Upcoming Classes and Events

Healthy Organic Garden
Growing a Healthy Organic Garden

Classes are selling out!

Register early by clicking on the eventbrite link, or calling Common Ground at 650 493-6072, then sending a check for the full amount to Common Ground, 559 College Avenue, Palo Alto, CA 94306. Seniors and low-income persons may request a $4 discount on classes.

GRAYWATER FOR A GREEN GARDEN
Sherri Osaka
Saturday, July 31, 2010
10:30 - 12:30
$31
Registration: http://graywater.eventbrite.com or call 650-493-6072
On January 12, 2010, state lawmakers enacted new codes that allow more flexibility in irrigating your garden with graywater. Learn about the new codes, how you can assemble and maintain an inexpensive system and what not to put down your drain. The class will also cover what's happening with local ordinances in Santa Clara and San Mateo counties so we can all keep this inexpensive and easily available resource. 
Sherri is the owner of Sustainable Landscape Designs, a licensed landscape architect, and a Bay-Friendly Qualified Designer. She is the co-founder of the Sustainable Landscape Roundtable, an organization that encourages Bay Area landscape professionals to adopt ecological practices She is also director of the local chapter of the California Native Plant Society. Sherri has been implementing and speaking about ecological landscaping techniques since 1997.


YOGA FOR GARDENERS
Patricia Becker
Sunday, August 15th, 2010
1:30 - 4:30 pm

$45 in Advance or $55 the Day of the Event, if any openings remain.
To register call 650-324-2517 or info@avalonyoga.com
Workshop location: Avalon Art and Yoga Studio, 370 S. California Avenue, Palo Alto

Healthy Organic Garden
Nurture your body, heart and soul - and learn how to care for your back and body with the best poses for gardeners. Yoga, just like gardening, teaches us patience, humility, and love. Practice connecting to your breath to raise your awareness of this powerful healing method is always available to you, free of charge. Bring a friend and a favorite gardening success or humorous story. Beginners and experienced yogis are all welcome. The Workshop will be accompanied by live music by Herb Moore, playing the guitar, flute, bells, and whistles!
Patricia Becker is the Center Director of the epitomally "Green" Common Ground Organic Garden Supply and Education Center, an influential Palo Alto non-profit. In the last six years she has immersed herself in Anusara Yoga since, just like gardening, yoga is life affirming and enhancing. You can learn more about Patricia by visiting her Website/Blog, Feel Better Now.


BOUNTIFUL CONTAINERS FOR YOUR FALL AND WINTER FOOD GARDEN
Rose Marie Nichols McGee
Saturday, August 28, 2010
10:30 - 12:30
$31
To register call 650-493-6072 or http://bountifulcontainers.eventbrite.com/
Many of our most beautiful and nutritious vegetables are good producers in the cooler months. Start now to grow the container garden that will carry you through winter. Special attention will be paid to organic methods, potting soil, container selection, light requirements and best varieties. Herbs and edible flowers will be included in our discussion. Almost any food plant that grows in the ground will grow in a container; it's only a matter of selection.
Rose Marie is co-author of McGee & Stuckey's Bountiful Container. She is president of Nichols Garden Nursery, a family-owned seed company in western Oregon.


EDIBLE GARDEN SERIES: FROM DESIGN TO HARVEST
Drew Harwell
August 28, September 11, September 25, October 9 and October 23, 2010
10:00 - 3:00
$325
One-hour lunch break; bring your own lunch. Class size is limited - Register Early. To register call 650-493-6072 or http://ediblegardenseries.eventbrite.com/
Learn garden design and planning, composting, soil testing and preparation, seed propagation and transplanting, watering and how to nurture healthy edible crops. You can create a garden oasis of beautiful edibles in the front, side or back of the home. Master harvesting techniques and learn what compost crops to plant after harvest. Permaculture design and GROW BIOINTENSIVE methods harmonize together in this special series. Home owners and professional landscape designers will gain valuable knowledge to create gardens of nutritious and delicious organic food in your homes and communities. Make lasting friendships! Learn about proper tools, supplies, books and resources throughout the course. Bring your copy of How to Grow More Vegetables to the classes.
Drew is an edible-garden consultant, the manager of Jesse Cool's Seeds of Change Garden and the former Common Ground Demonstration Garden Manager.


USING NATIVE PLANTS IN THE GARDEN: A DEEPER PERSPECTIVE
Del McComb
Saturday, September 11, 2010
10:30 - 12:30
$31
To register call 650-493-6072 or http://usingnativeplants.eventbrite.com
Explore using California native plants in the garden not only for their beauty and appropriateness in our climate but also to help develop and recapture a respect of nature and our place in it. Topics covered will include an overview of Native American views and uses of plants and how they shaped the landscape of California. Their uses of plants created habitats for beneficial wildlife, and they used native plants as sources of food, dyes, medicines and fiber. A list of natives that work well in the Bay Area will also be covered along with cultural information on how to use them.
Del has a degree in Ornamental Horticulture and currently designs and manages large private estate gardens locally. In addition, he is a certified Permaculture designer and a Biodynamic gardener.


