Wednesdays,
8am - 1pm

Class: "Principles and Practices in Organic Farming and Gardening," co-taught with Harry T. Wallace. Two lecture and three laboratory hours weekly. Academic education and hands-on training in the basic skills and procedures of organic farming and gardening. Instruction topics include applied soil science, management of long-term soil fertility, the establishment of greenhouse systems and applicable methods of plant propagation, a review of basic botany for gardeners, site analysis and plant selection. Class focus is on establishing and maintaining a sustainable farm, garden or landscape. 3.0 credit hours. Click here for complete course description, and visit the College of Marin website to register.

Mar. 23: Wendy & Annie's Seminar

San Mateo, CA

Wednesdays,
8am - 1pm  

Class: "Principles and Practices of Establishing an Organic Farm and Garden," co-taught with Harry T. Wallace. Two lecture and three laboratory hours weekly. Academic education and hands-on training in the basic skills and procedures of organic farming and gardening. Instruction topics include applied soil science, management of long-term soil fertility, the establishment of greenhouse systems and applicable methods of plant propagation, a review of basic botany for gardeners, site analysis and plant selection. Class focus is on establishing and maintaining a sustainable farm, garden or landscape. 3.0 credit hours. Visit the College of Marin website to register.

This unique retreat offers a rare opportunity to work with writing teacher Natalie Goldberg and gardening and meditation teacher Wendy Johnson in the stunning setting of Villa Lina, a five-hundred-year-old Italian villa and organic farm in the heart of Etruria, the beautiful region in which the mysterious ancient Etruscan civilization once prospered. In coming to a place such as this extraordinary Italian villa with a fresh mind, our raw potential can takeroot, our old memories and stories can emerge and we can let the writing rip. We will spend our days immersed in writing practice, grounded by sitting and walking meditation and nourished by the beauty of this ancient land, which we will embrace as we taste its foods and immerse ourselves in its majestic trees, flowers, fragrant herbs, rocks, rivers and roads. Bring a notebook and fast writing pens.

Villa Lina: Situated in the region of northern Lazio (near Tuscany and Umbria) and one hour north of Rome, this gorgeous villa's historic gardens shelter five historic residences surrounded by botanical walks, fountains and 3 swimming pools. Villa Lina is located within walking distance of the historic and mediaeval town of Ronciglione.

Early Bird Special (Before June 30): $2,995 (Double Occupancy)

After June 30: $3,395

For Information and registration, contact Maria Rodriguez at 212-219-2527, ext.135 or mrodriguez@opencenter.org

Click here for more information about The Toscana Institute

Annual Veteran's Mindfulness and Writing Retreat, Ben Lomond Quaker Center, Santa Cruz Mountains, CA. Led by Maxine Hong Kingston, Earll Kingston, Wendy Johnson and members of the Veteran's Writing Group. Sitting and walking meditation, writing in community, mindful movement, sharing meals in silence, and participating in Dharma talks and dialogue. Veterans of war and their families and friends are invited to join this retreat. More info to come.