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Virtual Presentations
TBA
Downloads
Plants for Attracting Pollinators - Handout from the Edmonton Native Plant Group
Companion Planting
Some ideas to try from Jessica Walliser's Plant Partners (2020) book, check out this Handout.
When to Start Your Vegetable Seeds
Feel free to download my handy chart, helping you to start your seeds.
You can also download the Edmonton Almanac schedule for Veggies and Herbs here.
Annual Flower Seeding Dates
This handy list for Flower Seeding dates for the Calgary area was prepared by Garden Retreat and I have created a printable document.
Strategies for Dealing with Slugs
This handout is a collection of tips you can try.
TBA
Downloads
Plants for Attracting Pollinators - Handout from the Edmonton Native Plant Group
Companion Planting
Some ideas to try from Jessica Walliser's Plant Partners (2020) book, check out this Handout.
When to Start Your Vegetable Seeds
Feel free to download my handy chart, helping you to start your seeds.
You can also download the Edmonton Almanac schedule for Veggies and Herbs here.
Annual Flower Seeding Dates
This handy list for Flower Seeding dates for the Calgary area was prepared by Garden Retreat and I have created a printable document.
Strategies for Dealing with Slugs
This handout is a collection of tips you can try.
Due to the COVID19 pandemic, in-person workshops will not be offered until further notice.
We hope that you have an opportunity to reduce stress and anxiety by getting your hands in the soil and benefit from the pleasure of growing beautiful and nourishing plants.
In the meantime, check out some Videos that help you grow edibles and other plants.
We hope that you have an opportunity to reduce stress and anxiety by getting your hands in the soil and benefit from the pleasure of growing beautiful and nourishing plants.
In the meantime, check out some Videos that help you grow edibles and other plants.
Comments from Previous Workshop Participants:
“I am excited to have something to grow in the winter and some tasty, healthy homegrown food. I could have read a how-to on the internet probably, but the hands on opportunity and chance to ask questions is the best. Thanks for sharing your experience.” Michelle Hildebrand
“It seems very do-able even for someone who does not have a green thumb. I really appreciated all the tips and tricks. I loved seeing all the sprouts and greens. All the options sparked my imagination. Really informative. Claudia really knows her stuff.” Tanja Burns
“I would recommend Claudia’s workshop, as well as attend again in the future with a friend. It was very informative with lots of tips and tricks for anyone from a beginner to advanced growers. I cannot wait to put this knowledge to use."
Natasha MacLeod
“I am excited to have something to grow in the winter and some tasty, healthy homegrown food. I could have read a how-to on the internet probably, but the hands on opportunity and chance to ask questions is the best. Thanks for sharing your experience.” Michelle Hildebrand
“It seems very do-able even for someone who does not have a green thumb. I really appreciated all the tips and tricks. I loved seeing all the sprouts and greens. All the options sparked my imagination. Really informative. Claudia really knows her stuff.” Tanja Burns
“I would recommend Claudia’s workshop, as well as attend again in the future with a friend. It was very informative with lots of tips and tricks for anyone from a beginner to advanced growers. I cannot wait to put this knowledge to use."
Natasha MacLeod
Organic Master Gardener Program - Stony Plain Multicultural Heritage Centre
Classes from February to November
Claudia's classes:
Garden Bed Installation - May 18, 2022
Permaculture - July 6, 2022
Classes from February to November
Claudia's classes:
Garden Bed Installation - May 18, 2022
Permaculture - July 6, 2022
Previous Workshops and Public Talks
Pollinators - Virtual Presentation (June 15, 2021 for the Lendrum Food Network)
Planning and Growing a Small Space Garden - Virtual Presentation (Feb 27, 2021 for the Avonmore Garden Club)
Microgreens and Sprouts
Are you craving fresh greens? Come and learn how to grow microgreens and sprouts indoors while the outdoor garden is asleep. In just minutes a day, enjoy a fresh supply of greens as a healthy addition to smoothies, salads, and sandwiches. Walk away with a starter crop and info on materials and methods from super simple (and dirt cheap!) to more advanced. St. Albert Grain Elevator Park, January 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020
Virtual Workshop February 2021
Planning and Growing Your Veggie Garden
Learn to make a plan and optimize growing conditions for Edmonton veggies that are easy to grow, harvest and store. Edmonton, April 2019
Permaculture Design Ideas and Tips
Presentation for a mentorship group at The Aspen Centre for Integral Living, which started a food forest project on a farm north of Edmonton. August 2018
Container Gardening – Food Production in Small Spaces
Growing food in containers is a great solution for small spaces, balconies and decks in Edmonton. Claudia will help you sort out the many choices of materials, including containers, soil, fertilizer, and plants you can grow. MacEwan University, Office of Sustainability, June 2018
Bucket Garden Workshop
Take home a self-watering bucket garden at the end of class! Learn how to grow delicious tomatoes in your affordable and easy to use container. The workshop is demonstration and hands-on. Edmonton, May 2018
Spiral Gardens Tips and Tricks
Spirals are beautiful, fascinating and a common occurrence in nature. While herb spirals are all the rage, giving some thought to your goals, different options, suitable materials and plants can save you headaches down the road. Edmonton Resilience Festival, Waldorf Independent School, April 2018
