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 March: Classroom: INTRODUCTORY PERMACULTURE, PART 1 Permaculture Principles and Creating Your Home Garden Design. Steps to logically transform your yard into viable, productive native gardens. Bring your favorite empty book to start your garden journal. Greenhouse: INDOOR NATIVE PLANT & VEGETABLE PROPAGATION Learn easy techniques for growing successful, inexpensive, prolific seedlings. We will also be looking into winter sowing early results. You will leave with new skills and healthy seedlings. 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.