One Day Introduction to Biodynamics
This one day workshop was developed for 'Food From The Sky' - a rooftop vegetable garden in Crouch End, London. It has subsequently been delivered at Lauriston Farm as well. It gives a good, broad introduction to Biodynamics with some practical activity in the afternoon. If you are interested in hosting such a one day event or would like to attend one at Lauriston Farm please get in touch!
Background
The Biodynamic method of farming and gardening originated from eight lectures delivered by Dr Rudolph Steiner in the 1920’s. His insights into minerals, plants, animals, lunar and planetary aspects are now practised by farmers and gardeners world-wide with over one hundred and thirty Demeter certified farms in the UK alone. However, the techniques and philosophy can be applied to any location, including roof top gardens, with tangible benefits to plant health and general well being of the area.
The methods are intrinsically sustainable and aim to produce food of a very high quality to fully nourish the human being. Plants and animals are encouraged to fully express themselves and the gardener is encouraged and helped to rediscover their natural, intuitive skills in the care of their garden.
In this introductory workshop, a brief history of Biodynamics will be given followed by some of the key principles and methods. These include:
- the role of the gardener
- viewing the garden as one living organism
- making and using the Biodynamic preparations for soils, plants and compost
- working with the Lunar cycles and planetary rhythms using Maria Thun’s Planting Calendar
In the afternoon, one of the key preparations - Horn Manure - will be made and applied.
This will be a very interactive day with lots of opportunity for discussion. Prior knowledge of the subject is not important and, as Biodynamics covers so many other disciplines, it is often the case that we all learn from each other.
Typical Timetable
Background
The Biodynamic method of farming and gardening originated from eight lectures delivered by Dr Rudolph Steiner in the 1920’s. His insights into minerals, plants, animals, lunar and planetary aspects are now practised by farmers and gardeners world-wide with over one hundred and thirty Demeter certified farms in the UK alone. However, the techniques and philosophy can be applied to any location, including roof top gardens, with tangible benefits to plant health and general well being of the area.
The methods are intrinsically sustainable and aim to produce food of a very high quality to fully nourish the human being. Plants and animals are encouraged to fully express themselves and the gardener is encouraged and helped to rediscover their natural, intuitive skills in the care of their garden.
In this introductory workshop, a brief history of Biodynamics will be given followed by some of the key principles and methods. These include:
- the role of the gardener
- viewing the garden as one living organism
- making and using the Biodynamic preparations for soils, plants and compost
- working with the Lunar cycles and planetary rhythms using Maria Thun’s Planting Calendar
In the afternoon, one of the key preparations - Horn Manure - will be made and applied.
This will be a very interactive day with lots of opportunity for discussion. Prior knowledge of the subject is not important and, as Biodynamics covers so many other disciplines, it is often the case that we all learn from each other.
Typical Timetable
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10.00 - 10.30:
10.30 - 10.50: 10.50 - 11.15: 11.15 - 11.45: 11.45 - 1.00: 1.00 - 2.00: 2.00 - 2.45: 2.45 - 4.30: 4.30 - 5.00: |
Checking In and Intention for the Day
Setting the Scene - An introduction to Biodynamics and the work of Rudolph Steiner - brief history of Rudolph Steiner’s work and some basic concepts - background to the Agriculture lectures - the structure of the Biodynamic Movement - Biodynamic networks in the UK Delving Deeper - Key Principles of the Biodynamic Method - the garden as one organism - introducing nature spirits - the role of the gardener - the Biodynamic preparations - working with earthly, lunar, solar and planetary rhythms Tea Break Using Rhythms - The Biodynamic Planting Calendar - background to the calendar and how to read it - explanation of some of the lunar influences - other planetary influences Lunch Harnessing Health - The Biodynamic Preparations - an introduction to the Biodynamic preparations for soil, plant and compost - Horn Manure and Horn Silica - Compost Preparations of Camomile, Stinging Nettle, Oak Bark, Valerian, Dandelion and Yarrow - Horsetail - Three Kings Preparation - Barrel Preparation Dynamising your Garden – a plan for the year (incl. tea) - making Horn Manure for next year - stirring Horn Manure and Horn Silica - spraying the mixtures - making compost with the compost preparations - barrel preparation - Three Kings preparation - watching the sky Summary and Close |
