2011/12 Workshop offerings:

Organic Gardening Basics:
In this day and age we need to think about going back to basics. We can’t use pesticides in our gardens anymore, with water shortages we are being asked to not water with tap water and then what are we supposed to do to feed our gardens? Chemical fertilizers are available . . . but they are not necessary to have a beautiful garden. What about the wildlife? Have you given any thought about the birds, butterflies and bees? In this workshop you will learn how to feed your garden naturally, treat pests naturally and how to water your garden naturally. We’ll discuss composting, water retention systems, natural pest controls and then plants that work to create a healthy ecosystem in your own pocket of this wonderful Green Earth! Handouts and weather permitting, a short field trip included.

Gardening for the Earth:
Why does one plant grow better than an other? Why is that goldenrod growing better than my rosebush? Did you ever wonder where a plant came from? Was it originally from this region or was it an introduced species? Did you ever put any thought to what is a Native or Heritage plant and why it’s important to use them in your garden experiences? How come you aren’t able to see more butterflies, birds and bees in your garden? I will help you to understand which native and heritage plants are best for your area based on region. In this workshop you will learn to create a basic garden plan using Native/Heritage plants, shrubs and trees for you to take home and apply to your greenspace. **Participants are required to bring in photographs of their gardens including direction the house faces, sun, soil, wind and water conditions. Class space limited to 10 people. Handouts are included.

Herbal Myths, Legends and Magickal Lore:
Have you ever wondered why an Herb has its particular name, why it is used in a certain way and how it came to be used in magick? Well, every name has a story and so do a lot of the Herbs. Herbs have been used in magick and medicine in every culture for centuries and often in different ways. This rich folklore and history is where the herbal myths, legends and magickal lore come from. Join Amy for an insightful discussion and more than a few good stories about how Herbs came to be the unsung heroes of our culture and are a part of our magick in everyday life. Handouts and possibly (time and weather permitting) an herb walk as well.

The Magick in Nature; More Than Just Tree Hugging:
Nature has provided a veritable magickal landscape in the plants, shrubs and trees that grow all over our planet and since ancient times they have been used for mystical purposes. Much of their power still lies in a shadow of secrecy and to most people these secrets stay masked until it is necessary for them to be discovered by the seeker. This workshop will open up our senses to the mystery, magick and power behind the plants, shrubs and trees around us. We will go into nature and find out how to see the landscape with magickally “rose tinted lenses”. We all can find ways of seeing nature differently and perhaps you will be able to apply some of what you learn to your own personal green space. This workshop is taught with much interaction, visualizations, some meditation and weather permitting, hands-on experiences.

The 3 R’s and our Relationships with Mother Earth:
The City - the Concrete Jungle - We rush about from place A to place B seldom without any thought of the ground we are rushing about on. How many of us really take the time to pay some kind of homage to Mother Earth every day? What are we doing as a community and as individuals to make our personal space on this planet as environmentally viable as possible? We will discuss that the Three R's mean in our relationships to Mother Earth and how we can reconnect with her every day. Open discussion and handouts provided.

Magickal Gardening:
Have you ever wondered why you don’t have money coming more freely into your home? It may be because you don’t have the right plants in the garden outside your front door! In this workshop we will discuss different types of gardens for different purposes. We will go over plans for small spaces and large spaces, even discuss creating a garden indoors or on balconies. With the right intent, dirt and plants you can learn how to start manifesting all you need to be a happy human on our green Earth. Handouts and each person will go home with a plant to start their own Magical Garden. Class limited to 20.

If you are interested in rates, availability and booking of any of these workshops please contact us at: coventina0@yahoo.ca