Applications for the
Build the Skills & Confidence to Grow Your Own Annual Garden --
From Seed to Plate!
Plan, Plant, Tend, Harvest & Preserve
at the Hawk & Hawthorne Homestead Farm through
3 Seasons of Appalachian Spring, Summer & Fall
Have you been yearning to get your hands in the earth & gain the skills to grow your own garden? Join us in for the 2023 season, learning to tend 12,000+ square feet of annual gardens on a stunning homestead in Barnardsville, NC.
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PLUS, Learn to Propagate, Graft, Care for Fruit Trees & Perennials
Within an Existing Permaculture Design!
1/3 Mile of Contoured Terraces, ready to become a flourishing food forest!
Are You Ready to Learn, Work, Play & Grow in Community in 2023?
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Location:
The Holistic Homestead Immersion will be held at the stunning Hawk & Hawthorne – an intentional community, permaculture farm & event venue, located in Barnardsville, NC – just 20 minutes north of Asheville. Dates: The Immersion runs from March through mid-November. It is split into three, 12 week seasons, based on the agricultural high holidays:
We will meet once per week on Thursdays, 10 days in each 12 week season, allowing flexibility for severe weather and holidays. ** Exact schedules for kick-off parties, classes & retreats will be released at the beginning of each season. ** Class Flow:
Flexible Commitment: Choose to sign up for all three seasons, pick two, or just drop in for one – it’s up to you! There are discounts and payment plans available, depending on what commitment level you want. We have limited sliding scale & scholarships available. See Enrollment Options for more. |
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THE DETAILS
Your 2023 Immersion Includes:
30 Weekly Gatherings: Yoga, Learning, Lunch & Workday
One gathering per week for 10 of 12 weeks every season; Facilitated by Ben Garfin & Dane Mainella, the Hawk’s farm & garden co-managers (bios below).
⇒ Breathe & Connect with Traditional Hatha Yoga
Ease in to the day with Ben's gentle traditional hatha yoga & breathwork class, held in the morning in the Barn ... as long as it's not too cold! (90 minutes; optional)
⇒ Learning in the Barn
After yoga, we'll start most days with class in the Barn. Ben & Dane will teach the day's module, then answer questions. The module may or may not be immediately relevant to the workday. See below for full curriculum!
* Please note: There is no online or video component to this course. All learning is done in person.
⇒ Vegetarian Lunch + Buchi Kombucha / Kefir Soda
At every weekly gathering, you'll be treated to a chef-prepared lunch in the Barn, with as many ingredients as possible sourced fresh from the garden or foraged from the forest. (Let us know about dietary needs, including vegan, DF, GF, and carnivores.)
⇒ Hands-On Workday
Time to get out on the land for several hours to practice what you've learned in class -- and a lot that you didn't! The biggest value in this immersion is by *embodying* the skills you're learning in class ... getting real experience interpreting what the land & plants are asking for that day and taking the right action in the moment. Ben & Michael will guide you through every skill 'til you feel totally confident. Practice makes progress!
One gathering per week for 10 of 12 weeks every season; Facilitated by Ben Garfin & Dane Mainella, the Hawk’s farm & garden co-managers (bios below).
⇒ Breathe & Connect with Traditional Hatha Yoga
Ease in to the day with Ben's gentle traditional hatha yoga & breathwork class, held in the morning in the Barn ... as long as it's not too cold! (90 minutes; optional)
⇒ Learning in the Barn
After yoga, we'll start most days with class in the Barn. Ben & Dane will teach the day's module, then answer questions. The module may or may not be immediately relevant to the workday. See below for full curriculum!
* Please note: There is no online or video component to this course. All learning is done in person.
⇒ Vegetarian Lunch + Buchi Kombucha / Kefir Soda
At every weekly gathering, you'll be treated to a chef-prepared lunch in the Barn, with as many ingredients as possible sourced fresh from the garden or foraged from the forest. (Let us know about dietary needs, including vegan, DF, GF, and carnivores.)
