Course Overview
Welcome home to the Biodynamic Garden
Presented by highly experienced educator and Biodynamics practitioner, Sandra Frain, this practical course is a four-part exploration into the holistic and regenerative agriculture practices of Biodynamic Agriculture.
The course offers in-depth insight and practical demonstrations on the many aspects of Biodynamic Agriculture, with an intensive formal training for adults only on each of the Saturdays, followed by a festive family gardening workshop on each of the Sundays.
Participants are encouraged to join us for all four weekends to gain the benefit of the full course, but may also register for individual weekend sessions.
(Please note that each weekend session is inclusive of the Saturday AND Sunday workshop of the chosen weekend and cannot be attended separately.)
Course Content
In addition to practical preparations and techniques the course will cover theoretical content including:
- Exploring the History of Biodynamic Agriculture; Regenerative Agriculture, Organic and Permaculture.
- Archetypal qualities of physics and chemistry through observation and connection to materials in elements of earth, water, air and fire.
- Our Relationship to the animal kingdom including ‘pest control’, care of animals, use of animal manures; Our Relationship to the mineral kingdom including rock dust use for fertilising and ‘power towers’; Our Relationship to moving water including ponds; Our Relationship to fire including using ashes for fertilising and pest control.
Resources will be available for learning and recording.
Aims of the Course
The aim of these workshops is to support educators, parents and garden practitioners with learning ‘how to’ actively garden AND ‘how to’ share the knowledge of daily and seasonal Biodynamic garden activities with children, adolescents and adults.
If you would like to host Sandra Frain’s course at your school we welcome and encourage all collaboration, please get in touch with us today. School communities hosting the workshop receive an enrolment discount for all attendees.
WEEKEND OVERVIEW:
- Saturdays: 10am to 3pm (including nutritious shared meal) FORMAL LEARNING FOR ADULTS ONLY
- Sundays: 10am to 1.00pm FESTIVE FAMILY GARDENING FOR ALL AGES (with developmentally appropriate activities)
- Cost: $200 per adult for the weekend. (Accompanying additional adult and children are free to attend the Sunday sessions)
Summer WeekendDates: 2 and 3 December Venue: Warrah Biodynamic Farm and Specialist School, Dural A study of Summer exploring heat-appropriate biodynamic preparations This weekend will feature a farm tour with Warrah’s Biodynamic farmers; we’ll be learning about cover cropping, water drops, and biodynamic preparations for the Summer season, with a festive family day on Sunday.
$200 per person (incl. GST) Accompanying additional adult and children are free to attend the Sunday session |
A Festive Day for AllDates: 6 January Venue: Aurora Steiner School, Southern Highlands (TBC) On this special weekend, we’ll explore working with the biodynamic practice of Gold Frankincense and Myrrh. Also the possibility to learn bee care and/or harvest cow manure: summer fun in the highlands for the family. Free event for the whole family |
Transitioning a Farm to Biodynamic MethodsDates: postponed to Autumn 2024 Venue: Umbiella and Glen Alice Station, located in the heart of the Capertee Valley A rare opportunity to learn first-hand the processes involved in transitioning a conventional working cattle farm from traditional to biodynamic methods.
*Camping, cabins and Airbnb available nearby for overnight stay. Contact us for more info. $200 per person (incl. GST) Accompanying additional adult and children are free to attend the Thursday session |
Autumn WeekendDates: 16 and 17 March 2024 Venue: Warrah Biodynamic Farm and Specialist School, Dural This Autumn weekend will explore harvesting Produce including foraging native plants, weeds. Lacto-Bacili fermentation principles for care of garden, animal and humans as fertiliser and edible foods. Methods of preparing and preserving pertinent vegetables ie: beans, herbs, pumpkins. Sourdough Bread Baking, Butter, Cream Cheese Making. Afternoon Tea will be included (we ask everyone to bring a plate to share), with sourdough damper sticks and music.
$200 per person (incl. GST) Accompanying additional adult and children are free to attend the Sunday session |
Book Now
Course Fee:
$200 AUD per adult per weekend (incl. GST). Accompanying additional adult and children are free to attend the family sessions.
About the Tutor
Sandra Frain obtained her Masters in Steiner Education and Certification of Biodynamic Agriculture in Chestnut Ridge, New York. Her Bachelor of Child Study Degree and Drama therapy Certification also inform the Pedagogical work she is known for internationally. Sandra is a passionate connector of people of all ages with nature and the domestic arts locally and internationally. Sandra’s workshops are popular for their wisdom, skill development and fun.
What our Students Say
“This weekend was the perfect introduction to biodynamics. For anyone interested in building healthy soil, I highly recommend signing up for the next one. Thank you Sandra, you are the best!” – M
“Thank you Sandra for a wonderful weekend and for being such an inspiration!!!” – P
“The kids and I joined my husband for the festive family day, and had such a blast! What a brilliant way to spend a Sunday together, and to meet new people too! Our family cannot recommend this enough, we will definitely be doing more weekends with Sandra!” – J
Contact Us
Course Coordinator: Robyn Davis
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Select a workshop from the session options available
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