*INTRODUCTION TO GROW BIOINTENSIVE
Ed Fernandez
Saturday, September 18, 2010
10:30 - 12:30
$31
To register call 650-493-6072 or http://introductiontobiointensive.eventbrite.com
Food security is an ancient, but increasingly modern dilemma that offers us wonderful opportunities to make a difference. How can you grow all of your own food in the smallest possible space while simultaneously building up soil fertility? GROW BIOINTENSIVE is a whole-system approach to sustainable gardening and farming. Learn the principles of deep soil preparation, composting and soil-building, intensive planting, companion planting, carbon farming (the use of compost crops), calorie farming and the use of open-pollinated seeds.
Ed is in his second year of GROW BIOINTENSIVE work/study. Raised in a city, he had little exposure to farming, but he visited many farms and eventually came to a path which he concluded was truly sustainable.


*COMPOSTING
Natasha Fernandez
Saturday, September 18, 2010
1:30 - 3:30
$31
To register call 650-493-6072 or http://www.eventbrite.com/event/749402483
GROW BIOINTENSIVE composting is the basis for growing the healthiest, most nutritious, and most pest- and disease-resistant plants, but not all compost piles are qualitatively and quantitatively equal. Learn the easiest and most effective way to compost, including how to effectively recycle your kitchen scraps and how to maximize carbon and nitrogen in your pile. Bring a five-gallon bucket of "green material" (grass clippings, weeds, and/or non-meat kitchen scraps). This ever-popular class includes a hands-on demonstration at the Common Ground Demonstration Garden.
Natasha is in her second year of GROW BIOINTENSIVE work/study. City-bred, she had little exposure to farming, but after visiting many farms, she eventually found a path which she thought was truly sustainable.


ORGANIC FALL GARDENING
Jody Main
Saturday, September 25, 2010
10:30 - 12:30
$31 plus materials fee $7
To register call 650-493-6072 or http://organicfallgardening.eventbrite.com
Plant an organic veggie garden now before winter arrives! You too can harvest fresh edible goodies from outside your door. It's the perfect time for garlic, fava beans, lettuce, kale, chard, spinach, pak choi, tatsoi, mizuna, gailaan, endive, arugula, cilantro, herbs and wildflowers. Class will cover garden bed prep, planting, organic plant care and harvesting. Everyone will plant fall veggies to take home. Tasty samples and recipes are provided.
Jody is a local organic food and garden writer, educator, and consultant. Her specialty is designing gardens that include vegetables, herbs and berries.


*COMPLETE-DIET MINI-FARMING
Ed Fernandez
Saturday, October 2, 2010
10:30 - 12:30
$31
To register call 650-493-6072 or http://completedietminifarming.eventbrite.com/
People often wonder how they can grow all their own food. Are a few fruits and veggies enough? How do you plan to grow a complete diet? This class will show you how to plan a highly productive and ecologically sustainable garden or mini-farm that will produce healthy, nutritious food in the smallest space possible.
See Ed's bio in the Introduction to GROW BIOINTENSIVE class description.


*BED PREPARATION AND DOUBLEDIGGING
Natasha Fernandez
Saturday, October 2, 2010
1:30 - 3:30
$31
To register call 650-493-6072 or http://bedpreparationanddoubledigging.eventbrite.com/
Bed preparation is the first step in a GROW BIOINTENSIVE garden. It can improve the long-term sustainability and ecology of your soil, potentially making the difference between good and poor soil structure and between high and low crop yields. In well-prepared beds, plants will grow better and need less water, and weeds will come out easily. Learn how easy, fun and productive this approach can be. This ever-popular class includes a hands-on demonstration at the Common Ground Demonstration Garden.
See Natasha's bio in the Composting class description.


BACKYARD CHICKENS
Jody Main
Saturday, October 9, 2010
10:30 - 1:30
$39 plus materials fee $7
To register call 650-493-6072 or http://backyardchicken.eventbrite.com/
Learn everything you need to raise happy hens, including a hen house and yard set-up, nesting boxes, water, feed, local suppliers, caring for your hens and chicks and favorite crops to grow for your chickens. You will see how easy it is to raise chickens and how great a role they play in creating a healthy organic vegetable garden. Give them food scraps and garden greens - they give us eggs and fertilizer. Chickens are wonderful pets that fully participate and contribute to the whole. Garden snack included. Meet at Common Ground then car pool to Jody's garden and hen house in Woodside. Return to Common Ground by 1:30 pm.
Jody has raised backyard chickens in her organic vegetable and herb gardens for many years.