⇒ Hands-On Workday
Time to get out on the land for several hours to practice what you've learned in class -- and a lot that you didn't! The biggest value in this immersion is by *embodying* the skills you're learning in class ... getting real experience interpreting what the land & plants are asking for that day and taking the right action in the moment. Ben & Michael will guide you through every skill 'til you feel totally confident. Practice makes progress!
Bonuses to Enhance Your Learning
Field Trips to Neighboring Farms
By traveling to other projects, you’ll learn a variety of perspectives, techniques & see different ways to do things.
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Guest Lecturers
A few times per season, we'll invite a diverse range of experts in the fields of regenerative agriculture, herbalism, climate activism and more to come speak & enrich your immersion.
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Recommended Reading List
You'll receive a book list to add even more depth & perspective to your class learning. While it's optional to do the additional reading, it's highly encouraged!
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The Curriculum
Imagine The Empowered Gardener You'll Be By Next November Learning All of This!
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We will learn & practice the skills to tend BOTH annual garden beds and the Hawk’s growing food forest of edible & medicinal perennials, full of a wide sampling of the abundance we can cultivate here in our WNC bioregion.
During our weekly gatherings, you’ll learn how to:
Bottom line: you'll experience EVERYTHING we do on a daily, weekly & seasonal basis on our homestead ... to maintain and grow abundant, healthy gardens ... to use or preserve the food we grow ... and to begin removing ourselves from an extractive food system, returning to more sovereign & ancestral food-ways. * Please note, there is no online component to this course. All learning & instruction is done live on class days. Ben & Dane will give you a list of recommended reading to enhance what you're learning in class. |
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Plus, Even More Treats!
Abundance CSA Boxes
During the abundant times of the season, you’ll get to share in the harvest & bring home boxes of fresh goodies you helped grow!
(As available; per facilitator guidance.) |
Deep Dive, Overnight Retreats
Once per season, we’ll invite the whole class to come integrate with the Hawk community, camp on the land together, eat & make merry, and knock out larger projects as a team.
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Camping Included
BYO tent & come camp the night before and/or the night of class. Enjoy our hiking trails, the Heartspring, and amenities including a hot shower & outdoor kitchen.
(Additional camping passes outside class time may also be available – just ask!) |
+ Special Gifts from the Community
Free Season Tickets to Hawk Shows
Enjoy Complimentary Tickets to Hawk Shows during the season(s) you're enrolled.
Last year we held 13 shows averaging $33 per show, Over a $400 value! * some blackout dates apply |
Hawk T-Shirt
"May the Circle Be Open"
Designed by beloved artist Nikki Scioscia; locally printed at Lightning Bolt Ink on soft & sustainable Bella Canvas shirts $20 value |
Meet Your Facilitators
Ben Garfinannual garden manager at the Hawk
lead facilitator By working with the land, growing food, practicing yoga, and living in sustainable communities, Ben has discovered some important truths in his life.
After having his hands on many aspects of regenerative homesteading ... He considers growing our own food to be one of the most radical, yet simple, ways we can start reconnecting with ourselves, each other & Nature; healing our bodies & spirits; and removing ourselves from an extractive, exploitative consumerist culture. From his traditional yoga training & living in an ashram … To managing 1,000 laying hens at Mosaic Farm ... To completing the prestigious Skill Builders program at the Bullock’s Permaculture Homestead … And landing here at the Hawk, where he championed bringing the gardens to their most abundant year ever … Ben brings enormous energy, love and passion to working with the land, every day. Ben is also a traditional Hatha yoga teacher, and is excited to share his gentle, grounding & connective practice to you before class begins. He is also an avid Go and poker player. |
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“As we come to see the natural world as an extension of ourselves, and gain an intuitive understanding that our personal healing is inextricably tied to the healing of our ecosystem, we begin to yearn for the skills to sustainably tend land which were once our birthright ..."
- BEN GARFIN
Michael Numinoussteward & MC of the Hawk
assistant facilitator Michael has been growing his relationship with food & community for 15 years since the documentary Food Inc. first opened his eyes to evils of industrial agriculture. He jumped in to the “Food Revolution” with his first job out of college as the community relations coordinator for Earth Fare in Knoxville.
