Permaculture Design Certificate Course

This is a reminder… exactly one month until the PDC, register NOW to join us at the Phipps Garden Center!

6 WEEKENDS (January to April 2011):
Jan 29-30; Feb 12-13, 26-27; Mar 12-13, 26-27; Apr 2, 9:00am to 4:30pm

– Earn your internationally recognized Permaculture Design Certification!
– Share 6 weekends immersed in a fun, supportive learning environment!
– Increase your understanding of local ecosystems and your confidence in ecological design
– Experience a thorough, on-site, permaculture design from start to finish for a historic landmark
located in an urban setting
– Learn practical skills to nourish your landscape, home, community
– Visit rural and urban examples of permaculture systems
– Empower yourself to create positive, regenerative changes in your life, your landscape, and your
community

Course Topics:
Permaculture Ethics & Principles
Observation & Ecological Design
Site Analysis & Assessment
Edible Forest Gardens
Water Harvesting
Natural Building
Compost & Soil Building
Greenhouse & Bioshelter Design
Mapping, Surveying, & Presentation
Group Design Projects & Design Charettes
Transition Town Movement

Fee:$770 members, $850 non-members

Lead Instructors:
Darrell Frey of Three Sisters Farm and Bioshelter
Elizabeth Lynch of Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens
Juliette Jones of Pittsburgh Permaculture

For more information or to register, call the Garden Center at (412) 441-4442 ext. 3925. Or visit the Phipps website to download a registration form.

Be your own landscape designer! This intensive weekend course will teach you the secrets of ecological design; learn how to garden like nature! Capture and store water on your site, reducing irrigation costs; build soil and use plants that mulch, reducing your need for artificial fertilizers; and design more sustainable garden systems, reducing your maintenance and maximizing the yield and aesthetics of your property. Visit local examples of permaculture design, use mapping and site analysis tools and complete a guided design project. This course will challenge both beginning designers and experienced gardeners alike.
Permaculture design is rooted in agriculture and horticulture, yet is far reaching and interdisciplinary in nature, making connections to city planning, ecology, architecture, and appropriate technology. This course covers the foundations of ecological design and addresses how these concepts can be applied to both urban and rural settings in order to create regenerative landscapes.

UPDATE 1: Indoor Lighting System

Click Here For My Original Blog “Indoor Lighting System”

Click Here For My 2nd Update

Here are several pictures 3 weeks into my seed starting journey for 2010 in comparison to last years lame lighting system. Remember, last year I purchased several lights from a popular chain store, that were labeled “Indoor Plant Grow Lights”. I learned the hard way how important your light source really is and what a difference it can make when it comes to starting your seedlings indoors. Continue reading UPDATE 1: Indoor Lighting System

Selecting Seed for Your Vegetable Garden

By Mykie Reidy

Before you turn the first shovel of soil or plant a flat of seedlings, in anticipation of bringing to life the abundance of fruits and vegetables that can offer both sustenance and joy, you must first have seeds. Whether you raise your own or buy nursery grown plants, the decision of what specific varieties to grow in your garden has surprisingly far-reaching purpose and consequence. While most gardeners understand that it is important to choose varieties suitable to the soil and climate of their region, few consider where their seeds come from and what kind of corporate practices they support with their purchasing power. If you are committed to sustainable gardening practices, you need to be aware of the prevalence of Genetically Modified (GM) seed, and why and how to avoid them. Continue reading Selecting Seed for Your Vegetable Garden