By Katina VanCronkhite
Friends of East Atlanta Library (FEAL) has announced the 2013 workshops for GardenQuest, its annual gardening program designed to inspire and inform both novice and seasoned area gardeners and introduce them to East Atlanta’s gardening resources. This year’s GardenQuest will include workshops on sustainable gardening, mushroom cultivation, and how to make your own water barrel.
GardenQuest kicks off on March 30 from 1pm to 2pm with the children’s program “How Jack Grew the Beanstalk.” Garden*Hood’s Jason Livingston will introduce the children to the basics of plant growth through bean plants and the classic children’s story. The children will help plant and stake beans to grow at the library and make their own Jack figures out of socks, soil, and grass seeds. There is no charge for the program, but each child should bring a large old sock for the craft. This event is for children aged 4-8, accompanied by an adult.
On Saturday, April 6th from 10am to noon, Glynis Ward will lead the workshop “Permaculture: Sustainable Gardening in an Urban Setting.” She will show participants how to design an urban garden that moves beyond the standard vegetable garden to a natural, edible, and sustainable landscape. Participants will discover which plants offer both aesthetic and medicinal benefits and how to maximize their gardening space and practices while minimizing maintenance. The workshop is free for FEAL members and $10 for non-members.
On Saturday, April 13th from 3pm to 5pm, GardenQuest joins with Fifth Kingdom, producers of gourmet mushrooms for cooks and chefs, at Brownwood Park for a “Growing Oyster Mushrooms” workshop. Participants will learn about the crucial role mushrooms play in natural ecosystems and in our cultivated gardens and landscapes. Each participant will learn how to naturally cultivate their own oyster mushrooms on various kinds of paper waste and wheat straw, and will leave with a small grow bag and instructions for taking care of it. Cost is $25 and is limited to 20 participants. Online registration for this workshop will be available soon.
GardenQuest 2013 will conclude with a “Build Your Own Rain Barrel” workshop in May. This is being offered in conjunction with the DeKalb County Department of Watershed Management. This is a hands-on workshop where participants make their own rain barrels with assistance. All materials and equipment are provided. Cost is $40 and is limited to 20 participants. Date and time will be announced soon.
To register or for more information, email friendsofeal@gmail.com or phone 678-938-6066.
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