation in class discussion is
encouraged and expected.
Start Time: Class will start promptly at 6:30 p.m., unless notified otherwise. Students
are expected to be punctual and prepared.
Grading based on Course Assessment: Students will be given a five question course
assessment at the final class meeting to determine their overall knowledge of the
landscape technology materials presented. Students will be allowed to have books and
other resource information available during the course assessment which will consist of
“fill in the blank” questions and “open book essay‐type” questions.
• Students are also expected to complete the Instructor/Course Evaluation form.
• No alternate Course Assessment will be given without making prior
arrangements with instructor.
Pass/Fail Grading Policy: Students will receive a Pass/Fail grade for the six‐week
landscape technology course.
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