Permaculture, a contraction of "permanent agriculture" and "culture," is a design system for sustainable, regenerative living that mimics natural ecosystem patterns to create self-sufficient, low-maintenance, and productive environments. Learn from expert Joan Herzog who transformed her ¼ acre lot in Camden into a lush bird and insect haven with over eighty-five native plants and large beds of fruits and vegetables. Each month Joan will do a two-hour classroom presentation on Thursday afternoon, followed by a Saturday morning visit to her garden. For July: Classroom: EARLY HARVESTS AND LATE PLANTINGS Creating large harvests that last throughout the growing season. Also, what can go right and what can go wrong even when you have great soil, proper location, adequate nutrients, water, and sun; we’ll dig into challenges like bugs, diseases, and crop failure diagnoses and solutions. Garden: SUMMER FOOD HARVESTING and PUTTING FOOD BY Staying on top of harvesting, garden chores, and saving your harvest using dehydrating and canning systems. Also Eco-Friendly Xeriscaping, Water Barrels, Mulch, and Other Water Saving Ideas. Instructor Joan E. Herzog is a Permaculture Garden Designer, retired Registered Dietitian and health columnist with a passion for organic gardening. In five years, she converted a ¼ acre city lot into a lush bird and insect haven with over eighty-five native plant species and large beds of fruits and vegetables. Joan has taught hundreds of food/nutrition workshops and is thrilled to transition to teaching permaculture garden techniques. Recently, she has been diagnosed with a brain injury that has changed her life in surprisingly positive ways. She swears that gardening is your best bet against an aging body and brain.