Composting Workshop
A “hands in the dirt” opportunity to learn how to set up a compost in the fall and get you on the road to successful composting. We will sift and look at finished compost, estimate yard waste materials and make a new compost pile. Learn by doing and ask your composting questions. Claudia’s yard, October 2017
Lasagna Gardening
Learn how to convert a piece of lawn into a new growing space for vegetables, fruit trees, shrubs or perennials – without breaking your back or divorcing your partner! The presentation includes a mock-up and photos to show you the technique of lasagna gardening. We’ll discuss the benefits of layering diverse organic materials to create a healthy, productive garden bed starting this fall. Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Village, Sept 2017
Tomato Extravaganza - Growing and Harvesting Tomatoes in Edmonton
Many varieties of tomatoes are grown in Edmonton and Claudia will address organic tomato cultivation, both in containers and in the ground. Her second presentation is about when and how to harvest tomatoes. Enjoy Centre, August 2017
Creating a Fruit Tree Guild
Learn about options for understory plants that work well near your fruit trees. We’ll discuss the permaculture strategy of creating a “guild”, a diverse group of plants around your trees that provide multiple benefits and functions. Claudia's yard, June 2017
Ideas for an Edible Front Yard
Do you want to grow healthy food, get rid of grass and start conversations with the neighbours? Edible front yards are becoming the talk of the town and they have many benefits. Learn some tips and ideas to create a front yard that enhances biodiversity, attracts pollinators and produces veggies, berries and fruit. Edmonton Resilience Festival, Waldorf Independent School, April 2017
Snapshots of Permaculture
Urban landscapes can be functional ecosystems that contribute to our health and prosperity. Permaculture offers concepts and practices to turn low-diversity, degraded landscapes and monoculture lawns into places that produce food and habitat for beneficial insects and wildlife. This was a (very!) brief overview of Permaculture, a design method that encourages us to build fertility and abundance. Edmonton Horticultural Society, March 2017
Grow a Self-Watering Bucket Garden
Seedy Saturday in Stony Plain. Learn how to make self-watering bucket planters. This presentation covers tips to grow food in these buckets and how to build them (sample will be shown). Facebook Event, March 2017
Composting and Lasagna Gardening Workshop
This workshop is a “hands in the dirt” opportunity to learn how to set up a compost this fall and get you on the road to successful composting and lasagna gardening. We will sift and look at compost that should be finished, estimate yard waste materials and make a new compost pile. We will also rejuvenate a bed with the lasagna garden (sheet mulch) method. Join us for this chance to learn by doing and ask your composting questions.
October 2016
Make a Bucket Food Garden
Take home a self-watering bucket garden at the end of class! Learn how to grow delicious tomatoes in your affordable and easy to use container.
The workshop is demonstration and hands-on. You will make your own bucket garden and learn how to plant it. June 2016 and 2017, Edmonton
Container Gardening – Food Production in Small Spaces
Growing food in containers is a great solution for small spaces, balconies and decks. Learn what’s needed to produce a harvest of healthy, fresh veggies and herbs! March 2018 at Seedy Sunday and March 2016, St. Augustine's Anglican Church, Edmonton
Indoor Growing - Microgreens and Sprouts
Are you yearning to grow something indoors while it’s frozen outside? A great anti-dote to winter blues and a boost for your body is to grow microgreens and sprouts. February 2016, Highlands School, Edmonton
Growing a Vibrant Urban Food Garden
Be inspired to start planning your organic garden. Whether you live out in the country or in the city–you can grow a vibrant garden ripe with edible delights! Claudia will share photos, tips and practical information. She will talk about getting your food garden ready– whether you are gardening in containers, or in your yard or community. April 2015, Noorish Cafe & Superfood Elixir Bar, Edmonton
Create an Edible Landscape with Inspiration from Permaculture and Lasagna Gardening (Do Less Work and Grow More Food)
March 2015 at the Farm and Ranch Show, Edmonton
Grow A Bed-Head Garden
Too busy to grow an immaculate garden? Or is messiness just your style? Throw perfectionism away and still grow great organic veggies, create an earth-friendly yard and involve your kids! Take home great tips to grow your own beautifully tousled garden using organic and permaculture inspired methods. March 2015 at Seedy Sunday, Earth's General Store, Wildbird General Store, Home & Garden Show
Positive Change with Permaculture
An overview of Permaculture, a design framework for healthy human habitat and sustainable agriculture and culture. We will highlight some permaculture principles and practices and suggest ideas for discussion and action. December 2014, Fairview Ag Society AGM, Fairview Alberta
Evergreen workshop - Create and Grow an Edible Schoolyard
This free workshop will cover best practices and the steps for creating an edible schoolyard or a food garden and how to receive funding from Evergreen. We'll step outside to look at Holyrood's garden, and discuss examples and photos from other schools. April 2013 and 2014 at Holyrood School, Edmonton
Evergreen School Ground Greening Workshop - Have Big Food Fun in a Small School Garden
This workshop provides an overview of the planning process for creating a school food garden. We'll discuss projects from a variety of Edmonton schools and how to apply for a grant from Evergreen.
