Master Water-Wise Gardening:
Workshops for Idaho's Climate
Empower yourself with the knowledge and practical skills to create resilient, thriving landscapes. AridBloom Gardens offers comprehensive xeriscaping and sustainable gardening workshops led by Boise's most experienced horticultural experts.
Our hands-on approach ensures you gain practical skills for water-wise practices, soil health, and plant selection specific to Idaho's high desert climate.
Upcoming Workshops & Learning Events
Our calendar is regularly updated with hands-on learning opportunities for every skill level. From foundational xeriscaping principles to advanced plant propagation, find your next step towards a more sustainable garden.
Xeriscaping Fundamentals for Idaho
Learn the five core principles of water-wise landscaping, perfect for beginners looking to reduce water use and create a resilient garden. Topics include smart design, appropriate plant selection, and efficient irrigation.
Soil Health & Amendment for High Desert Gardens
Unlock the secrets to vibrant plant growth by understanding soil composition. This workshop covers testing, amending, and nurturing your soil for optimal water retention and nutrient availability in Idaho's unique climate.
Integrating Native Plants into Your Landscape
Discover the beauty and benefits of Idaho's native flora. Learn how to select, incorporate, and care for indigenous plants that thrive naturally, requiring minimal water and supporting local ecosystems.
Our Comprehensive Xeriscaping Education Curriculum
Our structured curriculum is designed to guide you through every aspect of water-wise landscape creation and maintenance, ensuring you gain a holistic understanding and practical proficiency.
Design Principles
Master the art of designing beautiful, functional, and water-efficient landscapes tailored to your needs and Idaho's climate.
Plant Selection & Adaptation
Identify and choose the right plants that thrive in our region, complementing your design while minimizing water demands.
Smart Irrigation
Learn about efficient watering strategies and technologies to deliver water precisely where and when your plants need it.
Soil Building & Preparation
Understand how to create healthy, living soil that supports robust plant growth with minimal external inputs.
Sustainable Maintenance
Discover low-impact, ecologically sound maintenance practices to keep your xeriscape beautiful for years to come.
Native Plant Integration
Learn how to seamlessly blend regional native plants into your landscape for ecological benefits and unique beauty.
Practical Skills Through Hands-On Learning
Our workshops go beyond theory, providing immersive, hands-on experiences that build real-world confidence in applying xeriscaping principles. Get your hands dirty and cultivate new skills!
Soil Testing & Analysis
Directly analyze soil samples to determine composition, pH, and nutrient levels, learning to interpret results and apply amendments effectively.
Personalized Xeriscape Design
Work through the steps of designing your own water-wise plan under expert guidance, focusing on practical application for your property.
Plant Identification & Selection
Visit local demonstration gardens to identify suitable drought-tolerant species and understand their specific needs and aesthetic contributions.
Irrigation System Optimization
Practice setting up and adjusting drip irrigation, smart controllers, and other water-saving technologies for maximum efficiency.
Learn from Certified Horticultural Professionals
Our instructors are not just educators; they are active practitioners with deep roots in Intermountain West horticulture. Benefit from their decades of local experience and specialized knowledge.
Eliza Thorne, Lead Horticulturist & Educator
Eliza brings over 25 years of specialized experience in sustainable landscape design and native plant integration across Idaho. A certified arborist and master gardener, she is passionate about empowering property owners to create resilient, beautiful spaces. Eliza's teaching philosophy centers on hands-on application and demystifying complex horticultural principles for every learner.
Her expertise spans soil science to advanced propagation techniques, and she frequently consults on large-scale conservation projects throughout the region.
Caleb Reid, Water Management & Efficiency Specialist
Caleb is our leading expert in designing and optimizing irrigation systems for maximum water efficiency. With a background in environmental engineering and landscape architecture, he translates complex hydrological concepts into practical, easy-to-implement strategies for homes and businesses. Caleb teaches how to integrate smart technology, troubleshoot common issues, and significantly reduce water consumption without sacrificing garden health.
He collaborates with local universities on research into drought-adaptive landscape techniques and regularly presents at regional water conservation conferences.
Comprehensive Learning Resources & Ongoing Support
Beyond the classroom, AridBloom Gardens provides extensive resources to ensure your continued success. We believe learning is an ongoing journey.
Detailed Workshop Handbooks
Every participant receives a comprehensive handbook, filled with plant lists, care guides, design templates, and step-by-step instructions for all workshop topics.
Take-Home Plant Samples & Kits
Many workshops include living plant samples, seeds, or soil testing kits to apply your new knowledge directly in your own garden.
Online Resource Library Access
Gain lifetime access to our exclusive online library, featuring supplementary readings, video tutorials, and updates on regional best practices.
Community & Peer Networking
Connect with a growing network of fellow water-wise gardeners, share experiences, and collaborate on sustainable landscape solutions.
Follow-Up Support & Consultations
Our commitment extends beyond the workshop. Participants receive discounted rates on follow-up consultations to ensure your projects flourish.
Inspiring Transformations: Success Stories
Hear directly from our workshop graduates who have successfully applied their new skills to create stunning, water-efficient landscapes across Boise and beyond.
"Before the workshop, my yard was a thirsty lawn. AridBloom Gardens taught me how to choose the right plants and design for our climate. Now, my garden is vibrant, beautiful, and uses so much less water. It's truly a labor of love, thanks to their guidance!"
"The hands-on soil health workshop was a game-changer. I finally understood why my plants weren't thriving. After implementing what I learned, my vegetable beds are producing more than ever, and my new front yard xeriscape looks fantastic. Highly recommend!"