Practical Permaculture

I am thinking of doing a workshop for the first time called Practical Permaculture. "Practical" might be the key word in the title. As the workshop will be based off of 2 decades of reading and observing others techniques in 20 plus developing countries. But most importantly, in running a micro farm here in Chesterfield, the foothills of the Berkshires, for almost 20 years. This workshop will be a 1/2 day and will likely take place this summer. Cost will be $15 per person. I will focus on:
animal husbandry, sustainable fruits, vegetable & herbs, preserving the harvest, road kill (fun for the whole family!), harnessing solar power and a few other relevant topics.
Soon I will develop an outline, date & time, etc..
If possibly interested let me know as I will limit the workshop to 25.
Revolution begins with the fork!

http://www.hilltowntreeandgarden.com/portfolio-hilltown-victory-garden.html
http://www.hilltowntreeandgarden.com/portfolio-chesterfield.html

Tree care basics workshop

Just posted a new project from the home/office. Hardscaping and vegetable gardens. Cheers.



http://www.hilltowntreeandgarden.com/portfolio-chesterfield-ma-hilltown-home-office-goshen-stone-patio-garden.html

Tree Care Basics

Saturday, May 10,
11:00 am-1:00 pm Chesterfield, MA
Course Code: HOR3010
Leader: Jim McSweeney, Arborist and Horticulturalist Fee: $26 (Member)
/ $32 (Nonmember)
Limit: 20

Tree Care Basics


http://www.hilltowntreeandgarden.com/portfolio-chesterfield.html

I will be running a new workshop on tree care basics. I will demonstrate arboricultural basics based on almost two decades of working with trees & shrubs. Separating the fluff from the facts, I will cover site evaluation, plant selection, planting techniques, watering, mulching, pruning, natural pest control and more. This workshop will take place at my home/office where I have dozens of edible and ornamental trees that have been planted in the last ten years. All participants will receive a copy of the guide "Tree Owner's Manual" by the USDA, which covers all the topics we will talk about and more.

For more information visit the New England Wildflower Society website.

Interested in learning how to apply natural or "organic" techniques to control a variety of pests of edible and ornamental plants, including diseases, insects, rodents, deer, and weeds. Find out which methods do and don't work in the home orchard, and ornamental and vegetable gardens. Feel free to bring sample pests and lots of questions. Leave the workshop with information on how to protect your landscape from unwanted herbivores, using the most environmentally sensitive and effective products available. This hands-on workshop will take place at Jim's home/office where he has many edible and ornamental plants to evaluate. Portfolio


For more information visit the New England Wildflower Society website.

Natural Pest Control
Saturday, July 12,
11:00 am-1:00 pm Chesterfield, MA
Course Code: HOR3404
Leader: Jim McSweeney,
Arborist and Horticulturalist Fee: $26 (Member)
/ $32 (Nonmember)
Limit: 20

http://hilltownfamilies.wordpress.com/category/jim-mcsweeney/

If you are interested in learning how to naturally perserve the food you grow or glean then check out my latest article. I have over 2 decades of experience in natural food presevation. I share with readers the 3 EASIEST ways to perserve food, with virtually no extra work.


see above link

http://hilltownfamilies.wordpress.com/category/jim-mcsweeney/

Want to know how to make your landscape look great in the fall/winter? I have just written an article on the top 5 fall/winter interest plants for the landscape from my own gardens. Think about seed heads, bark, berries, textures, wildlife benefits, etc... Anyone can make a garden look good in the spring. But we live in your houses for 12 months a year. Why not landscape with that in mind? Enjoy.

Sustainable plant choices for the landscape

http://hilltownfamilies.wordpress.com/2013/10/09/3-sustainable-plant-choices-for-the-family-garden/#more-35231

I have just written an article on the best plant choices for the landscape. If you are looking for plants with the following characteristics edibility, beauty, good for insects. Enjoy.
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