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Frequently Asked Questions

• What types of permaculture and gardening courses are available?

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  Our course offerings span multiple permaculture and sustainable gardening areas. We provide comprehensive multi-week courses such as the Complete Urban Farmer Course (14 sessions covering permaculture, chookcare, beekeeping, propagation, and seed saving) and the Sustainable Gardening Course. We also offer specialized single-session workshops on topics including fruit tree pruning, composting, worm farming, beekeeping, indigenous plant gardening, soil health, water management, and sensory garden design. Courses are available in both in-person and online formats.

• Are courses available online or only in-person?

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  Both formats are available. Online workshops include Home Composting for Beginners, Setting up a Worm Farm, and Growing Native Food Plants. In-person workshops are held at Edendale Farm and other locations. Online participants receive a Zoom link prior to sessions, and recordings are typically available for three days following live classes for those unable to attend.

• What do I need to bring to in-person gardening workshops?

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  Requirements vary by workshop. Fruit tree pruning workshops require gardening gloves, a hat, and sharp clean secateurs. The Beekeeping Workshop is limited to 8 participants to maintain an interactive format. Composting and worm farming workshops are held indoors with optional outdoor viewing, so wear a hat, sunscreen, and outdoor footwear if weather permits. Some workshops, such as terrarium workshops, provide all materials needed. Check individual course descriptions for specific requirements.

• What expertise do the instructors bring to these courses?

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  Instructors are experienced professionals in their fields. Justin Calverley is a horticulturist with over 20 years' experience and author of The Urban Farmer. Jacqueline Bender has 6 years of cheesemaking education experience and previously managed dairy goat farms. Fiona Cross has over 30 years in conservation and horticulture. Dr Sapphire McMullan-Fisher specializes in fungi and mosses ecology. Dan Milne teaches design at Monash University with expertise in ecology and permaculture. Course instructors combine practical experience with educational backgrounds relevant to their subjects.

• Do courses include materials or equipment?

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  Yes, many courses include materials and equipment. The Beekeeping Workshop includes a wooden beehive frame with beeswax foundation and a discounted book (Bee AgSkills). Cheesemaking workshops include a 20% discount on cheese-making kits and equipment purchased on the day. Worm farming and composting workshops offer discounted bins available for purchase. Terrarium workshops provide soil, gravel, plants, and all materials needed. The Complete Urban Farmer Course includes Justin Calverley's The Urban Farmer book as the course text.

• Are these courses suitable for beginners?

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  Yes, most courses are designed for beginners. Home Composting for Beginners specifically addresses those new to composting. Introduction to Beekeeping is marketed for adults and families considering beekeeping. The Sustainable Gardening Course introduces basics of horticulture and organic gardening. However, some advanced workshops exist—the Queen Rearing Workshop is geared toward experienced hobby and backyard beekeepers. Course descriptions specify target experience levels, and organizers encourage contact to discuss accessibility and suitability for your needs.