*USING THE MASTER CHARTS
Mark House
Saturday, October 16, 2010
10:30 - 12:00
$31
To register call 650-493-6072 or http://usingthemastercharts.eventbrite.com/
Getting seedlings started at the right time and in the right quantities can help you make the best use of garden space. YOU BRING: a copy of How to Grow More Vegetables, 7th edition (always for sale at Common Ground), a sharp pencil and a calculator.
Mark is the Research Garden Assistant Manager at the Ecology Action Research Garden in Willits, CA. He is a certified teacher of Permaculture and has studied and taught Biodynamic farming methods. Before moving to California, Mark was Farm Manager for a 350 acre organic farm and craft community near Rochester, NY.


*SEED COLLECTION AND SAVING
Mark House
Saturday, October 16, 2010
1:30 - 3:30
$31
To register call 650-493-6072 or http://seedcollectionandsaving.eventbrite.com/
Your garden can produce the seeds you need for next year! If you save your own seeds, you can save money and preserve your favorite varieties for many years. You will learn the basic principles involved in producing, collecting and saving your own seeds.
See Mark's bio in the Using the Master Charts class description.


INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT
Frank Niccoli
Saturday, October 23 , 2010
1:00 - 3:00
$31
To register call 650-493-6072 or http://integratedpestmanagement.eventbrite.com/
To spray or not to spray, that is the question. Whether 'tis nobler in the mind to suffer the slings and arrows of outrageous insect infestations or to take arms against the sea of aphids, and by spraying, end them. With profound apologies to the Immortal Bard, come learn when to spray and what to spray on whom. Learn the very best strategies to help you control the pests in your garden with a minimum of chemicals and maximum effectiveness.
Frank teaches at Foothill College and for the Landscape Contractors Association. His company, The Village Gardener, has won numerous awards in fl ower design, landscape management and installation.


SOIL FOODWEB
Theresa Lyngso
Saturday, October 30, 2010
10:30 - 12:30
$31
To register call 650-493-6072 or http://soilfoodweb1030.eventbrite.com/
Learn how to greatly boost your garden's health through increasing biological life. There is a whole universe of living organisms under your feet. There is essential life you can either support or undo through your gardening practices. Learn how to increase and nurture the aerobic organisms that make fertile soil. When you have a healthy soil foodweb, the plants in your garden will be much healthier and the food more nutritious for you and your family
Theresa grew up in the family business, Lyngso Garden Materials, Inc., and was President for 20 years. She has come to understand that life in the soil may hold the answers and solutions to current challenging situations. Theresa has been brewing and applying Actively Aerated Compost Tea for 6 years.


GOLDMINERS' WHEAT AND BREAD
Monica Spiller
Saturday, November 6, 2010
10:30 - 12:30
$31
To register call 650-493-6072 or http://goldminerswheatandbread.eventbrite.com/
Sonora wheat, an historic local wheat variety, is being grown again by California farmers. Come, see Sonora wheat and taste whole Sonora wheat bread as it was made in 1849, from stone-milled fl our. The extra steps of mashing and making a sponge will be demonstrated for this old-fashioned barm sweet-sourdough bread method. Soft Sonora wheat can be made into beautiful cohesive dough, and then into ciabatta and pocket buns. Barm is the old English word for a sweet-sourdough starter. Both the sweet-sourdough starter and the word barm are worth bringing to light again after 130 years of neglect. Take home barm stock and recipes.
Monica founded the Whole Grain Connection in 2000 to supply old-fashioned locally appropriate wheat seed to California organic farmers via a catalog and website. Now farmers can supply local whole grain bakers. Common Ground carries this wheat in bulk.


GIFTS FROM THE GARDEN
Jody Main
Saturday, November 13, 2010
10:30 - 12:30
$31 plus materials fee $25
To register call 650-493-6072 or http://giftsfromthegarden.eventbrite.com/
Join us in celebrating this harvest season by creating lovely gifts, wreaths, swaths and table arrangements with herbs and flowers from Jody's organic garden. Learn the best herbs and flowers to plant now for harvesting this spring and summer for bountiful gifts from 'your' garden. Learn to organically grow, harvest and decorate with these everlastings. You will make and take home lovely hand-crafted gifts and many ideas for growing useful plants in your garden.
See Jody's bio in the Organic Fall Gardening class description.


INTRODUCTION TO BIODYNAMIC AGRICULTURE
Del McComb
Saturday, November 20, 2010
10:30 - 12:00
$31
To register call 650-493-6072 or http://introductiontobiodynamic.eventbrite.com/
Introduced by the Austrian philosopher, scientist, and mystic Rudolf Steiner in 1925, this early form of holistic gardening is practiced worldwide today by growing numbers. Participants will be given an introduction to the philosophical background of Biodynamics. You will be taken through the basic techniques. A description of the eight unique herbal preparations used will be given, along with ideas on how to work with cosmological rhythms in the garden. Additionally, participants will be taken through a step-by-step explanation of one of the preparations that will help demonstrate how Biodynamic Agriculture is based on an exacting science, not in the way formulas are precise, but in the way poems are. Learn how to integrate biodynamic practices into your current gardening methods.
See Del's bio in the Using Native Plants in the Garden class description.