In 2011, he moved to Asheville to help launch a fledgling kombucha brewery called Buchi. Michael spent almost 7 years on the road promoting fermented foods up & down the coast, while living with the founding Buchi team at Herb Mountain Farm. There, he got a sense for what was possible through the power of community. With the help of friends & Buchi co-owners, he was able to purchase the Hawk & Hawthorne (then Hawk & Ivy). He & the Hawkthorne community have been working diligently over the past 6 years to renovate, upgrade & steward the land into a much-needed gathering space & outlet for hands-on permaculture education. He also enjoys hip hop & occasionally beating Ben at poker. |
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Value Exchange
In Summary, You'll Receive:
30 Weekly Gatherings:
- 3 Full Seasons of Hands-On Learning & Integration into the Hawk Homestead & Community Experience
- Yoga Classes
- Vegetarian Lunches + Buchi on Tap
- Abundance CSA Baskets
- Up to 2 Nights Complimentary Camping Per Class
- Additional Workdays / Make Up Days for Missed Classes
Plus:
- 3 weekend deep dive retreats
- A Season Pass to Hawk Shows
And, one Hawk T-Shirt
+ more seasonal gifts, invitations & experiences
we're excited to surprise you with ...
- 3 Full Seasons of Hands-On Learning & Integration into the Hawk Homestead & Community Experience
- Yoga Classes
- Vegetarian Lunches + Buchi on Tap
- Abundance CSA Baskets
- Up to 2 Nights Complimentary Camping Per Class
- Additional Workdays / Make Up Days for Missed Classes
Plus:
- 3 weekend deep dive retreats
- A Season Pass to Hawk Shows
And, one Hawk T-Shirt
+ more seasonal gifts, invitations & experiences
we're excited to surprise you with ...
With All That's Included,
We Value this Experience at $1,500 per Season
(Or $4,500 For A Year-Long Immersion**)
** This is the value of the Immersion -- not what we are asking for tuition! **
We value financial accessibility for homesteading education --
and we must honor our time & cover costs.
That's why we've come up with some creative options,
so you can enroll for nearly 25% off full value.
We value financial accessibility for homesteading education --
and we must honor our time & cover costs.
That's why we've come up with some creative options,
so you can enroll for nearly 25% off full value.
Enrollment Options
There are a two ways to join this exciting immersion ...
Option 1: Go All InIf you’ve been waiting for the opportunity to learn from experienced homestead gardeners, to connect with community and get your hands in the dirt practicing permaculture, you can go “ALL IN” and commit to the whole year (all 9 months, for Spring, Summer & Fall seasons).
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Option 2: A La CarteIf you just want to try out this homesteading thing, or you know you aren't available for a weekly class for all 9 months in 2023 (understandable!), then feel free to sign up for the one or two seasons that work best for you.
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BEST VALUE
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VALUE + FLEXIBILITY
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TRY IT OUT
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Important Fine Print
==> Spaces are limited. If you are excited & feel the "YES!", please apply now!
==> Payment plans will be considered on a case-by-case basis. There is a specific place on the application to explain these needs. Please do not message us separately; apply first & then we will discuss.
==> Up to 3 reduced rate scholarships are available for BIPOC or Historically Disadvantaged Groups. Please let us know if this applies to you in your application.
==> Course deposits & tuition payments are non-refundable.
==> Payment plans will be considered on a case-by-case basis. There is a specific place on the application to explain these needs. Please do not message us separately; apply first & then we will discuss.
==> Up to 3 reduced rate scholarships are available for BIPOC or Historically Disadvantaged Groups. Please let us know if this applies to you in your application.
==> Course deposits & tuition payments are non-refundable.
Sample Class Schedule
(daily flow subject to weather & season)
A part of becoming a holistic homesteader is learning to live in flexible, patient rhythm with the sun, moon and seasons.
That means the flow of our spring class will look different than those held in high summer. In summer, we may choose to start the day earlier, take a midday siesta to beat the heat, then jump back out on the land from 4pm to sunset.
While we’ll aim to meet 10 times per season, the weather and needs of the land will ultimately dictate what we do & when.
That said, here's what a typical class day may look like ...
