In order to ‘grow’ more, we are inviting you to join us on an exciting journey.

Our energies in the coming years are being focused on creating a sustainable enterprise. To do this, we are expanding the training programmes that we offer in order to generate the much-needed income to support our work in the less privileged communities that surround our beautiful city.

The first priority is to build a training facility that will enable us to run more courses and workshops (no matter the weather) at our Resource Centre in Constantia. This venture requires labour and materials. We’re offering you a chance to make a difference in the world. Take a look at the attached drawing of the grand building we have planned. Get excited with us at the incredible possibilities it opens for all of us and read on to find out how you can become a part of the adventure.

A ‘Building Registry’ has been set up at Somerset Timbers and a needs list is available here: Materials List for lecture room.

Have a look at the list, decide what you would like to donate, give them a call and they’ll organise the rest once you have paid them by EFT.

More detailed instructions follow to guide you through the process:

How to go about it:

1. Make a choice from the registry and note the item number.

2. Make an EFT payment to Somerset Timberst using the reference, SFL and the item number. For example, if you selected internal posts as your contribution to the building – your reference will be SFL12. Banking details: Somerset Timbers, First National Bank, Somerset West. Account number: 53680023489, Branch code 200512

3. Phone Derek Robb at Somerset Timbers on 021-845 8713 and give him the details and/or send us the receipt via e mail with your details.

OR

Make a contribution directly to Soil for Life. The reference for your deposit into our account is ‘Newbuild’. Our banking details are: Soil for Life, ABSA Bank, Wynberg. Account number: 4056855300; Branch code: 632005.

Our gift to you …..
An invitation to the opening, a chance to share in the excitement of the roof-wetting ceremony and your name on a special plaque thanking our donors.

We are planning on starting this project during the second week of February 2010 and look forward to having you on board as a partner in the venture. Please call Dez Mynhardt on 021 794 4982 with any queries you may have.

Thank you from us all at Soil for Life

Grow to Live Workshops in 2010:

(Two-day weekend workshops, Saturdays and Sundays from 08h30 to 15h30)

February 13 and 14,  March 13 and 14, April 10 and 11,  May 8 and 9,  June 12 and 13,  July 10 and 11,  August 14 and 15, September 11 and 12,  October 9 and 10, November 13 and 14, December 4 and 5

Feed the Soil: Compost Making and Natural fertilisers

27 March 10h00 – 15h00

Western Cape soils, especially in the Cape Town region, are not amongst the most fertile. Sadly, we are very used to just get some fertiliser from the shops, not realising the destructiveness of such products. Learn how to take care of the soil – and thereby yourself – the natural way.

This popular workshop has been extended from two hours to a day-long event which will provide comprehensive hands-on methods to turn your soil into black gold.

Contact us to find out more, or to book a place.

Once a month Soil for Life offers a comprehensive and hands-on gardening workshop that is loads of fun. Anyone can join!

Find out more.

26 June 2010 from 10h00 until 15h00

And again we find ourselves mostly using chemicals. Just think about it, what do you do when the snails take charge of your garden? Ordinary bait? If, then be aware that’s exactly what you will be eating later.

In this workshop we want to equip you with the knowledge and skills to control pests organically and in balance with nature.

Find out more.

We are excited to have finalised our public workshop programme and invite all interested individuals from all backgrounds to join our courses. They’re hands-on, practical and loads of fun. You’ll spend two days in the garden digging, discussing, discovering a new you and go home with all the knowledge you need to start your own organic veggie garden.

Find out more.

Also take home some delicious and unusual chutneys and jams, made using our produce from our home gardens.