What is organic gardening and how is it different from permaculture gardening?
Organic gardening uses environmentally friendly products and cultural practices. We use no synthetic pesticides, fertilizers or hormones. Permaculture gardeners practice organic gardening. In addition, they consciously design garden eco-systems that mimic the diversity, stability and resilience of natural ecosystems. We ask and observe, what would nature do?
What is the soil food web?
Soil food webs are one of gardening's best kept secrets. These webs are a set of sophisticated relationships between millions of organisms living in healthy soil. Most of these organisms are invisible or hard to see with the naked eye, and include fungi, bacteria and nematodes. Soil food webs differ, depending on the organisms that live in a particular soil environment, and they can be nurtured to help plants thrive.
What is the best way to get to the High Park Children's Garden?
Here's a map of the park. The garden is on Colborne Lodge Dr., just north of Colborne Lodge in the south end of the park. The garden is south of Grenadier Cafe (~2 long city blocks). Colborne Lodge Drive is a one way street going south. Parking is best at Grenadier Cafe, although there are a few spots near Colborne Lodge. Park at your own risk in front of the garden. TTC or walk into the park via Queen St/the Queensway for closest access to the garden (3-5 min walk). It is about a 30 minute walk from High Park station, past Grenadier cafe and down Colborne Lodge Drive. The College streetcar (west) goes into the east side of the park and is a ~30 minute walk. Cyclists can travel the same routes and there is ample parking for bikes at the garden.
Do outdoor workshops run if the weather is bad?
We will garden in most weather. Workshops may be rescheduled if there is major thunderstorm or torrential rain. If in doubt call 416-536-9144 to check for a cancellation message. Call the cell phone on the day if need be (this number is given out when you register).
What should I wear to garden workshops? What should I bring?
Wear weather appropriate clothes. Dress in layers. Bring a hat, sunscreen, water bottle, snacks and a lunch. In High Park and at most other sites there's a cafe where you can buy hot beverage, so bring a portable mug if you are inclined. You aer also welcome to bring a snack to share with others.
Is there a minimum and maximum number of people who can take the Introduction to Organic Gardening and Permaculture and Soil Food Web workshops?
Workshops run with as few as 7 and as many as 15 people. If there are fewer than 7, we will be in contact. We can sometimes run a tutorial anyway.
Do you do offer private design sessions, site consultations or tutorials?
We sometimes works privately with clients who want to garden with others or help others garden. This can include site design, consultations and private tutorials. See our new program geared to help people start gardens. We don't usually help people in their homes, but we've made exceptions when they've agreed to help fund students to come garden with us.
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Many folks write in for answers to questions about how to garden, as well as school food gardening and community gardening. We answer as we can, but please understand if we can't reply during busy seasons.
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