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9:00am - gentle yoga, meditation, and breathwork in the barn 10:30am - class time, discussion, guest lecture in the barn and/or field trip to neighboring projects 12:pm - lunch time & break 1:30pm - immerse yourself in projects on the land, learning hands-on 5:00pm / sunset - closing circle, observations and thoughts from the day |
Join us for community Barn Yoga!
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Your Questions, Answered!
IS THIS A PERMACULTURE DESIGN COURSE (PDC)?
No. Though we will learn & practice permaculture principles, a PDC involves planning earthworks, designing water ways, etc. The Hawk already has a permaculture plan, which you’ll become intimate with. You’ll get to refine & work within an existing design.
DO YOU OFFER SLIDING SCALE TUITION, SCHOLARSHIPS OR DISCOUNTS?
Yes. For our “vibes high, cash low” friends, please fill out your application and let us know about your financial situation and what type of sliding scale would work for you. Full work/trade is not available. We have a limited number of discounted spaces set aside for BIPOC & disadvantaged groups specifically. In your application, please let us know if this applies to you & how we can make this accessible for you.
WHAT TOOLS WILL I NEED?
Students must provide their own work gloves, hori hori, and pruners / clippers. We’ll provide big tools and all the other materials for growing a beautiful, bumpin’ garden!
You’ll also need to be prepared for long days outside. We highly recommend sun, bug, & poison ivy protection, water vessels, a towel if you want to jump in the Heartspring, snacks, etc.
WHAT HAPPENS IF I MISS A CLASS / WORKDAY?
We understand life happens and you may not be able to attend every week. Ben & Dane are in the garden most every day during the growing season, so you’ll likely be able to schedule a working makeup session with at least one of them … and pepper them with questions as you go. We will have at least 3 "makeup" workdays per season. Please understand we cannot offer refunds / prorated tuition for missed classes, even in emergencies.
IS THIS HARD WORK / A VERY PHYSICAL EXPERIENCE?
Yes! To get the most out of this program, you’ll need to be physically healthy enough to move, bend, squat, get on your knees, use tools, carry heavy things, and so on. Though we have a semi-flexible schedule to accommodate extreme weather, we work in the rain, the humidity, and the hot sun!
IS THIS A RESIDENTIAL PROGRAM?
No. Housing for full-time residents is full. You are welcome to camp on the land the night before & night of class days if it is more convenient for you. Since we also host on AirBNB, there may be rooms available if you’d like to rent a room for nights before or after class.
IS THIS A COMMERCIAL PRODUCTION FARM?
No, as permaculturists, we grow food on a human scale. This is not about large scale, commercial production, though we do have a tractor & use other small machines where it makes sense. If you are aiming to start a commercial scale farm and grow food professionally, you'll still gain much from this immersion.
ARE YOU CERTIFIED ORGANIC?
No, but we use beyond organic practices.
WHAT IS YOUR REFUND / PRO-RATING POLICY?
As a small business with a thousand moving parts, we cannot offer refunds or pro-rate missed classes, even in emergencies. Once we have received payment, we consider that your commitment to this program, whether for 1, 2 or all 3 seasons.
If you find you cannot attend, your place may be transferable to another student (who must be approved by Ben, Dane & Michael).
DO YOU OFFER REWARDS FOR REFERRALS?
Yes! When someone enrolls under your name, signs their contract & completes their first payment, we’ll offer you a 10% rebate off your tuition (for every person you enroll). So, if you have a friend you want to share this experience with, it’s worth 10% off for you (or 5% for both of you ;) There is also a 5% referral reward even if you're not in the program.
WHAT IF I HAVE OTHER QUESTIONS?
Holler at us: [email protected] or on Facebook or Instagram.
No. Though we will learn & practice permaculture principles, a PDC involves planning earthworks, designing water ways, etc. The Hawk already has a permaculture plan, which you’ll become intimate with. You’ll get to refine & work within an existing design.
DO YOU OFFER SLIDING SCALE TUITION, SCHOLARSHIPS OR DISCOUNTS?