April 2012, Belgravia School, Edmonton
Eco-Friendly Gardening (Metro Continuing Education Course)
Discover how to design your very own environmentally friendly backyard sanctuary. Explore the concepts of permaculture, the practice of creating sustainable and abundant landscapes that are healthy for both people and animals. Learn valuable techniques on how to produce low-cost organic food, how to conserve water and alternatives to chemical pesticides and fertilizers. April 2012, Edmonton
Low-Water Plants in Your Landscape and Compost Workshop (Strathcona County Course)
Learn about plants that conserve water and how using compost can really green your garden. April 2012, Salisbury Greenhouse, Sherwood Park
Edible Container Gardening and Composting (Strathcona County Course)
Learn what it takes to grow healthy food in containers or small spaces, and how to make use of garden and worm compost. The workshop includes strategies to select a good site for growing, how to protect your plants from wind and frost, and your choices in containers that require less frequent watering. April 2012, Salisbury Greenhouse, Sherwood Park
Gardening for Rookies and Youngsters
This presentation covers ideas and images for gardening with children and includes tips on starting a small vegetable garden.
March 2012, Seedy Sunday, Edmonton
Sheet Mulching Magic!
Learn how to convert a piece of lawn into a new growing space for vegetables, fruit trees, shrubs or perennials – without breaking your back or divorcing your partner! This workshop will explore the benefits and techniques of sheet mulching to create new growing beds. After the presentation and lunch, we'll build a new garden bed in Jane's yard. It will be a great way to learn, work together and socialize! October 2011, Edmonton
Edible Landscapes (Metro Continuing Education Course)
How do you produce an abundance of low-cost, organic food while conserving water and eliminating fertilizer and pesticides? Create a sanctuary on your property that builds biodiversity. Learn about and experiment with permaculture, the practice of designing sustainable human habitat by following nature’s patterns. We'll discuss principles and strategies with examples that you can apply to your property. September 2011, Edmonton
Planet & People Friendly Backyards
Caring for our planet and people starts right in our own backyards. With carefully selected edible, medicinal and native plants, we can create a garden sanctuary that heals and feeds us, while providing excellent habitat for other species. This presentation will include an introduction to eco-scaping principles and many practical tools and strategies for working with hardy plants, pollinators, soil dwellers and on-site water sources.
April 2011, Star of the North Retreat Centre, St. Albert
Edible Landscape Plants
Learn how to grow, harvest and use edible plants in the kitchen using a variety of interesting (and often native) edible trees, shrubs and perennials.
