PERMACULTURE: Design Workshop

How do you translate the philosophy and techniques of Permaculture to YOUR garden? Is it an all or none proposition, or is it a gradual transition to an Earth- and food-centered garden? In this hands-on studio class, we will talk about where Permaculture fits into your life and garden. Let's look at ways to create a complementary ecosystem of natural features, water conservation, and sustainable practices. Learn how to chose trees, shrubs perennials, and vines that offer food and nutrition to each other, their associated fauna, and to us. Our goal is help each student initiate a basic garden design for their home! PREPARATORY HOMEWORK: Bring pictures of your current garden, and list your goals for your garden at two years, five years, and ten years. BRING TO CLASS: > a straight edge (ruler); a pencil or two or three (mechanical is best & extra leads for mechanical pencil); eraser (I prefer the white eraser); ¼” graph paper (11” X 17” or 8.5” X11” works, available from office supply stores); and plain paper. PLEASE NOTE: This class builds upon the online permaculture classes offered at CGS, which are *strongly recommended* before taking this design class. (Online class dates are 3/25 or 4/17.) This class limited to 10 students, and takes place at the Columbus Garden School. INSTRUCTOR: Debra Knapke is passionate about gardening, sustainable garden design and the natural world. She enjoys sharing knowledge through her writing, public speaking, and garden consulting in the private and public sectors. She has served on various local and national committees and boards that focus on education, the environment, and sustainability. In addition, she has mentored the future of the landscape industry at Columbus State Community College for 24 years. She loves being a gardener and has packed an amazing variety of perennials, trees, shrubs, and edibles onto the 2/3-acre lot surrounding her home.