A Description of Available Lectures

KEYNOTE LECTURE: "Natural Gardening and Living Soils" inspires and educates attendees on the connections between plants and the microorganisms and fungi present in soil that lead to healthier, more robust plants. Using nature as a guide, the presentation encourages attendees to feed their garden's biology and ask, "How can I get this in my garden?" This leads to discussions about compost teas, biochar, soil inoculants, and native plants.

More specifically, "Natural Gardening and Living Soils" is a slide presentation and lecture that helps participants understand complex soil food web interactions in a simple, natural, and inspiring way. The presentation highlights field trials conducted by The Grateful Gardener, which tested not only traditional companion planting but also multiple varieties of compost, potting soil, compost tea, biochar, and many other soil amendments, demonstrating the amazing benefits of living soil.

The presentation is a narrative of lifelong personal experience, leading to a deep connection to the earth through gardening.

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OTHER LECTURES:

• "Good Bye Lawn" explores innovative alternatives to traditional grassy lawns for a more sustainable and visually appealing landscaping experience. This session will cover lawn reduction techniques, delve into the fascinating world of soil science, and inspire you to move beyond the conventional grass-covered yard.

• "Trees Triumph Over Adversity" Discover the inspiring resilience of trees and how they mirror our ability to overcome challenges. Just as trees weather storms with their intertwined roots and branches, we draw strength from our connections and diverse experiences. Using the forest as a metaphor, and Todd's personal photographs this lecture explores how we can cultivate resilience, wisdom, and the power of thought to rise above adversity and thrive as one with nature.

• A Homeowner’s Guide to Residential Landscaping and Gardens

  This presentation provides a comprehensive approach to residential landscaping, offering foundational knowledge and practical advice for homeowners of all experience levels. Giving a thorough introduction to all things home landscaping whether paying for services or a DIYer this presentation will prepare you to be the best steward of your land you can be.

• Energy Gardening

  Transform your garden into a sanctuary of harmony and healing with Energy Gardening, a unique approach that blends sacred geometry, chakra alignment, and medicinal plants. Energy Gardening bridges the gap between the physical and spiritual, allowing you to cultivate a space that heals and inspires. Learn how to design your space to nurture mind, body, and spirit

• "Gardening 101" - The Basics for beginning home vegetable gardeners. Everything we can squeeze into an hour plus a thirty minute Q&A: Soil, Planting, Watering, Plant Selection, Tools, Books, Resources, Etc.

• "Gardening 202" - Part Two in our beginner gardener series takes a step beyond the basics and focuses on making the most of your vegetable plot by introducing Square Foot Gardening, Succession planting, Companion Planting, Trellis and Staking techniques.

• "Gardening 303" - The most rewarding feeling in gardening is the moment you stand in your garden munching a fresh picked veggie and realize wow I grew this from seed to fruit!  Introduction to Seed Starting and Indoor Gardening covers home seed starting including, Seed Selection, Seed Starting Soils, Containers, and Light requirements.

• A guide to making your own black gold! "Compost Happens" covers the essentials of home composting including designing composting set ups, using worms, compost tea, trouble shooting and a few tips and tricks to make your efforts efficient and rewarding. 

• "Not for Kids Only" - Family Gardening 101 - Here I will work with families to "get our hands dirty" and connect with the earth through plants, worms, living soils and stories.