April 2011, Millenium Place, Sherwood Park
Creating New Growing Spaces
Learn how to convert a piece of lawn into a new growing space for vegetables, fruit trees, shrubs or perennials – without breaking your back or divorcing your partner! This workshop will explore the benefits and techniques of sheet mulching to create new growing beds. The presentation will include information on soil, compost, weeds, and touch on related permaculture principles. October 2010, Edmonton
Planning and Growing a Small Space Garden - Virtual Presentation (Feb 27, 2021 for the Avonmore Garden Club)
Microgreens and Sprouts
Are you craving fresh greens? Come and learn how to grow microgreens and sprouts indoors while the outdoor garden is asleep. In just minutes a day, enjoy a fresh supply of greens as a healthy addition to smoothies, salads, and sandwiches. Walk away with a starter crop and info on materials and methods from super simple (and dirt cheap!) to more advanced. St. Albert Grain Elevator Park, January 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020
Virtual Workshop February 2021
Planning and Growing Your Veggie Garden
Learn to make a plan and optimize growing conditions for Edmonton veggies that are easy to grow, harvest and store. Edmonton, April 2019
Permaculture Design Ideas and Tips
Presentation for a mentorship group at The Aspen Centre for Integral Living, which started a food forest project on a farm north of Edmonton. August 2018
Container Gardening – Food Production in Small Spaces
Growing food in containers is a great solution for small spaces, balconies and decks in Edmonton. Claudia will help you sort out the many choices of materials, including containers, soil, fertilizer, and plants you can grow. MacEwan University, Office of Sustainability, June 2018
Bucket Garden Workshop
Take home a self-watering bucket garden at the end of class! Learn how to grow delicious tomatoes in your affordable and easy to use container. The workshop is demonstration and hands-on. Edmonton, May 2018
Spiral Gardens Tips and Tricks
Spirals are beautiful, fascinating and a common occurrence in nature. While herb spirals are all the rage, giving some thought to your goals, different options, suitable materials and plants can save you headaches down the road. Edmonton Resilience Festival, Waldorf Independent School, April 2018
Composting Workshop
A “hands in the dirt” opportunity to learn how to set up a compost in the fall and get you on the road to successful composting. We will sift and look at finished compost, estimate yard waste materials and make a new compost pile. Learn by doing and ask your composting questions. Claudia’s yard, October 2017
Lasagna Gardening
Learn how to convert a piece of lawn into a new growing space for vegetables, fruit trees, shrubs or perennials – without breaking your back or divorcing your partner! The presentation includes a mock-up and photos to show you the technique of lasagna gardening. We’ll discuss the benefits of layering diverse organic materials to create a healthy, productive garden bed starting this fall. Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Village, Sept 2017
Tomato Extravaganza - Growing and Harvesting Tomatoes in Edmonton
Many varieties of tomatoes are grown in Edmonton and Claudia will address organic tomato cultivation, both in containers and in the ground. Her second presentation is about when and how to harvest tomatoes. Enjoy Centre, August 2017
Creating a Fruit Tree Guild
Learn about options for understory plants that work well near your fruit trees. We’ll discuss the permaculture strategy of creating a “guild”, a diverse group of plants around your trees that provide multiple benefits and functions. Claudia's yard, June 2017
Ideas for an Edible Front Yard
Do you want to grow healthy food, get rid of grass and start conversations with the neighbours? Edible front yards are becoming the talk of the town and they have many benefits. Learn some tips and ideas to create a front yard that enhances biodiversity, attracts pollinators and produces veggies, berries and fruit. Edmonton Resilience Festival, Waldorf Independent School, April 2017
Snapshots of Permaculture
Urban landscapes can be functional ecosystems that contribute to our health and prosperity. Permaculture offers concepts and practices to turn low-diversity, degraded landscapes and monoculture lawns into places that produce food and habitat for beneficial insects and wildlife. This was a (very!) brief overview of Permaculture, a design method that encourages us to build fertility and abundance. Edmonton Horticultural Society, March 2017
Grow a Self-Watering Bucket Garden
Seedy Saturday in Stony Plain. Learn how to make self-watering bucket planters. This presentation covers tips to grow food in these buckets and how to build them (sample will be shown). Facebook Event, March 2017
Composting and Lasagna Gardening Workshop
This workshop is a “hands in the dirt” opportunity to learn how to set up a compost this fall and get you on the road to successful composting and lasagna gardening. We will sift and look at compost that should be finished, estimate yard waste materials and make a new compost pile. We will also rejuvenate a bed with the lasagna garden (sheet mulch) method. Join us for this chance to learn by doing and ask your composting questions.
October 2016
Make a Bucket Food Garden
Take home a self-watering bucket garden at the end of class! Learn how to grow delicious tomatoes in your affordable and easy to use container.
