New course shines light on permaculture practices

Permaculture enthusiasts in the Mahurangi area have the opportunity to learn from two internationally recognised permaculture exponents this year.

Trish Allen and Guenther Andraschko are running a Permaculture Design Certificate (PDC) course based at the Matakana Hall and Community Garden, from April to November.

“Permaculture is not only about looking after water, soil and ecosystems, but also growing food and other flora in a sustainable way,” Allen says. “Recently, we’ve seen the cost of fertilisers and food go through the roof. It’s a great reason for people to create their own healthy soil and compost to grow nutritious food for their families and communities.”

Allen and her husband, the late Joe Polaischer, ran permaculture courses at their Rainbow Valley Farm on Matakana Valley Road for many years. She has been a local leading light in environmental practices and is one of the driving forces behind Mahurangi Wastebusters.

Guenther Andraschko is an earth builder and landscaper with more than 25 years’ experience creating unique outdoor environments. He is passionate about supporting others to realise their own permaculture projects and aspiration.

“What makes this permaculture course unique is that participants can choose from a range of different practical workshops,” Andraschko says.

These include hands-on experience with earth building, pruning and grafting, mushroom growing, fermentation and plant propagation and composting.

Allen and Andraschko have run successful PDC courses for a number of years. They say for this upcoming course they will be introducing some new tools and ideas.

“Healthy soil and compost are key elements of a thriving ecosystem, and we’ve purchased a new microscope that can show us just how healthy it is,” Allen says. “We’re also emphasising a te ao Māori perspective, which will be a wonderful addition to the course.”

The full PDC consists of nine theory days and three practical workshops, held over seven months. The theory days cover topics such as ecology and climate, water management, composting, forest gardens and economics.

There are eight practical workshops to choose from, and once the course students have made their choice, the remaining spots will be open to the public.

The cost of the full PDC is $1495 and the Earthskin Trust has provided scholarships up to $500 for people who need financial support. For more information on the scholarships, go to the Earthskin website. For further information, including enrolment forms, visit www.resilientliving. nz or email pdcmatakana@gmail.com