Home permaculture design course begins Sept. 18 at HRRC

Jerusalem artichokes make an attractive edible landscape. [photo by Elsa Johnson]

Starting in September, an eight-week Home Repair Resource Center (HRRC) class will teach the principles of landscape architecture and permaculture to help attendees improve the green functioning and aesthetics of their homes and yards.

Taught by a permaculturist and a garden designer, the course will meet once a week on Thursday evenings, Sept. 18 through Nov. 6, 7:30–8:45 p.m.

Instructors will cover how to: keep water on-site (reducing water bills); improve soil without chemicals; attract pollinators and other beneficial insects; incorporate permanent edible plants and native plants into the landscape; and more.

Participants will be encouraged to explore their own sites and apply what they learn to create a plan they can implement, to add beauty and value to their properties.

The class will meet at the HRRC Teaching Center, 2520 Noble Road, in Cleveland Heights. The cost of the class is $175 per family, for up to two members of the same household, and class size is limited to 12. To register, e-mail instructors Tom Gibson (granvilletgibson@gmail.com) or Elsa Johnson (elsanvic@gmail.com).         

Tom Gibson

Tom Gibson, co-instructor of the HRRC course, received his permaculture design certificate in 2010 and helped build a permaculture garden at the First Unitarian Church in Shaker Heights. Elsa Johnson, the other co-instructor, has a master's degree in landscape architecture and has designed many gardens that appear on various tours.

Read More on Home & Garden
Volume 7, Issue 9, Posted 10:19 AM, 08.29.2014