Permaculture: Garden Basics (online)

Permaculture is a framework for growing food plants, and you can either embrace it all OR incorporate aspects of permaculture into the place you call home. To get a taste of permaculture’s potential, this 2-hour ONLINE presentation will summarize the ethics, principles, and techniques that make this an eco-conscious gardening choice. Course Objectives > Summarize the ETHICS AND PRINCIPLES of permaculture as a holistic design process and as a lifestyle choice. > Summarize the DESIGN GUIDELINES for permaculture in temperate zones and explain the design process. > Explain how a permaculturist looks at PLANTS: their functional qualities as well as their aesthetic attributes. > Summarize ENERGY FLOWS in the landscape: polycultures, guilds, water catchment, keeping the energy on the land; offer options for the suburban / urban garden. > Discuss the PRACTICALITY of permaculture within a modern lifestyle. Permaculture concepts can fit into any garden! There will be interactive Q&A time with the instructor to help you begin your permaculture journey. NOTE: Upon registration, you'll receive instructions on how to connect to your online Zoom class. This class is “live” and will NOT be recorded. INSTRUCTOR: Known as “The Garden Sage”, Debra Knapke is passionate about gardening, sustainable garden design and the natural world, and enjoys sharing knowledge through her writing, public speaking, and garden consulting in the private and public sectors. She has served on 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. PHOTOS: Footprint created by Peter Bane, Permaculture teacher and mentor. Rain barrels capture water; keep your resources on site. A swale slows and captures water.