Mini Breaks/Workshops
in SW France
Along with teaching Yoga I also offer workshops on Permaculture Design, Microgreens and No-Dig. Permaculture Design promotes sustainable and regenerative living and making a difference at a local level. No-Dig methods give superb and time-saving results in the production of nutrient dense food. Micro-Greens are tasty nutrient dense superfoods. Eating well is a preventative form of health care.
Overview
Along with my husband David we own and operate La Ferme du Moulin des Monts. La Ferme is a Micro-Green producer, small market garden and learning centre offering workshops promoting No-Dig methodology, Permaculture Design principles. Whatever your experience or interest we hope we have a workshop that resonates with you. Whether you live locally and wish to attend a workshop, you are visiting the Limousin region on holiday, or you wish to book a mini break away to coincide with one of our workshops we look forward to hearing from you soon. We are offering 1/2 day, and full day workshops experiences throughout the year on :
1) Introduction into Permaculture
2) Introduction into No-Dig Techniques
3) How to grow Microgreens
La Ferme du Moulin des Monts is situated in a beautiful tranquil valley in Dept 87, Haute Vienne. Surrounded by water, with the river Vayres on one side, and a short canal and pond to service the Mill on the other. The site has been a working Mill since pre-Napoleonic times. Now a working Permaculture farm, small no-dig market garden and Micro-Green Vertical farm producing highly nutrient dense foods.
Our workshops are designed for you to visit a working farm and learn more about the benefits of Permaculture, No-Dig techniques and how to grow nutrient dense Vegetables & Microgreens. With so many problems facing us globally now has never been a better time to learn new skills to live in harmony with nature, to become more self sufficient, make positive changes to elements of life that you value. and minimise our impact on the environment. Our hope is that you will leave after our workshops feeling re-energised and inspired to be the change you wish to see in the world.
WHAT IS PERMACULTURE ?
Permaculture Design promotes sustainable and regenerative living and making a difference at a local level. Permaculture is an ecological and innovative design system for now and future generations. The phrase was coined by Bill Mollison and David Holmgren from Australia. Permaculture creates systems for regeneration and sustainable living in harmony with nature’s intelligence. There are 12 principles which give a beautiful framework sharing practical and productive methodology that cares for the planet and creates solutions to problems that we face both locally and globally. It is a philosophy & flexible movement that encourages us to be resourceful, responsible, self reliant and minimise our impact on the environment. We can design ourselves out of the current world problems. It’s about aligning our actions to the natural systems so we become the most beneficial element on earth rather than the most damaging. We need a design plan, Permaculture has that design plan.
Permaculture Ethics:
1. Earth Care - all living things have an intrinsic worth. It is from the earth that all life comes.
2. People Care - sustainably securing all our needs enables us to care for one another & our planet as a whole
3. Fair Share - the other two ethics combined creates abundance. The redistribution of surplus and limits on consumption ensure that this can be enjoyed by all the countless generations.
WHAT IS NO DIG ?
No-Dig methods give superb and time-saving results in the production of vegetables.
No-Dig gardening, or no-tillage is a method that avoids disturbing of the soil. It is gaining in popularity in gardening and retentive farming. When growing crops, rather than using machinery such as tractors, plows, spades, to turn or cultivate the soil , no-dig is more or less leaving the soil alone. One of the most favourable reasons of this method is that no-dig prevents soils erosion and compaction. This in turn creates healthier soil that absorbs, retains moisture and nutrients better. Using a mulch of compost on a no-dig vegetable bed it unlocks fertility and there are less weeds. By feeding the soil it results in healthier soil organisms and fine threads of mycorrhizal fungi (many which are harmed by tillage) which in turn means healthier crops and stronger yields. Plus you save time by not digging.
WHAT ARE MICROGREENS?
Microgreens are just-sprouted vegetable/ herb seeds, that are in their first days of growth in fertile compost when picked. When harvested at this young stage of development there is a concentration of vitamins A, B, C and E, enzymes, and minerals (iron, calcium), beta-carotene, several antioxidants and even dietary fibre. In addition to having a low calorie and fat ratio, microgreens are known to be natural antioxidants contributing to the maintenance of good physical health. Micro-Greens are tasty nutrient dense superfoods.
About the area and what to expect
Haute-Vienne is a department in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region in southwest-central France. Located in the Limousin, Haute-Vienne will reveal all its riches to you: historical heritage, green and generous nature, cultural and artistic life. Click here for more information.
What to bring
For most of our events, you’ll be outside for some of the day, so please dress according to the forecast and bring warm waterproof clothing in case of bad weather and wear sturdy shoes.
What's not included
Transportation to and from La Ferme du Moulin des Monts
Nearest Airport
Limoges Airport is approx a 40 minute drive away.
Your Hosts
Your hosts David & Tracey and their adorable miniature schnauzer Alfie own and operate La Ferme du Moulin des Monts. To find out more about us please click here
Calendar - 2023 Dates
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If you interested in joining us for a workshop please get in touch to register your interest, or as we open to schedule a bespoke experience based on our availability.
Costs for Workshops
1/2 day (10-1pm) - TBA per person
Full day (10-12 and 2-5pm) - TBA per person
A non-refundable deposit is required to secure your place. Balance due two weeks prior to workshop.
A minimum of 6 people is needed to run the workshop. Maximum group for microgreen workshop is 8 persons.
Gites locally which we recommend
Accommodation within Self-Catering Gites locally to us. Shared in no particular order:
Option #1 : TBA
Option #2 : TBA
Option #3 : TBA
Option #4 : TBA
Please contact the gite directly to enquiry about their availability and to secure your accommodation.
Reviews from previous attendees
“Recently enjoyed a mini break with Tracey, David and their little dog Alfie at La Ferme de Moulin de Monts. What an inspirational and empowering time sharing ideas around no dig gardening, permaculture and growing micro greens We CAN all make a difference, finding ways to leave a lighter footprint on our beautiful planet. Sleepy villages and small towns nearby offered superb dining, and there were chateaux to explore too. We absolutely loved our time in the Limoges area, and look forward to returning.“ - by Ros Koring Psychotherapist/ Retired University Lecturer
Highly recommend the microgreens grown here - the taste of these little powerhouses will amaze you! I attended a mini-break learning about Permaculture with hands on experience of no dig gardening and microgreens. Tracey and David will give you a great welcome and you will learn so much from them. Very inspiring! - by Kate Bray Artist - https://www.landk.it
Thank you both for a wonderful mini retreat at La Ferme du Moulin. The whole experience was delightful from start to finish. Nicely paced, and each day, we learned something new about permaculture. You are both natural teachers and the passion you have for your land and growing is evident. I am looking forward to putting together, my no dig beds, and growing my plants and veg, the permaculture way in the future. I hope to I can pass on some tips to others. I am looking forward to trying some Microgreens of my own. They are a win win.. quick to grow and full of nutrition. After this mini retreat, I have so many possibilities, thank you. I hope to get back again some time, and learn more. - by Philomena Maguire, Cork. Ireland