Water-wise gardening is essential in the Bay Area, where conserving water resources is critical to maintaining a resilient ecosystem.
By choosing native plants, using efficient irrigation systems, and implementing mulch and ground cover, residents can reduce water usage while creating beautiful, sustainable landscapes. Water-wise practices not only help conserve this precious resource but also support local wildlife and enhance soil health, making our gardens more adaptable to the region’s unique climate. Embracing water-wise gardening benefits the entire community by preserving water for future generations.
We have partnered with Bay Area Water Supply & Conservation Agency (BAWSCA) in order to bring our community resources and classes to learn how to build and maintain a water wise garden where you live.
Water Wise Gardening In The Bay Area
Free Compost Giveaways
Every Spring and Fall, the City, in partnership with Waste Management, gives away free bags of compost. All Hayward residents are eligible.
Sign up for The Leaflet to be notified of our next compost giveaway!
Free Landscaping Classes
The Bay Area Water Supply and Conservation Agency (BAWSCA) hosts free classes and hands-on workshops for members of the Hayward community, covering a wide range of Bay friendly landscaping topics such as:
- Sustainable Landscaping
- Alternatives to Lawns
- Habitat Gardening
- Edible Landscaping
- Water Efficient Irrigation Practices
- Parent/Child Gardening Workshops
- And More!
Fall 2026 Class Schedule
The City of Hayward is hosting three in-person workshops this fall:
| Date | Time | Topic | Location |
| October 24, 2026 | 11 AM - 1PM | Planning Your Fall and Winter Water-Wise Vegetable Garden (Sign Up Link) | Hayward Downtown Library - 888 C St, Room A |
| November 7, 2026 | 11 AM - 1PM | Goodbye Grass! Lawn Alternatives to Save Water and Attract Pollinators (Sign Up Link) | Hayward Downtown Library - 888 C St, Room C |
| November 21, 2026 | 11 AM - 1PM | Compost in the City: Urban Composting for Healthy Soils (Sign Up Link) | Hayward City Hall - 777 B St. Room 2A |
Lawn Conversion Rebate Program
Did you know that Hayward residents can receive up to $0.75 per square foot of lawn converted to drought-tolerant landscaping? Applicants must receive pre-approval in advance before beginning work.
Visit our Water Conservation page to learn more and apply.
