Permaculture sheet mulch workshop

Beautiful black soil, isn't it? This garden has supplied the produce for up to 25 families, mostly Edmontonians, since 2000. For the past couple of years it has lain dormant, except for weeds. Sad, but necessary. While I have regrouped from back injury, plans to change my practices from fighting weeds to working with nature have been sprouting.

Now, with Permaculture design at the forefront of Barnswallow Corner's focus, I am working slowly toward rebuilding the Community Shared Agriculture (CSA) project.  Thoughts of a raspberry U-pick, apple orchard, or simply planting the space and using it for grass, chickens and other animals have been discussed. These things still appeal, but the community and love of growing local food are still my passion.

Number one challenge is how to tackle the things that need to get done now, before long term help arrives. The master plan involves WWOOFers, and farm apprentices. Until the housing for these extra bodies come to fruition, we will be having a number of free or inexpensive permaculture workshops.

The first workshop is to apply layers of straw, compost and cardboard to the land you see in the picture above. The purpose is as layered as the materials; soil building, moisture retention and weed suppression.   There will be an informational session, seed/perennial swap, heirloom tomato plants for sale, and a potluck. In the spirit of gifting, this is a free workshop.

Details:
May 8, 2010
10 am- approximately 3 pm
Potluck (Yay!); a cold dish, sandwiches, or salad for 5
bring hat, rubber boots, garden gloves, lawn chair, sun screen, water bottle.
If you have these items, please label them with your name:
shovel, garden fork, wheel barrow

With enough people, the sheet mulching should not take much more than 2 hours. I will have a short slide presentation to show in the morning, and will share some permaculture knowledge and experiences.

Please email me, Margot; barnswallow@xplornet.com