2015 Workshops

Please pre-register at www.bernco.gov/BCOS-Events or call (505) 314-0398 and show up early to guarantee a seat! 

2015 Backyard Farming Workshop Series

All workshops are FREE and run Saturdays from9:00am to 12:00pm at the Gutierrez-Hubbell House Open Space located at  6029 Isleta Blvd   (3 miles south of Rio Bravo). A collaboration between Bernalillo County Open Space, The Gutierrez-Hubbell House Alliance and Jen Prosser of Sunstone Herbs.

Landscape For Life Series: 

Creating a Sustainable Home Garden 

This five part series will cover all the basics you need to plan, design or modify your home garden landscapes. With a focus on sustainability, permaculture and the wise use of our limited natural resources, the information in each class will build on those previous. Participants will leave with the tools to assess their home gardens and have a chance to share ideas and plans at the concluding workshop. Testing soil, mapping rainwater harvest potential and choosing correct plants are just a few of the topics to be covered.

March 14   ~  Sustainability in the Home Garden and the Role of Soil   Participants will learn how to observe and assess their current landscape in order to plan for a bountiful and multi purpose garden space. Special attention will be given to existing structures and the sun’s path throughout the year. Let nature tell you where your garden fits best!Any gardener will tell you the most important thing is your soil. However, soil is a complex ecosystem all its own! Come to this workshop to understand how to determine what type of soil you have and how to build healthy soil over time to increase fertility and vitality. Shawn Hardeman will cover soil science, what soil is made of and what that means to the backyard farmer. Learn how to complete a simple soil test at home. Hosted by Jen Prosser and Shawn Hardeman.

March 28 ~ Successful Soil Practices and the Role of  Water
We live in a desert! Find out how to conserve water while fulfilling your garden’s water needs.  Mapping hardscapes, observing low spots and understanding how water permeates different soils will all be touched on. Harvesting rain water and simple DIY systems for grey water will shift your thinking from water scarcity to water abundance. Bring your jar of soil and review your home soil test. Hosted by Jen Prosser, Shawn Hardeman, and Peter Gallo.

April 11 ~ Successful Water Practices and the Role of Plants
Food, medicine, shade, pollinator and wildlife forage are just a few of the different gifts plants give us. Choosing plants that are appropriate for our climate and region can also make the difference. Participants will leave with varieties that add both beauty and abundance to the home landscape and garden. Timing and technique for planting will also be covered in this workshop. Hosted by Jen Prosser, Wes Brittenham, and Carlos Bustos.

April 25th ~Successful Plant Practices and the Role of  Materials.     This class will explore the garden as an outdoor living environment.  From trellises and shade structures to walls and walkways, salvaged and natural materials can form the backbone of your garden environment.  Come be inspired to re-purpose your way into a fun and productive backyard.  Hosted by Jen Prosser, Isaura Andaluz, and John Shaski.

May 16 ~ Recycled and Natural Building Materials in the Garden  & Complete Garden Design   Those who attend all five classes, receive a certificate of completion and will be entered to win amazing garden related gifts.  If the wish, participants at this time will have the opportunity to present ideas for their home garden spaces or the demonstration garden at Gutierrez-Hubbell House. Hosted by Jen Prosser.

~SUMMER BREAK~

August 15  ~ Traditional and New Garden Tools for the Garden
Discover useful new and old hand tools for the gardening and how to save money by caring for your tools. Participants are encourages to bring their rusty tools to learn how to oil and sharpen them. With Joran Viers.

August 29  ~ Beneficial Insects, Pest Management and Beekeeping
Beneficial insects are vital for a healthy, successful garden. Learn the difference between beneficial insects and how to attract them from pest and how to deter them.

September 18  ~ Chile y Chocolate
Discover the history and art behind two New Mexico staples, chile and chocolate. This elegant evening event will include tastings, chef demonstrations, presentations and live music all under the stars at the historic Gutierrez-Hubbell House. 6:30 – 9:00 p.m.

September 26  ~ History of Sheep in New Mexico and a Changing Landscape
Sheep, the symbol of Bernalillo County, were brought to New Mexico in the late 1500’s by the Spaniards. These resilient animals have dramatically changed the culture and landscape throughout the state and continue to have a significant impact.

October 11  ~ Local Food Festival and Field Day
Growers, vendors, chefs and community organizations all converging on the Gutierrez-Hubbell House property for this special annual event that celebrates all things local and edible! Live music, food tastings and children’s’ activities are just some of the things planned for this community celebration.

November 7   ~The Holistic Garden and Gardener
A panel of speakers will present on how to consider your farm or garden in light of the larger landscape. This is a forum and discussion for thinking about our connections to nature and how our gardens play a role in wildlife habitat and the local environment from appropriate plant selection to water harvesting.

Visit our webpage and sign up to get notices on future events: https://osbackyardfarming.wordpress.com/