WORM COMPOSTING
Alane Weber
Saturday, December 11, 2010
10:30 - 1:30
$39
To register call 650-493-6072 or http://wormcomposting.eventbrite.com/
Everything you always wanted to know about worms, but were afraid to ask. Come join us and learn all about this tidy and very efficient way to turn kitchen scraps into botanical gold. We will take a snack break.
Alane, "The worm lady of San Mateo," has been nurturing her compost worms for 17 years and teaching vermicomposting for the County of San Mateo for the last 10 years.


GARDENING FOR A HEALTHY BACK
Esther Gokhale
Saturday, December 18, 2010
10:30 - 12:30
$31
To register call 650-493-6072 or http://gardeningforahealthyback.eventbrite.com/
Are you applying good posture principles in your gardening? We'd like to help you make sure! Learn how to have a healthy back while you are weeding, lifting and pruning. You will be hip-hinging, a basic technique of gardeners all around the world.
Esther is an international back-pain expert and author of the book 8 Steps to a Pain-Free Back.



Past Classes



* SEED PROPAGATION
Natasha Fernandez  Saturday, January 9, 2010
10:30 - 12:30   $31, To register call 650-493-6072 or
http://seedpropagation.eventbrite.com/

It all begins with a seed! Learning GROW BIOINTENSIVE seed propagation techniques will help you have a more productive and efficient garden. This class will explain how to make your own healthy flat soil, transplanting, pricking out seedlings from flats, and proper watering.
Natasha Fernandez is an Ecology Action 3-year apprentice at the Golden Rule Mini-Farm located in Willits, CA.


* DOUBLE-DIGGING and BED PREPARATION
Ed Fernandez  Saturday, January 9, 2010
2:00 - 4:00   $31, To register call 650-493-6072 or
http://doubledigbedprep.eventbrite.com/

Double-digging is the first step in a GROW BIOINTENSIVE garden. Learn how easy, fun and productive this method can be. Learn what makes soil healthy and how to create it in your own garden. This ever-popular class includes a hands-on demonstration at the Common Ground Demonstration Garden.
Ed Fernandez is an Ecology Action 3-year apprentice at the Golden Rule Mini-Farm located in Willits, CA.


FRUIT TREE PRUNING
Kevin Raftery  Saturday, January 16, 2010
10:30 - 2:00   $42, To register call 650-493-6072 or
http://fruittreepruning.eventbrite.com/

Learn how to maximize tree health, fruit production and dead wood identification. Espalier care also discussed. Meet at Common Ground, then proceed to a local orchard Ñ rain or shine. YOU BRING: pruning shears, bag lunch and a notebook.
Kevin is a Certified Arborist with a degree in horticulture. He teaches at Foothill College and has been associated with Common Ground for over 30 years.


ROSE PRUNING AND CARE
Carole Kraft  Saturday, January 23, 2010
10:30 - 1:30   $38, To register call 650-493-6072 or
http://rosepruning.eventbrite.com/

Encourage beautiful, profuse flowering with winter pruning and proper care. Learn about the very best soil and amendments for healthy, happy roses. Mulches are also discussed. The class will go to a nearby garden for a demonstration and some hands-on pruning. YOU BRING: a snack, pruning shears optional.
Carole is an energetic and articulate horticulture consultant with 24 years of experience.


* EDIBLE GARDEN SERIES: FROM DESIGN TO HARVEST
Drew Harwell  January 30, February 20, March 6, March 27, and April 17, 2010
9:00 - 1:00   $325, To register call 650-493-6072 or
http://ediblegardenseries.eventbrite.com/
Class size limited - register early

Learn garden design and planning, composting, soil testing and preparation, seed propagation and transplanting, watering, and how to nurture healthy edible crops. You can create a garden oasis of beautiful edibles in the front, side or back of the home. Master harvesting techniques and learn what compost crops to plant after harvest. Permaculture design and GROW BIOINTENSIVE methods harmonize together in this special series. Home owners and professional landscape designers will gain valuable knowledge to create gardens of nutritious and delicious organic food in your homes and communities. Make lasting friendships! Learn about proper tools, supplies, books and resources throughout the course.
Drew is the talented and wonderful Common Ground Demonstration Garden Manager and the manager of Jesse Cool's Seeds of Change Garden.


