RE-SEND: GFE's Nov-Dec 09 Press Release/Upcoming Organic Gardening & Composting Workshops

Garden for the Environment will offer the following classes in NOVEMBER & DECEMBER of 2009. All classes will be offered at Garden for the Environment, San Francisco’s organic demonstration garden at 7^th and Lawton Street. Since our founding in 1990, the garden has operated as a demonstration site for small-scale urban ecological food production, organic gardening, compost education and low water-use landscaping.

UPCOMING ORGANIC GARDENING AND COMPOSTING WORKSHOPS
Please note that Garden For the Environment will host 2 workshops on the same day on November 7^th & November 14^th. The workshops will be held in two different areas of the Garden, same location, on 7^th Ave. & Lawton St.

URBAN COMPOSTING
Date:               Saturday, Nov. 7^th, 2009
Time:               10AM - 12:00 Noon
Location:         Garden for the Environment, 7th Ave at Lawton Street, San Francisco
Cost:                Free

Fall can be a great time to start a new compost pile as you tidy up the leftovers of the summer’s bounty! Join GFE as we discover how to turn those leftovers, from the garden or the kitchen, into “black gold�?. This fun, hands-on workshop teaches methods for both backyard and worm composting for all who seek to enrich the bounty of their garden and reduce their ecological footprint. Come learn what you can do to improve your garden and prevent biomass from ending up in the landfill! Rot on!

MAKE MORE PLANTS! CUTTINGS & DIVISIONS
Date:               Saturday, Nov. 14^th,2009
Time:               10AM - 12:00 Noon
Location:         Garden for the Environment, 7th Ave at Lawton Street, San Francisco
Cost:                $15

Join Carey Craddock and Garden For the Environment as we explore the enormous potential of propagating through cuttings and divisions. Cuttings and divisions are horticultural propagation methods by which you can make two or more plants from an original plant. You can use these easy techniques to make more of your favorite garden plant, for your own garden or to share with friends. In this 2-hour, hands-on workshop we will learn a variety of techniques to make successful cuttings and divisions and you will leave with plant starts to grow at home

This workshop is $15, although no one will be turned away for lack of funds. Pre-registration required. To pre-register please call (415) 731-5627 or email info@gardenfortheenvironment.org.

We strongly recommend enrolling in all three workshops, though classes may be taken individually.

Learn how to grow a healthy and beautiful garden that minimizes the impacts on the environment. From building a healthy soil with compost to selecting beautiful plantings appropriate for the Bay Area’s climate, this workshop will give you the basics to implement sustainable gardening practices.

Planning ahead for low-maintenance design and sustainable products is a key element to a successful organic garden. Join us to learn about natural maintenance practices that will keep your garden beautiful and your labor to a minimum.

Water is vital to garden health. But, when is enough, enough? Join us to learn earth-friendly ways to water the garden and the most efficient practices for the Bay Area’s Mediterranean climate.

URBAN COMPOSTING
Date:               Saturday, Dec. 5^th, 2009
Time:               10AM - 12:00 Noon
Location:         Garden for the Environment, 7th Ave at Lawton Street, San Francisco
Cost:                Free

Winter can be a great time to start a new compost pile or to jump start one that just isn't breaking down. Join Garden For the Environment for a fun, hands-on workshop teaching basic methods of both backyard and worm composting! Compost is a rich soil amendment that will greatly benefit your garden plants, houseplants, and the environment, by diverting compostable material from the landfill. Learn how to turn those food scraps or fallen leaves into "gardeners black gold". Rot on!

Interested in rainwater harvesting? Want to know more about it? Join GFE and Laura Allen of Greywater Action as we explore the benefits of collecting rainwater just in time for the our winter rains! Rainwater harvesting can be as simple as a barrel under your downspout, or more complex with a large tank and pumps sending the water inside for toilet flushing. Learn about rainwater options in an urban area and get some hands on skills with working with rainbarrels at the GFE.

This workshop is $15, although no one will be turned away for lack of funds. Pre-registration required. To pre-register please call (415) 731-5627 or email info@gardenfortheenvironment.org.

URBAN COMPOSTING
Date:               Saturday, Jan. 9^th, 2010
Time:               10AM - 12:00 Noon
Location:         Garden for the Environment, 7th Ave at Lawton Street, San Francisco
Cost:                Free

Winter can be a great time to start a new compost pile or to jump start one that just isn't breaking down. Join Garden For the Environment for a fun, hands-on workshop teaching basic methods of both backyard and worm composting! Compost is a rich soil amendment that will greatly benefit your garden plants, houseplants, and the environment, by diverting compostable material from the landfill. Learn how to turn those food scraps or fallen leaves into "gardeners black gold". Rot on!

To pre-register, please call (415) 731-5627, or email info@gardenfortheenvironment.org.