9:30 - Noon
  -- Join Ron, Bill and Becky as they walk the lot and discuss different permaculture features for the property and the advantages and disadvantages of each feature.
  -- Listen as we discuss which plants and plant guilds we will incorporate into the landscape and why.

Lunch - Mostly local, fresh and organic foods (Vegetarian Option)

1:00 - 4:00ish
  -- Assist us in staking out the design immediately on to our yard with the use of rope, flags and numbered pegs.
  -- Then put on your gloves on and join in as we remove the sod for the pathways, fill them in with wood chips, use shovels to build small earthworks such as mounds, berms and swales and assist with the building of a sheet-mulched raised bed or two.

Design Objectives
There are several factors we wish to take into consideration as we continue to move towards implementing a permaculture design on our property.
In order of priority:
   1. We want to grow a wide variety and a generous quantity of food.
   2. We want it to be attractive, inviting and nurturing.
   3. We want it to be an inspiring demonstration site for permaculture education.
   4. Which means it needs to be designed to minimize work while increasing yields.

Instruction to be Covered
  > Successful Plant Guild Strategies for the Midwest
  > A Look a Hearty Midwest Perennial Food Plants
  > Simple Rain Water Harvesting Techniques
  > Laying out a simple permaculture design, including:
          Harvesting resources moving through the property
          Considering successional growth factors
          Zone and sector analysis
  > Use of the Simple Sod Cutter for Sculpting the Landscape
  > Successful Mound, Swale and Berm Building Techniques
  > Building of a Sheet-Mulch Bed

More Details

What to Bring
There is no rain date so please come prepared for any weather. Also bring what you might have of the following (there will be extras so don't bring a larger vehicle just to fit items in):
     > Good Shovels (We'll be removing sod, digging and moving wood chips)
     > Gloves
     > Soil rake
     > Wheelbarrow
     > Your own mug (for beverages)
     > Notebook & pens (portable recorder is fine too)

Registration: Fee $95 (Includes Lunch and Beverages)
     Or $75 if you register by June 11
The class size limit for this day is about 20. Early registration is suggested as we expect to fill. You may register on line with credit card (MC/Visa/Discover) or simply call Becky with your questions and/or other payment options. (815-256-2215)