SPROUTS ARE GOOD
Jody Main and Nancy Jamello  Saturday, February 6, 2010
10:30 - 12:30   $31 + $10 materials fee, To register call 650-493-6072 or
http://sproutsaregood.eventbrite.com/

Sprouts are young, tender and flavorful baby plants. For centuries, sprouted seed has been a major food for over one third of our world's population. Is there wisdom there? Growing fresh baby sprouts during the winter months is easy, fun, delicious and only takes 1 to 4 days. Learn to grow a kitchen garden with crunchy almond, pumpkin and sunflower sprouts, sweet baby clover, radish and alfalfa sprouts, rich and creamy lentils, black beans and many other legumes that are sweeter, more digestible and cook in half the time. A cooking demonstration and tasty samples will be provided, and everyone will go home with a sprout jar, seed, recipes and instructions to grow sprouts right away.
Jody and Nancy started their company, Sprouts Are Good, in the 70s. They currently sell their screens for sprouting across America, including at Common Ground. They have a wealth of information and good food to share.


* COMPOSTING
Mark House  Saturday, February 13, 2010
10:30 - 12:30   $31, To register call 650-493-6072 or
http://composting.eventbrite.com/

GROW BIOINTENSIVE composting is the basis for growing the healthiest, most nutritious, and most disease-resistant plants. This composting method is simple and effective. It is so fun and satisfying that we must warn you composting can become addictive! We will go to the Common Ground Demonstration Garden and build our compost pile. YOU BRING: a five-gallon bucket of "green material" (grass clippings, weeds, and/or non-meat kitchen scraps).
Mark House is the Assistant Garden Manager at the Ecology Action headquarters located in Willits, CA.


FRUIT TREE VARIETIES
Nancy Garrison  Saturday, February 20, 2010
10:30 - 12:30   $31, To register call 650-493-6072 or
http://fruittreevarieties.eventbrite.com/

Learn which varieties of peaches, nectarines, plums, pluots, apricots, apples and pears are the delight of connoisseurs. Be introduced to the best of the best-tasting deciduous fruits that grow in this area and learn where to source your own plants.
Nancy has been conducting and attending fruit tastings for the last 26 years in her diverse home fruit garden and in research facilities around the state. She has collaborated with Andy's Orchard and Dave Wilson Nursery and oversees the rare fruit plantings at Prusch Farm Park.


* INTRODUCTION TO GROW BIOINTENSIVE
John Jeavons  Saturday, February 27, 2010
10:30 - 12:30+   $31, To register call 650-493-6072 or
http://introgrowbio.eventbrite.com/

GROW BIOINTENSIVE is a whole-system approach to gardening and farming that builds soil fertility in a relatively short time, so that fertilizer inputs (other than compost) become unnecessary, or almost so, thereby making the garden and farm as sustainable as possible. Learn the principles of double-digging, composting and soil-building, intensive planting, companion planting, carbon farming (compost crops), calorie farming, and open-pollinated seeds.
John Jeavons is the Executive Director of Ecology Action and author of How to Grow More Vegetables, now in its 7th edition and used in over 140 countries around the world.


* COMPANION PLANTING
John Jeavons  Saturday, February 27, 2010
2:00 - 4:00+   $31, To register call 650-493-6072 or
http://companionplant.eventbrite.com/

Discover how to enhance your garden's health and productivity while attracting a beneficial insect population. Learn how to make efficient use of your garden space and the plants' natural properties by using methods that have been used for centuries.
John Jeavons is the Executive Director of Ecology Action and author of How to Grow More Vegetables, now in its 7th edition and used in over 140 countries around the world.


SECRETS OF DROUGHT-TOLERANT LANDSCAPING
Deva Luna  Saturday, March 6, 2010
10:30 - 12:30   $31, To register call 650-493-6072 or
http://droughttolerant.eventbrite.com/

Come learn practical tips to safeguard new and existing landscapes. Plants, soils, compost, irrigation and mulch will be covered. Handouts will be included. The best kept secrets will be revealed to save you money and our precious resources. Deva works for Earth Care Landscape and specializes in water-wise gardens.
Deva is passionate about rainwater harvesting, grey water re-use and using constructed wetlands to clean water.


* PLANNING YOUR GARDEN
John Jeavons  Saturday, March 13, 2010
10:30 - 12:30+   $31, To register call 650-493-6072 or
http://gardenplan.eventbrite.com/

Learn how to use the charts in How to Grow More Vegetables. Getting seedlings started at the right time and in the right quantities can help you make the best use of your garden space. YOU BRING: a copy of How to Grow More Vegetables, 7th edition, a sharp pencil and a calculator.
John Jeavons is the Executive Director of Ecology Action and author of How to Grow More Vegetables, now in its 7th edition and used in over 140 countries around the world.


* COMPOST CROPS and ROTATIONS
John Jeavons  Saturday, March 13, 2010
2:00 - 4:00+   $31, To register call 650-493-6072 or
http://croprotation.eventbrite.com/

Learn how to grow the most food, calories, and soil-nourishing compost materials for this summerÕs garden with a dynamic plan for the health of your garden over the next 3 years.
John Jeavons is the Executive Director of Ecology Action and author of How to Grow More Vegetables, now in its 7th edition and used in over 140 countries around the world.


