Permaculture for a Regenerative Future Workshop

This will be an immersive, co-created workshop offering a comprehensive introduction to the principles and practices of Permaculture. During this gathering, we'll explore the essence of Permaculture, a nature-based holistic design framework for regenerative living. We'll delve into the roots of Permaculture as it was founded in the 1970s, and its deeper roots in Indigenous knowledge. Through this process, we'll play within a world view based on systems thinking, in contrast with the reductionist worldview that is so prevalent within the Western world.

Discover the art of designing resilient ecosystems through Permaculture guilds, food forest design, and polycultures. Explore the guiding ethics and principles of Permaculture, and learn how to apply them to your own projects. From site assessment to design implementation, we'll cover practical techniques for creating regenerative landscapes that thrive in harmony with nature. A Permaculture garden will need a lot less inputs of your time, energy, water, and chemical inputs like fertilizers and pesticides. Whether you're new to Permaculture or seeking to deepen your understanding, this workshop will be an opportunity to harvest valuable insights and tools for cultivating a regenerative future for the collective benefit.

We will spend the morning meeting each other, talking about the origins of Permaculture, what it is and how it relates with systems thinking, learn the core principles, and then we'll have half an hour for lunch from 12 - 12:30. In the afternoon, we'll discuss site assessment and design, Permaculture garden techniques, and brainstorm community projects.

With a passion and never-ending curiosity for the natural world, Anna Maria was introduced to Permaculture in Colombia in 2017 - a life-changing moment that provided a positive vision for the future to work towards. She has been applying its principles to transform gardens (and her life) ever since. Drawing on diverse experiences gained through volunteer and work opportunities in Australia, Chile, Ecuador, Colombia, and Canada, Anna Maria has cultivated a deep appreciation of ecological stewardship and community engagement, and where they overlap. From teaching "Backyard Gardening" for the Community Herbalist program at Pacific Rim College in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada (2020-2023) to serving as a Program Coordinator for a social enterprise focused on improving equity in the local food system, Anna Maria loves being a part of building resilience and connection within communities. Certified as an Organic Horticulture Specialist, Anna Maria works with dedication to gardening and agricultural practices based on patterns of nature, along with her keen interest in exploring the intersection between healing the overculture, promoting holistic human health, and restoring ecological balance.

About the Venue

Upon your registration, we will reach out with specific directions for accessing the site, as well as a phone number and email address to contact us should you need help finding it.

In terms of venue accessibility, please be aware that Paradise Gardens is a working farm - with all that comes with that. The marquee where we will hold our workshop is accessed via a muddy pathway. The rest of the farm and fields are totally unpaved, grassy trails.

At the moment, the pathways are not ideal for wheelchair users or people with significantly impaired mobility.

A composting toilet will be available for our use, located just 15m from the marquee. Handwashing facilities and drinking water will also be available on site.

We will have breaks throughout the day, including solo time to connect to the natural beings around us.

If there is anything else we can do to make this experience as supportive as possible for you, please don't hesitate to reach out to us and we will do our best within our capacity to support!

This event is being offered by donation. Donations (in cash on the day of) are warmly appreciated but not strictly necessary.

Please bring with you:

• Your own lunch and snacks for the day and everything you need to eat it
• A cushion or blanket if you wish
• Wear comfortable clothing and shoes suitable for walking the land on the farm
• Rain gear and outerwear as needed - we'll be spending a lot of time outside, including sitting on the ground
• A notebook + pen for taking notes
• Water bottle
• A sense of curiosity and open-mindedness

Host or Publisher Earth Weavers Collective