To know how to garden is not just knowing how to plant lettuce, where and when. Moreover, it is quite boring. An engaged gardener starts with observing the more-then-human-world and is able to connect to it with mind, heart and spirit. In these workshop we learn to connect to the land from a different perspective than the ‘normal’ way we look at gardens. Away from control and towards co-operation, away from separateness to belonging.
What if gardening wasn't just about growing vegetables, but about unlearning the systems we were raised in? In a world obsessed with control, order, and productivity, natural gardening invites us back into the dance of life — messy, colorful, unpredictable, and alive. The way we treat the soil is often how we treat ourselves, and each other. And so, the journey begins not with a spade, but with a shift in how we see the earth.
When the baseline is set, we turn to the practicalities of setting up a vegetable garden, food forest and/or ornamental garden. But with a wink to the weirdness of the natural world. Our newly gained perspective on nature and gardens will re-inforce the ability to observe and grasp opportunities, rather than hard, systemic work in the garden.
By the end of these five days, you’ll know how to set up your own vegetable garden, food forest, and/or ornamental garden — and you’ll receive clear documentation to support your next steps.
“I love how Wende weaves together queer ecology, deep ecology and native wisdom. She provides an indepth perspective on gardening rooted in sustainable relationship between humans and nature.
Through her life experience she gracefully adresses the intersection between gardening, politics and spirituality. She shows how the garden teaches us about community building and celebrating diverstity.
She is a great storyteller and takes you along from a theoretical framework into the practical details to apply in your garden.”
Jorien - participant
As a participant you will enjoy a comfortable bed in our community, shared or private. During the warm seasons there is a possibility to come with campervan or (rent a) tent. You will be provided with three delicious meals a day. This is as well an unique opportunity to get to know community life.
For more information, prices and subscription, contact Wende: tel/whatsapp/telegram: +31 6 18 54 30 95 or mail me: wende.brand@gmail.com