HERBS IN THE GARDEN, HERBS IN THE KITCHEN
Jody Main  Saturday, March 20, 2010
10:30 - 12:30   $31 + $5 materials fee, To register call 650-493-6072 or
http://herbsgardenkitchen.eventbrite.com/

Plant an organic herb garden! Bring a beautiful diversity to your garden with a variety of culinary and medicinal herbs. Herbs bring harmony and health to us and our gardens with their beauty, fragrance, flowers (that attract beneficial insects), and everlasting qualities that enable them to be brought indoors to share and enjoy. Learn how to grow and harvest perennial and annual herbs, herbs in containers, and essential herbs for the kitchen. Plant lists, recipes and tasty samples will be provided. Everyone will plant herbs to take home.
Jody is a local food and garden writer, educator and consultant. Her specialty is creating organic vegetable, herb and berry gardens.


GROWING GREAT TOMATOES
Nancy Garrison  Saturday, March 27, 2010
10:30 - 12:30   $31, To register call 650-493-6072 or
http://greattomatoes.eventbrite.com/

Learn which tomatoes have really great flavor and reliable production and are able to hold up under regular garden conditions. You will learn her favorite trellising methods, soil preparation, what NOT to do, and how to avoid the brown crispy foliage blues so a bountiful harvest will be yours until frost. Tomatoes featured will be the result of her 25 years of hands-on tomato research.
As the past University of California Cooperative Extension Farm Advisor and Master Gardener Program Coordinator, Nancy has been and continues to be involved in tomato variety evaluations.


BOUNTIFUL SPRING - MEDICINAL PLANTS OF CALIFORNIA
Tellur Fenner
Saturday, April 3, 2010
10:30 - 5:30
$65
Registration: http://bountifulspring.eventbrite.com or call 650-493-6072
Bring: lunch, water, notebook, camera, warm clothes and hat.
As the rains begin to recede and the days lengthen, we are reminded that spring has arrived. All around, lush carpets of green span the horizon as many plants begin their annual ascent towards the sun. Join us as we explore the diverse array of medicinal plants found growing throughout this vibrant landscape. Roots, barks, and the succulent edible "greens" of the season will be the primary focus of our study. The morning session will consist of a lecture/slide-show highlighting the basic taxonomical and chemical characteristics of selected medicinal plants. After lunch we will carpool to a nearby natural area in order to observe, experience, and discuss many of the medicinal plants found growing there. Medicinal uses, identification tips, preparation methods, harvesting ethics, and botanical safety issues will be addressed on our walk. Anyone curious about the healing potential of our local flora will find this class not only insightful, but self empowering as well. 
Tellur is a clinical herbalist/educator and has traveled extensively throughout the U.S while studying, collecting, and using plant medicines from all the major bioregions. He is an herbalist of the "generalist" persuasion, and believes in the importance of an interdisciplinary practice which integrates the study of botany, pharmacy, physiology, and other medical sciences. Tellur is the owner/director of the Blue Wind Botanical Medicine Clinic located in Oakland, CA.


GRAFTING
James Kern
Saturday, April 10, 2010
10:30 - 12:30
$35
Registration: http://grafting.eventbrite.com or call 650-493-6072
Scionwood will be available for each student!
Learn about grafting and the important role it plays in plant and tree production. In this class we will overview grafting and budding techniques used today and practice grafting that you can use on your own trees There will be several varieties of grafting wood, or scionwood available for you to build your own plum, peach, pear, or heritage apple tree. Rootstocks and grafting knives will be available for purchase. 
James Kern has a background in botany and works locally as a landscape contractor. He also teaches part-time at Foothill College and is a member of the California Rare Fruit Growers Association.


* COMPLETE-DIET MINI-FARMING
John Jeavons
Saturday, April 17, 2010
2:00 - 4:00+
$31
Registration: http://completediet.eventbrite.com or call 650-493-6072
Does your desire for better nutrition have you wondering if you could live off your land? This class will show you how to plan a garden or mini-farm that will produce healthy, nutritious food and be highly productive as well as truly sustainable in the smallest space possible. 
John is the Executive Director of Ecology Action and the author of our book How to Grow More Vegetables, which has been translated into seven languages and is used in over 141 countries.


EAT YOUR LANDSCAPE
Nancy Garrison
Saturday, April 24, 2010
10:30 - 12:30
$31
Registration: http://eatlandscape.eventbrite.com or call 650-493-6072
Learn how to replace strictly ornamental plants with edible ones that fill a similar design niche. This might include substituting Chilean guava for a boxwood hedge or a persimmon for a large ornamental tree. How about strawberries instead of Vinca, or avocado for a camphor tree? The idea is to grow plants with dual purposes - creating an aesthetically pleasing landscape with ornamental edibles. 
Nancy started the Master Gardener Program in Santa Clara County in 1982 and coordinated it until 2004 when she went out on her own with her business called All Things Edible. She currently does professional fruit tree pruning and provides professional garden consultations to help people to grow as much in their yards as possible.


