Much can be learned about Fruit Tree Guilds from careful observation and hands-on gardening practice so if you're ready to learn from, and contribute to, Beacon Food Forest (BFF), this class is for you!

Kimberly will review a few basic concepts about Permaculture Design and Fruit Tree Guilds, then the class will observe and assess an existing Fruit Tree Guild in BFF's Phase 1 to discuss its present state and how we can improve the guild design for better function and yield. Gardening tasks we'll cover: weeding (what is a weed @ BFF?), pruning, transplanting/planting, and mulching of the plants in the Fruit Tree Guild. These guild and gardening skills can help you in your own garden or one in your community. Based on the interest of the class, and how our guild gardening adventure goes, we may have time to tour around more of BFF together, too!

We'll meet in the Gathering Plaza, then go out into the Food Forest for the majority of the class so dress for the weather and getting dirty. Bring a snack and water bottle. There will be a small handout and may be useful to take some notes in a notebook/device.

Tickets are $35 with some sliding scale at Brown Paper Tickets:
https://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/3595226

Bio: Kimberly Leeper is a West Seattle-based, permaculture-inspired designer, educator, and gardener. She has cared for people as a school psychologist and teacher, and the land as owner of two sustainable landscaping companies, Mariposa Naturescapes (2005 - 2016) and Oasis Edible Naturescapes (Co-owner with business partner, Aaron Armstrong - 2016 to present) -- focus on permaculture/regenerative solutions for mostly the urban landscape - www.GrowYourOasis.com. Kimberly is a Native Plant Steward, past Organizer for Seattle Permaculture Meetup, and an active volunteer and educator at the Beacon Food Forest. She has learned about permaculture from many distinguished teachers like Toby Hemenway (Permaculture Design Course - 2010), Dave Jacke (Edible Forest Gardens Intensive - 2012), and Jude Hobbs (Permaculture Teacher Training - 2015). Kimberly is passionate about, and inspired by, regenerating landscapes for wildlife and people!