2027 Dates and Times:
March 27, April 24, May 22, June 26, July 31, August 14, Sept 25th, October 23, November 13

All classes are on Saturdays from 10am – 3:30pm

This is an experiential course where learning is through hands-on activities following the rhythms of the seasons.  This course will be supporting the growing of herbs that supply Wildroot Botanicals apothecary and students will also be receiving some medicines that we grow for their personal use.

Each day will focus on discussion sections and hands-on work.  This is a class for those that are okay getting their hands dirty and are excited to learn through working in the gardens.  It is appropriate for beginning growers or those looking to expand their knowledge and experience growing medicinal herbs and medicine making.  Course content will generally consist of the lists below but what the seasons and spaces present will also guide our topics for the month.

Spring focuses for the course will consist of:

• Seed starting through various methods to nudge medicinal seeds to germinate including techniques like: stratification, scarification and fire germination.  

• Bed preparation and construction

• Mulching of pathways, sheet mulching

• Seed transplanting

• Soil fertility techniques

• Composting, making compost teas, fertilizing

• Weed management

• Construction of a hoop house

• Working with tools and tool care

• Blackberry removal and management

• Pest control techniques
  
  Summer focuses for the course will consist of:

• Harvesting, drying and processing of medicinal plants

• Making medicinal preparations of tinctures, hydrosols and other medicinal preparations

• Seed collection

• Irrigation

• Pest management

• Weed management

• Site maintenance

Fall focuses for the course will consist of:

• Continuation of harvesting or processing medicinal plants

• Seed saving

• Plant propagation from root divisions and cuttings

• Mushroom inoculation

• Planting bulbs

• Winterizing

• Cover crops

Students will have support around a related class topic from the teachers that will be an ongoing project each student will choose.  This could be creating your own garden, researching a category of medicinal plants for a condition or a self care project.

Instructors

This course is co-taught by Sayvanna SFabian of Garden of Venus and founder of Wildroot Botanicals Leslie Lekos. For more information about the teachers visit the about page.

Being Prepared for the Weather

We will be outside rain or shine.  It is important to always come to class prepared to be outside.  Good shoes/mud boots are important as well as layers and rain gear for cold weather months.  Sunblock and hats are important for summer months.  It can also be useful to bring something to sit on and a water bottle for the day.

Lodging for Out of Town Guests

Several of our students come from out of town. We are located between Bellingham and Burlington/Mount Vernon so staying in either location is where students often choose to stay. 

Cost
$ 1,500 Register by clicking the button below

(1) Regular price is $1500 due before the start of class.

(2) Payment Plan – you have the option of a payment plan of $400 deposit, plus 3 payments of $400 (total of $1,600) After your deposit is made, the next payments will be due on the first of each month for 4 months.

(3) You may purchase a day pass for any date for $200 here.

(4) Register by January 1st for $100 off using code EARLYBIRD.

Adverse Conditions

Please note that if there are events beyond our control, such as illness, forest fire smoke, or extreme weather that compromise student safety then the school may reschedule a class to another date.