START A SALAD GARDEN
Jody Main
Saturday, May 1, 2010
10:30 - 12:30
$31 + $5 materials fee
Registration: http://earthdaygarden.eventbrite.com or call 650-493-6072
Celebrate Earth Day by growing bountiful crops of sweet buttery lettuce, spicy scallions, peppery radishes, and other crispy greens throughout the spring and early summer. A small bed can keep a family of four in bountiful salads that can include: Italian misticanza, arugula, radicchio, French mesclun, chervil, endive, frisé, Asian baby greens, bok choy, mizuna and spinach. Create a mix of raising greens by growing kale, chard and spinach together. Class includes easy planting, harvesting and kitchen preparation instructions. A salad and dressing demonstration, snack and recipes will be provided. 
Jody is a local organic food and garden writer, educator, and consultant. Her specialty is designing gardens that include vegetables, herbs and berry gardens.


ALTERNATIVES TO LAWNS
Deva Luna
Saturday, May 1, 2010
2:00 - 4:00
$31
Registration: http://lawns.eventbrite.com or call 650-493-6072
Tired of watering, mowing and weeding your lawn but don't know what to put in instead? Replacing your lawn appropriately reduces your water bill and your maintenance costs, encourages habitat for birds and butterflies and does not contribute to global warming. You'll come away from this inspiring talk with dozens of ideas, illustrated by pictures which say more than a thousand words. 
Deva Luna combines her passion for plants with a desire to enhance the environment. She is a Lifetime Master Gardener, Gardening Instructor, Coordinator of the Santa Clara Teaching Garden, Landscape Designer and Horticulturist for EarthCare Landscaping. She has a degree in "Plants and Art" from UC Davis.


DRIP IRRIGATION
Frank Niccoli
Saturday, May 8, 2010
2:00 - 4:00
$31
Registration: http://dripirrigation.eventbrite.com or call 650-493-6072
This hands-on class, held at the Common Ground Demonstration Garden, will teach you the simplicity of installing and maintaining a drip system. We will discuss the advantages and disadvantages of drip irrigation versus a spray system. Pressure reduction and filtration as well as irrigation controllers will be shown. 
Frank teaches at Foothill College and for the Landscape Contractors Association. His company, The Village Gardener, has won numerous awards in flower design, landscape management and installation.


HOW TO START YOUR VEGETABLE GARDEN
Jody Main
Saturday, May 15, 2010
10:30 - 12:30
$31 + $5 materials fee
Registration: http://veggiegarden.eventbrite.com or call 650-493-6072
The lessons from our forests guide us in gardening the easiest way of all . . . naturally . . . organically! Class will include methods of organically planting and caring for vegetables and herbs. Jody will also cover wonderful heirloom vegetables to grow this summer, traditional Native American methods of planting the Three Sisters (corn, beans, squash) for gardens large and small, seasonal herbs, and summer harvesting techniques. Plant list and recipes included. 
Jody is a local food and garden writer, educator and consultant. Her specialty is edible landscape design.


STARTING YOUR SUMMER GARDEN
Drew Harwell
Saturday, May 22, 2010
10:30 - 12:30
$31
Registration: http://summergarden.eventbrite.com or call 650-493-6072
This popular class will inspire you to grow vegetables and herbs. Learn exactly what plants thrive now and how to grow them. Basil, chard, cucumbers, tomatoes and much more can all be transplanted now. Corn, lettuce, squash, bean, and carrot seeds are among the many seed varieties eager to germinate at this time of year. You will get plenty of ideas and instructions for direct sowing, transplanting, creating healthy soil and harvesting. Class will conclude with a tour of the Common Ground Demonstration Garden. 
Drew is the talented and wonderful Common Ground Demonstration Garden Manager and the former manager of the Stanford Community Farm. He has gardened in our Ecology Action Research Garden/Mini-Farm in Willits.


CLIMATE AND MICROCLIMATE FOR GARDENERS
Pam Peirce
Saturday, May 29, 2010
10:30 - 12:30
$31
Registration: http://climategarden.eventbrite.com or call 650-493-6072
Mystified by why your garden is warmer in summer than your friend's in the next town over? Or why you get fog and they don't? Learn the causes and nature of our region's microclimates, and how to use this knowledge to grow a successful year-round food or flower garden. You will also learn to study the microclimates within your garden. Learn successful plant selection as well as tricks for placing plants to take advantage of variations in heat and cold, sunlight and shadow. Useful handouts included. 
Pam Peirce is the author of our classic regional gardening book Golden Gate Gardening and a columnist for the San Francisco Chronicle. The brand new third edition of Golden Gate Gardening (which now includes a planting calendar for the San Jose region) will be available for purchase and signing by the author.