The workshop is demonstration and hands-on. You will make your own bucket garden and learn how to plant it. June 2016 and 2017, Edmonton
Container Gardening – Food Production in Small Spaces
Growing food in containers is a great solution for small spaces, balconies and decks. Learn what’s needed to produce a harvest of healthy, fresh veggies and herbs! March 2018 at Seedy Sunday and March 2016, St. Augustine's Anglican Church, Edmonton
Indoor Growing - Microgreens and Sprouts
Are you yearning to grow something indoors while it’s frozen outside? A great anti-dote to winter blues and a boost for your body is to grow microgreens and sprouts. February 2016, Highlands School, Edmonton
Growing a Vibrant Urban Food Garden
Be inspired to start planning your organic garden. Whether you live out in the country or in the city–you can grow a vibrant garden ripe with edible delights! Claudia will share photos, tips and practical information. She will talk about getting your food garden ready– whether you are gardening in containers, or in your yard or community. April 2015, Noorish Cafe & Superfood Elixir Bar, Edmonton
Create an Edible Landscape with Inspiration from Permaculture and Lasagna Gardening (Do Less Work and Grow More Food)
March 2015 at the Farm and Ranch Show, Edmonton
Grow A Bed-Head Garden
Too busy to grow an immaculate garden? Or is messiness just your style? Throw perfectionism away and still grow great organic veggies, create an earth-friendly yard and involve your kids! Take home great tips to grow your own beautifully tousled garden using organic and permaculture inspired methods. March 2015 at Seedy Sunday, Earth's General Store, Wildbird General Store, Home & Garden Show
Positive Change with Permaculture
An overview of Permaculture, a design framework for healthy human habitat and sustainable agriculture and culture. We will highlight some permaculture principles and practices and suggest ideas for discussion and action. December 2014, Fairview Ag Society AGM, Fairview Alberta
Evergreen workshop - Create and Grow an Edible Schoolyard
This free workshop will cover best practices and the steps for creating an edible schoolyard or a food garden and how to receive funding from Evergreen. We'll step outside to look at Holyrood's garden, and discuss examples and photos from other schools. April 2013 and 2014 at Holyrood School, Edmonton
Evergreen School Ground Greening Workshop - Have Big Food Fun in a Small School Garden
This workshop provides an overview of the planning process for creating a school food garden. We'll discuss projects from a variety of Edmonton schools and how to apply for a grant from Evergreen.
April 2012, Belgravia School, Edmonton
Eco-Friendly Gardening (Metro Continuing Education Course)
Discover how to design your very own environmentally friendly backyard sanctuary. Explore the concepts of permaculture, the practice of creating sustainable and abundant landscapes that are healthy for both people and animals. Learn valuable techniques on how to produce low-cost organic food, how to conserve water and alternatives to chemical pesticides and fertilizers. April 2012, Edmonton
Low-Water Plants in Your Landscape and Compost Workshop (Strathcona County Course)
Learn about plants that conserve water and how using compost can really green your garden. April 2012, Salisbury Greenhouse, Sherwood Park
Edible Container Gardening and Composting (Strathcona County Course)
Learn what it takes to grow healthy food in containers or small spaces, and how to make use of garden and worm compost. The workshop includes strategies to select a good site for growing, how to protect your plants from wind and frost, and your choices in containers that require less frequent watering. April 2012, Salisbury Greenhouse, Sherwood Park
Gardening for Rookies and Youngsters
This presentation covers ideas and images for gardening with children and includes tips on starting a small vegetable garden.
March 2012, Seedy Sunday, Edmonton
Sheet Mulching Magic!
Learn how to convert a piece of lawn into a new growing space for vegetables, fruit trees, shrubs or perennials – without breaking your back or divorcing your partner! This workshop will explore the benefits and techniques of sheet mulching to create new growing beds. After the presentation and lunch, we'll build a new garden bed in Jane's yard. It will be a great way to learn, work together and socialize! October 2011, Edmonton
Edible Landscapes (Metro Continuing Education Course)
How do you produce an abundance of low-cost, organic food while conserving water and eliminating fertilizer and pesticides? Create a sanctuary on your property that builds biodiversity. Learn about and experiment with permaculture, the practice of designing sustainable human habitat by following nature’s patterns. We'll discuss principles and strategies with examples that you can apply to your property. September 2011, Edmonton
Planet & People Friendly Backyards
Caring for our planet and people starts right in our own backyards. With carefully selected edible, medicinal and native plants, we can create a garden sanctuary that heals and feeds us, while providing excellent habitat for other species. This presentation will include an introduction to eco-scaping principles and many practical tools and strategies for working with hardy plants, pollinators, soil dwellers and on-site water sources.
April 2011, Star of the North Retreat Centre, St. Albert
Edible Landscape Plants
Learn how to grow, harvest and use edible plants in the kitchen using a variety of interesting (and often native) edible trees, shrubs and perennials.
April 2011, Millenium Place, Sherwood Park
Creating New Growing Spaces
Learn how to convert a piece of lawn into a new growing space for vegetables, fruit trees, shrubs or perennials – without breaking your back or divorcing your partner! This workshop will explore the benefits and techniques of sheet mulching to create new growing beds. The presentation will include information on soil, compost, weeds, and touch on related permaculture principles. October 2010, Edmonton