Join us on Sunday, 15 & 22 September, for a hands-on Introduction to Permaculture Gardening course at Iranui Garden in Pahiatua, a one acre permaculture homestead that grows a variety of fruit, vegetables, and cut flowers using no-dig techniques.

Attendees will learn how to use permaculture systems to design, and then care for, their own gardens in a sustainable, ethical way. During the course, attendees will get hands-on in the garden and learn more about no-dig gardening, natural fertilisers, composting, propagation techniques, and companion planting. Attendees will also receive a course booklet containing gardening advice, worksheets for planning your own garden, fertiliser recipes, garden troubleshooting, and more. Everyone will also take home a selection of seeds and/or plant cuttings. Afternoon tea and coffee will be provided each week. Gardeners are asked to bring their own gloves, secateurs and a spade. A bucket may also be beneficial for Week 2.

What is Permaculture?

Permaculture homesteads and gardens are highly functional, self-regulating systems that are designed to work in harmony nature. The ultimate goal in a permaculture garden is to produce a thriving ecosystem where waste is minimised and space is efficiently and intelligently used. This course will introduce gardeners to permaculture principles as they apply to the garden and demonstrate how these can be incorporated into plots of all sizes.

Course Outline:

(Please note: this course is designed to run for two weeks and may reference the previous week's learning. It is recommended that learners attend both weeks. However, gardeners that cannot attend both weeks may choose to attend one week only. The following schedule is an outline and may slightly change depending on how quickly the class runs.)

15 September - Week 1: Intro to Permaculture, Soil Health, and No Dig Gardening

Introduction to the permaculture philosophy.
Tour the site and identify the permaculture zones.
What makes healthy soil and why is it important - Let's talk about why we love no-dig gardening.
Using waste material to create healthy soil - Composting methods and techniques (Bokashi, trenching, worm farming, etc).
Creating compost and no-dig garden beds with materials from around your home.

Weekly task 1 - Knowing what you want to accomplish - Label and plan your own garden’s zones.

Hands-On Task 2 - Create a new no-dig garden.

Hands- On Task 3 - Creating compost task.

22 September - Week 2: Using Permaculture Design and Techniques to Maintain an Established Garden

Other types of productive gardens - Food forests, no-dig gardens, raised beds, hugelkultur.

The benefits of using companion planting, beneficial plants, and cover crops. We will plant out the no-dig bed.
Garden maintenance - natural fertilisers and weed/pest control
Propagation techniques in the garden and the orchard (air layering, dividing, cuttings)
Effective seed saving and why it's so important.

Hands-On Task 1 - Planting up the no-dig bed with companion plants.

Hands-On Task 2 - Fruit tree propagation and creating/applying natural fertilisers task.

Weekly Task 2 - Seed and Crop Swap (Bring something to share if you'd like)

Additional Information:

- Iranui is a working permaculture home and garden located in Pahiatua. Participants accept all responsibility for their own well-being while walking around or working the grounds. This workshop is hands-on and will run rain or shine, so please dress for the weather.

- Parking: Roadside parking is available on Tiraumea Rd, and carpooling is encouraged. A very limited number of spots are available up the driveway for those with limited mobility. Please arrive a few minutes early if you'd like one of these spots. When parking, please do not block neighbouring driveways.

- Please note: Workshop attendance is very limited and on a first-come, first-served basis. Registration fees are non-refundable. However, registration is transferable or may be gifted if you are unable to attend.