contact info: oec@tilth.or 503-638-0735 register online at http://www.lakeoswegoparks.org/

Description: Oregon Tilth's Organic Education Center's Spring 2008 Organic Gardening Classes Register for all Organic Education Center classes online at: http://www.lakeoswegoparks.org/ Organic Gardening 101 March 8, 2008 Come explore the basics of gardening organically! This class is designed for either the beginning organic gardener or the experienced conventional gardener wanting to explore organic alternatives. This class is split into two sessions to provide for in-depth explorations of basic organic gardening concepts. Students can enroll in one or both of the sessions. Topics for this session include primary gardening activities: seed selection, seed starting, site selection, bed preparation, soil building, and garden planning. This class will cost $20 and take place at the Luscher Farm from 1-4 pm. Organic Gardening 102 March 22, 2008 Organic Gardening 102 will cover: planting, fertilization; integrated pest management, irrigation; diversified yields and composting. This mini-course is designed to give the organic gardener a basic understanding of holistic organic gardening. Covering a full-spectrum of activities for the avid gardener, this course will equip students with all information needed to start and grow a vibrant organic garden. This class will cost $20 and take place at the Luscher Farm from 1-4 pm. Soil Health and Ecology April 5, 2008 Living soil is the foundation of a healthy agriculture. But how do we nurture and replenish our soils when we demand so much of them? In this workshop, we’ll get intimate with the fundamentals of soil ecology and discuss effective ways for enhancing soil biology. We will also explain basic soil types, how to interpret and use soil tests, and the importance of soil balance to plant health. This class is designed for gardeners and farmers interested in conserving and building soil fertility and ecology naturally. This class will cost $20 and take place at the Luscher Farm from 1-4 pm. Introduction to Permaculture April 26th, 2008 Engage in the exciting world of sustainable design! Join Toby Hemenway, a renoun Permaculturalist, and author of Gaia’s Garden to learn the fundamentals, principles, and ethics of Permaculture, and how this "cultivated ecology" is enacting social and ecological change worldwide. We'll discuss patterning, elements, functions, appropriate technology, regenerative gardens, and more! Appropriate for any gardener, farmer, policy maker, economist, designer, etc. Permaculture is one of the world's most integrated design systems. This class will cost $30 and take place at Jean’s Urban Forest Farm in SE Portland from 1-4pm.