YOGA FOR GARDENERS
Patricia Becker
Saturday, June 5, 2010
10:30 - 1:00
$31
Registration: http://yogagardeners.eventbrite.com or call 650-493-6072
Tree Pose
Please bring your yoga mat.
Come and play, learn balanced body techniques and have fun! Growing food, herbs, and flowers is rich and satisfying and even more enjoyable when your body feels good. This class will teach you yoga techniques to lovingly better care for your back, shoulders, knees and body. You'll learn basic stretches for fitness and fun! There will be time to discuss good alignment principals. All levels welcome ... if you can smile and breathe you can do Yoga! 
Patricia is a passionate Anusara-inspired Yoga teacher who has been practicing for six years and currently teaches at Avalon Yoga Studio in Palo Alto. This yoga is enhancing and affirming and uses the Universal Principles of Alignment. Patricia is the Center Director at Common Ground.


HERBS IN THE GARDEN, HERBS IN THE KITCHEN
Jody Main
Saturday, June 12, 2010
10:30 - 12:30
$31 + $5 materials fee
Registration: http://herbskitchen.eventbrite.com or call 650-493-6072
Time to plant an organic herb garden! Bring a beautiful diversity to your garden with a variety of culinary and medicinal herbs. They bring harmony and health to us and our gardens. Their beauty, fragrance, flowers (that attract beneficial insects) and everlasting qualities enable them to be brought indoors to share and enjoy. Learn how to grow and harvest perennial and annual herbs, herbs in containers, and essential herbs for the kitchen. You will take home herb cuttings, recipes and plant lists. 
Jody is a local food and garden writer, educator and consultant. Her specialty is designing organic vegetable, herb and berry gardens.


GOPHER AND MOLE CONTROL
Thomas Wittman
Saturday, June 19, 2010
10:30 - 12:30
$31
Registration: http://gophercontrol.eventbrite.com or call 650-493-6072
Gardeners, farmers and landscapers will learn humane tools for control of gophers and moles. Barriers ranging from gopher baskets to underground fence designs will be discussed. Thomas will discuss the ways to attract natural predators and examine the many types of gopher repellents and trapping techniques, live and fatal. Urban myths will also be covered. Special emphasis will be on the "Surface Method" of trapping gophers and moles that requires very little digging or disturbance of landscapes. Tracking and animal identification and biology will also be presented. 
Thomas is owner of Gophers Limited, and has been a specialist on gophers and most animal pests for years. He is a favorite lecturer at garden clubs, vineyards, farms and educational institutions.


WISDOM SHOES
Pam Scott
Saturday, June 26, 2010
10:30 - 12:00
$30
Registration: http://wisdomshoes.eventbrite.com or call 650-493-6072
What to know before you start an organic veggie garden! Learn veggie gardening basics for a more fruitful, less frustrating experience as an organic gardener. Pam will cover all of the fundamentals: better soil, composting, optimal watering guidelines, starting seeds and choosing plants. Recommended for first-time gardeners or moderately experienced gardeners looking for a boost in the basics. 
Pam is an avid gardener who grew up with dirt under her fingernails. As an adult she has enthusiastically embraced organic gardening practices. Pam has presented to crowds of over 3,000 and will make it fun, direct and informative.


SOLAR COOKING
Don Larson
Saturday, July 17, 2010
12:00 - 2:00
$31
Registration: http://solarcook.eventbrite.com or call 650-493-6072
Prepare delicious sun-cooked meals using fresh produce from your garden. Create easy soups, breads, healthy snacks and glorious grain dishes. Modify your favorite recipes for solar ovens. Participate in a hands-on demonstration of aiming, pre-heating, and cooking using the "Global Sun Oven" and "Solar Cookit." Both ovens are available for purchase at Common Ground. Recipes included. 
Don is knowledgeable and experienced in cooking with a variety of solar ovens. At home he uses a solar water distiller and a solar drier, and generates his electricity using a 2- kilowatt solar photo-voltaic array. Don is Assistant Manager at Common Ground.


FOURTH ANNUAL EDIBLE LANDSCAPING TOUR
Saturday, July 24, 2010
11:00 - 4:00
$35
Registration: http://ediblelandscapingtour.eventbrite.com or call 650-493-6072
Join this inspirational self-guided tour in Palo Alto!
  • explore ten beautiful suburban gardens with organic edible landscapes
  • visit the Common Ground Demonstration Garden
  • meet the creative gardeners who transformed their gardens
  • get great ideas for your garden
Check-in from 10:45 am - 3:00 pm at Common Ground Garden Supply and Education Center, 559 College Avenue, Palo Alto, CA 94306.

Maps (including bike routes) and garden descriptions provided at check-in.

Proceeds benefit Common Ground!


More Past Classes

For an idea of the breadth of classes and activities offered at Common Ground, please browse through past newsletters, available on the Newsletters page.