Description

Tour Date:  May 13th, 2023 – begins at 1 pm

This tour will include a walk about the grounds, exploring the various buildings and features of Blue Rock Station (more detail about what you will see on the tour). The gardens at Blue Rock Station are no ordinary gardens. There are no neat rows or carefully manicured areas, but there are loads of beneficial insects. Plus the garden’s look neat and tidy with all that mulch that keeps the plants cooler when it’s hot and wetter when it’s dry. The new food forest areas, including the high tunnel are a unique twist on overall food production and land management. They also demonstrate some lessons in climate adaptation. Annie will lead the tour as she talks about how she manages the the variety of gardens over the four seasons. After the tour, and a proper cup of tea, there will be a short demonstration on how to propagate some of the plants from the gardens over the winter. What you will see or learn:

• Fall/winter/spring/summer management of vegetable raised beds
• Rain garden management
• Creating a propagation area
• Visit the new high tunnel forest garden
• Learn about the new food forest urban lot project
• Discussion about climate adaptation planning for southeast Ohio
• Easy plant propagation (including elderberry, fig, celery)
• Perhaps some wild food identification.

March is generally cold and muddy so arrive prepared to get dirty and to walk on uneven ground. Plan to walk quite a bit during the tour. Feel free to bring a water bottle and writing materials for keeping notes. Photos are always welcome. Space is limited to 25. If you would like to bring a group of people please register early to avoid disappointment. If you would like to book the entire event please telephone to discuss how this would work. Open day tour fees are $20.00 per person (infants and toddlers under 5 are free but this is really not an event intended for children).  Tours take about 3 hours (sometimes longer if there are lots of questions) and will include some light refreshments.  Tours begin promptly at 1 p.m. Open day tours are limited to 20 people (we can handle larger groups for a private group tour but really would rather not).  Please ensure you will be able to go on the tour before purchasing your ticket.  Most tours sell out well in advance and if your plans change and you can’t make it, let us know so we can give someone else a chance. Tour frequently asked questions (FAQs) Tentative 2023 Tour Dates (all Saturdays): (I guess in the age of Covid and global warming, everything is tentative)

• April 22nd, 2023 – (Goats and Kidding)
• May 13th, 2023 – (Spring Gardens)
• June 17th, 2023 – (Reuse and Repurpose)
• September 16th, 2023- (Harvesting)
• November 18th, 2023 – (Sustainable Holidays)

If you have questions about tour availability or problems registering, call us at 740-674-4300.  Ensure your spot by registering through the date link above.* Tours begin at 1 pm and usually end around 4 pm. $20.00 per person (children 5 and under free, although this tour is not designed for children) (*by registering, you agree to the terms outlined in the Waiver of Liability)