The Bee Inspired Garden (BIG) initiative is partnering with the Aarchway Inn and Terrasophia Designs to host two free events this fall. BIG is a collaborative community garden organization that encourages the use of water-wise, pollinator friendly, and perennial edible landscaping.

There will be a two-part educational workshop series on the topics of rainwater harvesting and pollinator friendly landscaping. The first workshop will be an introduction to rainwater harvesting in landscapes with a hands-on portion where you’ll learn the basics behind site selection for greatest harvesting potential and the types of site grading or “earthworks” that you can use to slow, spread and sink the rainwater into your land, creating a thriving garden ecosystem.

In the second part of the series, the focus is on watershed friendly landscaping. This workshop will focus on how to select plants appropriate for our climate and the specific site you’re working with, how to effectively plant a new perennial garden, and then apply what was learned by planting and mulching a portion of the new Bee Inspired Garden at the Aarchway Inn.

We’ll be addressing the topics of Moab’s watershed, permaculture design, rainwater harvesting principles, native and naturalized plantings, perennials, and more through conversation and hands-on application.

Rainwater Harvesting Techniques with Jeff Adams of TerraSophia Designs at the Aarchway Inn’s West Pavilion. Monday September 21st 5:30-8 p.m.

Watershed Friendly Landscaping with Members of the Bee Inspired Garden initiative at the Aarchway Inn’s West Pavilion. Saturday October 24, 9 a.m.-noon.

Both workshops are free. Enjoy the workshops as a complementary series or as a stand-alone class.

Contact Dr. Ros Brain roslynn.brain@usu.edu or Claire Core claire.e.core@gmail.com for more information.