Garden Lectures and Workshops

Karen is available to conduct garden lectures and garden workshops at your site. Lectures vary from 30 minutes to several hours depending on lecture content and time frame requested by the client. Please contact Wild Willow Landscape Design to discuss fees and scheduling.

Permaculture Principles

Permaculture is a design philosophy and a practical approach to living on the land. Permaculture attempts to integrate human needs, plants, animals, soil use, water issues and microclimate into an interdependent and productive ecosystem. Karen’s entertaining and intensive lecture/slide show introduces participants to the foundational principles behind permaculture. Participants will learn about foods forests, guilds, keyhole planting beds, sectors, zones and much more. Permaculture Principles can also be presented in a longer workshop format for appropriate sites.

Introduction to Vegetable Gardening

Want to start a vegetable garden but you don’t know how? Not sure which plants will grow well together? What do these plants need in order to produce well?

Learn how to assess your future veggie garden plot for proper growing conditions. Discover how to prepare the soil, install and care for the plants and harvest the fruits of your labors. This lecture and slide show also explores many of the classic veggies that you can grow in your own back yard. You’ll go home ready to start your own vegetable garden.

Glorious California Natives

This lecture and colorful slide show explores the world of California native plants. You’ll discover interesting fun-facts and traditional uses (ethnobotany) of our beautiful native plants. We’ll discuss garden winners that you can grow at home, proper planting techniques and specific growing tips.

Understanding Edibles

Learn how to plant, care for and harvest fruiting trees, shrubs & groundcovers.

This lecture and slide show focuses primarily on fruit and nut producing trees, shrubs, vines and ground-covers. We’ll discuss soil and site preparation, planting, fruit development, thinning, pruning, fertilizing, general maintenance and harvesting techniques. This lecture also includes an in-depth detailed exploration of many of our popular fruit bearing plants.

Embracing Sustainability: Saving our Soils and Water

This lecture/slide show addresses key concerns in garden sustainability: water and soil. Participants will learn specific techniques on how to build and protect their soil. This lecture also discusses rainwater harvesting, greywater and irrigation techniques that help homeowners understand how they can reduce their dependence on externally imported water sources.