Come to a free, half-day workshop to learn about and install gardens using Permaculture principles and techniques! Permaculture is a design methodology for creating living spaces and food systems based on holistic, ecological principles. Techniques used will include food forestry, construction of basins, keyline swales, and rain garden earthworks. These designs help capture and store water in the soil, reducing irrigation requirements. Small and large scale designs will be addressed, making this workshop appropriate for both home gardeners and agriculturalists.

The workshop celebrates International Permaculture Day, a day of global permaculture activities and events. More information at http://www.permacultureday.org/.

Participants should arrive at 9 am. Parking is located at the Laureate School and Jewish Community Center. Participants are requested to bring their own chairs, shovels, gloves, hats, and water and wear closed toe shoes and pants.

The workshop is first in a series four in the SLO Permaculture Design Course. The upcoming SLO Permaculture Design Course focuses on such topics as Soil and Forest Ecology, Holistic Management, Sustainable Agriculture, Pattern Recognition, Appropriate Technology, Architecture, Resilient Economies and Communities. Hosted at exemplar sites throughout the county, the course draws on local teachers and practitioners to provide hands-on, pertinent information and examples. Offered on ten Saturdays and four Sundays during the period of April through August, the course is organized by volunteers as a flexible, low-cost way for participants to:

Because the course is aligned with accredited permaculture curriculum, participants earn an internationally recognized certificate upon completion of the 72 hour course and final design project.

For more information about the course schedule, cost, and how to register, visit www.slopermaculture.net, ‘Like’ us on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/SLOPermacultureGuild ) or call Alex at (805) 729 - 6845.

9 am - 1 pm Sunday, May 5th 2013