Ruskin Apothecary

For 2012 we are introducing a new one year course focused purely on the practical aspects of growing herbs (first half of year) and medicine making (second half). The course will be over 10 days, with seven in the first half of the year and three after the summer. It will be co-facilitated by Alena Standova who is an experienced biodynamic grower and Nathaniel Hughes.

The group (maximum 4) will have a ‘blank canvas’ – a plot of land to start with in March. Over the few months we will prepare the ground, start seeds, pot on and plant out. This will be structured with encouragement to develop your own herb garden alongside the group project. We hope to grow around 20 different key medicinal annuals/biennnials and several perennials.

As we move in to July and the second half of the year, the focus changes to harvesting and medicine making. We aim to produce around 10 to 15 different products for you to take over the year.

The course will be started at £330 for the year to make it as affordable as possible and includes some of the materials.

Most of the course will be held outside at Stroud Slad Farm, with some time at the Ruskin Apothecary.

This is quite a different program from the Intuitive Herbalism course, since it will not have much focus on the therapeutic aspects of the herbs, other than the most basic uses for the preparations. The focus instead is on developing the skills to grow, manage and use a herb garden effectively. For this reason, it is best supplemented by your own study or can serve as an adjunct to the other courses Nathaniel runs.

Enquiries to Nathaniel on 01453 835 029

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Plan for the year (course runs on WEDNESDAYS):

• 21st March – Preparing the land and planning the garden(s), initial discussions about choice of herbs

• 4th and 18th April - Setting seed, year planning

• 2nd, 16th and 30th May – Potting, planting, transplanting

• 13th and 27th June - Maintainance and harvest

• 12th September – Autumn harvest and medicine making

• 17th October - Final harvest, medicine making and review

Possible extra November day for root harvest if needed !

You are also invited to come and visit the plot when you wish to keep an eye on seedlings and maintain your relationship with the garden.