Workshop: Basic Garden Carpentry

Thomas Wittman with over 30 years of experience as a craftsman, farmer and teacher, will share his knowledge on building structures in a garden or outdoor setting.  From basic trellises, gazebos, and benches all the way up to fences, planter boxes, arbors and small sheds, you'll learn from a master carpenter who has built many of the structures at the renowned UCSC Farm and Garden.  Ideas, formulas and plans will be explained in a manner that is easily absorbed by the beginning builder.  Basic tools and joinery will be discussed along with a host of simple and complex ideas that will inspire you to take on the challenge of creating beauty in form and function in the garden setting.  We will give a demo on building a small structure on site.

ALL CLASSES ARE HELD RAIN OR SHINE!

ALL CLASSES REQUIRE ADVANCE REGISTRATION, EVEN FOR GIFT CERTIFICATE HOLDERS.

Click on an available date to register:

February 18, 2012 (Saturday) 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.  $55
May 20, 2012 (Sunday) 2:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.  $55

-----------------------------------------

Please read our cancellation policy in case you are not able to attend your scheduled class. 

Subscribe to our newsletter to receive information about new classes, planting tips, free give-aways, and more exclusive content. 

If the workshop dates don’t work for you, if the class is full, or if you’d like to request that another class be added, please email us and we’ll do our best to accommodate you!

Love Apple Farms gift certificates can be used towards classes, seedlings, and merchandise.  They are available for purchase here. 

Check out other classes at Love Apple Farms by clicking here.

Comments

[Kerry DeBenedetti]

Tom Wittman, your Building Garden Structures class was informative and inspiring. Thank you for allowing and encouraging us to try out the tools you displayed and demonstrated. Your class has changed my attitude about what I can accomplish! I had just hoped to upgrade from my propping and tying methods to something sturdier; instead, I learned ways to do it right and have it look good! Thanks!

[Jane Baker]

Building Garden Structures class is just what I need but can't do the date. Can another be added to the calendar? I built raised beds but made all sorts of mistakes - I made them too tall and they also cost a small fortune! I'd like to use more recycled products but I'm not sure what's safe. In addition I want to build a chicken coop and raise heritage chickens. I'm thinking of Cubalaya or Holland or Buckeye. Any experience with these breeds and do you know of suppliers?

[stacey]

I would like to learn how to build small raised beds, compost structures, and to make my own trellises (I am especially interested in expanding garden vertically.)

I wish to learn more about the tools to use in creating such structures, plus ways to purchase materials at a fair price.

Lastly, as my garden is organic, I would appreciate advise on what not to buy or be weary of purchasing and brining into my garden.

Thanks!

[Elaine Horsley]

I am currently using a Worm Factory system for composting with worms and would like to learn to build a bit larger, sturdier system that includes a spigot for extracting worm tea.

[Karen Oeh]

I would like to learn how to make a solar outdoor fruit dehydrator.

[Michele Shockey]

I'd like to learn to make a cold frame so I can start winter veggies as early as possible. The lid needs to be lightweight, and the box should be well-insulated, I'm guessing...ideas?

[Hillary Schalit]

I'd be interested in learning how to make a green house which is something we'd like to add to our ever-expanding edible garden.

[sandie remus]

I'm interest in something to hide the huge telephone post in one corner of my yard with perhaps an arbor or sitting area below; currently there is an old walnut tree in front but it's getting unwieldy and needs to be either cut down or trimmed dramatically so the branches do not interfere with the electric/phone lines.

[Lara Fabans]

I'd like to make some cold frames out of recycled materials that blend in with my backyard.

[diane sterling]

I would love to know how to make various supporting frames that are artistic in looks, but do the job for plants such as cucumbers, beans, melons, peas, sweet peas.

I would also love to be able to do this with varying materials, from recyclable woods, ceramics, glass, and fallen materials such as tree boughs to make the rustic trellis's or garden furniture, so you can appreciate sitting in your beautiful, yet functional garden and passing the time watching your bees forage.

[Susan Beach]

I would love to build a small space potting shed--one where I could plant seedlings and on one side organize & hang my garden tools. It would have to be a blending of garden and ART! A finished shed that brings a smile to your face.

[Peggy Wilkinson]

I would like to see what the ideal CSA delivery box/basket would look like. If I am chosen as the winner, I would like to donate the prize to Fiona at her SouthPaw Farm @ Tiny Acres in Santa Cruz!

[g creeksong]

I'd like to learn how to incorporate recycled building materials into garden structures. On my wish list: a small tool shed and a beautiful gate to go with the deer fencing.

[Natalie]

I would like to learn to build tepees for the kids that are sturdy and can hold beans and peas.

[Nickie Irvine]

It would be great to learn the building blocks of making garden structures - how a trellis could be connected to make an arbor, for example. Also how to use different materials for building, from sawn wood to woven materials.