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Classes
2011 Field and Flower Gardening Classes
Field and Flower garden classes are about more then typical technique & "how-to's". The content and structure of classes constellates around Donna's foundation of perceiving and thinking beyond the physical "as we see it" world, and then how this knowledge is practically lived and applied to gardening. This makes for classes as life-filled, creative and colorful as the gardens themselves!
So be prepared to not merely receive "information", but to particpate with new thinking, observing and feeling, which you can take home and "do" in your own garden.
MAY, Dates to Be announced
An Introduction to the Plant Kingdom
What are plants? Yes, we know something of their uses: food, beauty, medicine, fuel and shelter, yet what is the essential difference between a plant and say, a rock, animal or human being? We might assume we know, yet examining this asssumption shows there is much to be discovered.
In this class we'll explore the basics of Goethean Plant Metamorphosis, a new way to botanize and now being recognized by MIT as preeminent science; consider what plants are and do for the Earth as an organ of the Earth; and think about the soul and spiritual realities of the plant kingdom.
Biodynamic Compost: The Basis of Healthy Soil and Vitalized, Truly Organic Food
Biodynamics is becoming a subject of greater interest as more people confront the situation of unreliable quality in store- bought food; devitalized soil and new problems encountered in gardening, such as difficult growing seasons, poor seed viability and "mystery" plant ailments.
Making Biodynamic compost is more than a different "method", construction and materials, though these differ too, than ordinary compost. It is simply not possible to accomplish what Biodynamic compost uniquely imparts using other pile-making techniques, for Biodynamics connects to whole of Life, creating "more" in contrast to normal garden practices which subtract substance and vitality.
We'll learn about the 6 special plant- based compost preparations used; discuss siting, size, materials and layering; then finish a heap and add the preparations, which will require some hands-on activity.
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JUNE, Dates to be announced
Beneficial Insects: Creating Gardens to Attract and Support Their Assistance
We will become better gardeners and emjoy more abundant, healthy, alive gardens and produce when we come to understand wholeness and co-operation and can effect this microcosmically. A great hindrance to this wholeness and co-operation is reflected in the struggle gardeners have with the insect world. Much of this struggle can be overcome by acknowledging the importance of insects, "meeting" and identifying them and creating gardens which allow beneficial insects to thrive, providing a physical basis for natural pest balancing.
Spend a day learning about insects, the plants they need for shelter and food; how to observe nature's insect cycles during the season and what other measures in lieu of killing by hand or chemicals, whether organic or inorganic, can be taken to ensure plentiful harvests!
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NOVEMBER, Date to be announced
The Other Garden Zone: Using Hoophouses for Year Round Food Production
If you prefer eating your own produce as much as possible;
have a wish to become a few degrees more self-sufficient or love gardening
so much you don't like to stop in cold weather, keep reading!
This class will be loaded with information on cold-season growing: plants
to choose; timing; techniques for seed starting; materials,structures and
siting and what to expect. The 20'x48' hoophouse will be the main focus.
Temporary low tunnels and cold frames in the "outdoor" garden
will also be looked at as possibilities- and their limitations discussed.
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Indicate your interest in attending these courses early as they fill up quickly!