Yes. For our “vibes high, cash low” friends, please fill out your application and let us know about your financial situation and what type of sliding scale would work for you. Full work/trade is not available. We have a limited number of discounted spaces set aside for BIPOC & disadvantaged groups specifically. In your application, please let us know if this applies to you & how we can make this accessible for you.
WHAT TOOLS WILL I NEED?
Students must provide their own work gloves, hori hori, and pruners / clippers. We’ll provide big tools and all the other materials for growing a beautiful, bumpin’ garden!
You’ll also need to be prepared for long days outside. We highly recommend sun, bug, & poison ivy protection, water vessels, a towel if you want to jump in the Heartspring, snacks, etc.
WHAT HAPPENS IF I MISS A CLASS / WORKDAY?
We understand life happens and you may not be able to attend every week. Ben & Dane are in the garden most every day during the growing season, so you’ll likely be able to schedule a working makeup session with at least one of them … and pepper them with questions as you go. We will have at least 3 "makeup" workdays per season. Please understand we cannot offer refunds / prorated tuition for missed classes, even in emergencies.
IS THIS HARD WORK / A VERY PHYSICAL EXPERIENCE?
Yes! To get the most out of this program, you’ll need to be physically healthy enough to move, bend, squat, get on your knees, use tools, carry heavy things, and so on. Though we have a semi-flexible schedule to accommodate extreme weather, we work in the rain, the humidity, and the hot sun!
IS THIS A RESIDENTIAL PROGRAM?
No. Housing for full-time residents is full. You are welcome to camp on the land the night before & night of class days if it is more convenient for you. Since we also host on AirBNB, there may be rooms available if you’d like to rent a room for nights before or after class.
IS THIS A COMMERCIAL PRODUCTION FARM?
No, as permaculturists, we grow food on a human scale. This is not about large scale, commercial production, though we do have a tractor & use other small machines where it makes sense. If you are aiming to start a commercial scale farm and grow food professionally, you'll still gain much from this immersion.
ARE YOU CERTIFIED ORGANIC?
No, but we use beyond organic practices.
WHAT IS YOUR REFUND / PRO-RATING POLICY?
As a small business with a thousand moving parts, we cannot offer refunds or pro-rate missed classes, even in emergencies. Once we have received payment, we consider that your commitment to this program, whether for 1, 2 or all 3 seasons.
If you find you cannot attend, your place may be transferable to another student (who must be approved by Ben, Dane & Michael).
DO YOU OFFER REWARDS FOR REFERRALS?
Yes! When someone enrolls under your name, signs their contract & completes their first payment, we’ll offer you a 10% rebate off your tuition (for every person you enroll). So, if you have a friend you want to share this experience with, it’s worth 10% off for you (or 5% for both of you ;) There is also a 5% referral reward even if you're not in the program.
WHAT IF I HAVE OTHER QUESTIONS?
Holler at us: [email protected] or on Facebook or Instagram.
Acknowledgments
- We understand some people will have criticisms of a couple "white guys" teaching a permaculture class.
- We understand permaculture is a somewhat problematic word as, to some extent, it is just a rebranding of indigenous wisdom.
- We understand First Peoples have been practicing regenerative agriculture long before Europeans walked this continent.
- We understand & acknowledge we live on a continent of stolen land & our part of Katuah bioregion was/is Cherokee land.
We understand all of this and are still putting out this offering. We believe that, whatever you call it, whatever your ancestry or complexion, it is critical for humans to rekindle our connection with the living earth & the source of our food.
In addition to acknowledging these things, we will:
- Supplement our own lack of diversity with paid guest teachers from groups underrepresented in farming.
- Offer scholarships for BIPOC.
- Work with the privilege we've been given & the skills we have earned to do the most good, in the best way we currently know how.
- Stay open to feedback & constructive criticism so we can keep getting better.
- Since launching this program, it has been brought to our attention that "homestead" is considered by many BIPOC to be a problematic word which has its roots in systemically racist policies. While to us, a "homestead" implies an intimate relationship with land where a family or community draws sustenance through their work and stewardship... To native peoples, "The Homestead Act" was a widespread policy used to steal land from people already in that relationship. You may occasionally hear us refer to this program as the Holistic Farmstead Immersion as we work to find a less problematic name for future years.