Permahaven

Education

‘Love Your Weeds’ Workshop Highlights!

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What an incredible journey it was! We’re still buzzing with excitement after our ‘Love Your Weeds’ practical workshop that took place on Saturday, August 19th. It was a fantastic day of discovery, learning, and connection.

Embracing the World of Weeds

We want to extend a heartfelt thank you to all the amazing participants who joined us for this engaging and informative event. Together, we embarked on a captivating journey into the world of weeds and their versatile applications in permaculture, foraging, and beyond. We learned that these resilient plants are more than just ‘unwanted’ – they’re vital contributors to healthy ecosystems!

Unveiling Nature’s Heroes

Did you know that weeds are nature’s pioneers? They nurture the soil, enrich it with essential nutrients, and provide a home for biodiversity. During the workshop, we explored the many ways these unsung heroes support our environment and play a crucial role in maintaining its balance. You can find Maribel Blasco’s presentation on our website here.

One of the highlights was our adventurous taste test! Together, we uncovered the hidden wonders of common weeds, discovering their surprising flavors and potential culinary uses. Who knew that nature’s ‘weeds’ could offer such delightful surprises?

Beyond the knowledge gained, our workshop was also about connecting with like-minded individuals. We engaged in a collaborative brainstorming session, exchanging ideas, and exploring how we can further embrace the potential of these remarkable plants in our lives.

More from the event

To each and every participant, thank you for joining us on this journey of discovery and appreciation for the beauty of weeds. Your enthusiasm and eagerness to learn made the event truly special.

Stay tuned for more exciting workshops and events as we continue to explore the wonders of our natural world together. Let’s keep nurturing our curiosity and connection with nature! Until next time.

CBS Summer School at Permahaven

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On Monday, June 26th, Maribel Blasco led an engaging session titled “Permaculture: a Regenerative Approach to Circularity” as part of the CBS Summer School course, “An Introduction to Circular Economy,” coordinated by MSC Associate Professor Martin Skrydstrup.

During this session, students had the opportunity to delve into the permaculture design framework through the application of the renowned “head-hands-heart” approach from environmental education scholarship.

Students embarked on an inspiring visit to Permahaven, where they witnessed the practical implementation of various permaculture ethics and design principles. From the fascinating techniques of no-dig gardening and mulching to our thriving apple tree guilds, the usage of “green manure” (including cardboard, compost, lupins, and phacelia), and the strategic utilization of “weeds” like our beloved horsetail to cover and enrich the soil, students explored the diverse aspects of sustainable permaculture practices.

Additionally, participants discovered the invaluable biodiversity functions of certain “weeds,” such as thistles, which not only contribute to the ecosystem but also attract aphids (bladlus) that might otherwise pose a threat to our crops.

A highlight of the session was the permaculture challenge activity, where students showcased their creativity by devising permaculture-inspired solutions to tackle our horsetail issue. It was remarkable that just as participants safely returned to the lecture hall, a downpour commenced outside, as if by some miracle! 😃

In the final segment, students were encouraged to reflect on how they could incorporate permaculture principles into their own lifestyles, fostering a lasting impact on the environment. You can find the presentation of Maribel on the Resources page here.