Here are some opportunities to learn more about gardening and cooking. We're continually updating the listings here so feel free to send upcoming events in your area to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Love from the Plants: Making Your Own Teas

Date: May 4-6, 2012
Location: Big Sur, California

Join Gia Tea founder Kyra Epstein to learn how to identify local plants and herbs that make nutritious and delicious tea. Meet and get to know new plants, enjoy a community "medicine tea" ceremony with plants we collect during the day, and take home a personalized blend of tea to enjoy. For more information, visit http://www.esalen.org/

Land of Milk and Honey: An Introduction to the Farmstead Arts

Date: May 6-11, 2012
Location: Big Sur, California

Would you like to reconnect with farmstead traditions and develop your ability to produce and prepare your own food? This hands-on workshop is an introduction to and celebration of the farmstead arts that are alive and well all around us, including cheese and bread making, beekeeping and food preservation. For more information, visit http://www.esalen.org/

Organic Skin and Body Care from the Garden

Date: May 11-13, 2012
Location: Big Sur, California

Simplify and enrich your life by learning how to make your own nourishing herbal skin and body care. Within the beautiful Esalen gardens, learn how to collect and process herbs, from picking to preservation. Emphasis is place on herbs that are safe and easy to grow in the garden. For more information, visit http://www.esalen.org/

Jam, Marmalade and other Fruit Preserves

Date: May 25-27, 2012
Location: Big Sur, California

Take and adventure through the flavors of local fruits and the many ways they can be preserved. We will begin with a comprehensive tasting to compare what we appreciate (or do not appreciate) in fruit preserves. In the kitchen, we will create delicious low-sugar jams and perfectly textured marmalades, and try out other fruit preserving techniques using honey and alternative sweeteners. Each participant will take home one jar of each of the recipes we make. For more information, visit http://www.esalen.org/

Experiencing the Esalen Farm and Garden

Date: May 27-June 1, 2012
Location: Big Sur, California

For more than 40 years, the Esalen Farm and Garden has provided a holistic model of food security and sustainability. This dynamic workshop experience provides the opportunity to immerse yourself in the farm and garden alongside our talented and experienced staff. The week culminates in a farm-to-table dinner that we prepare and share in gratitude together on the beautiful farm. For more information, visit http://www.esalen.org/

Farmer Jane: Activating Change through Food

Date: June 8-10, 2012
Location: Big Sur, California

During this workshop, you will be taught practical skills for becoming a change maker in your kitchen, garden and community. You'll also development a personal plan to become a more effective forager of seasonal deliciousness in 2012 and beyond. For more information, visit http://www.esalen.org/

Pickles: Crunchy and Delicious

Date: June 22-24, 2012

Location: Big Sur, California

Discover your inner pickle! We will cover traditional methods of pickle making using modern recipes that include exotic spices and a variety of vegetables. We will harvest vegetables from the Esalen farm and garden to use to make our own pickles. You will walk away with knowledge and confidence to safely make pickles in your own home. For more information, visit http://www.esalen.org/

High Summer in the Full Moon Garden: Growing Food and Ourselves on the Esalen Land

Date: July 29-August 3, 2012
Location: Big Sur, California

Follow your heart's desire to be connected to the land that sustains you and feel the simple pleasure of growing, harvesting and sharing food with community. This immersion in the life of the bountiful four-acre Esalen farm and garden will focus on  the fundamental practices and principles of local, organic agriculture. For more information, visit http://www.esalen.org/

Experiencing the Esalen Farm and Garden

Date: August 24-26
Location: Big Sur, California

For more than 40 years, the Esalen Farm and Garden has provided a holistic model of food security and sustainability. This dynamic workshop experience provides the opportunity to immerse yourself in the farm and garden alongside our talented and experienced staff. The weekend culminates in a farm-to-table dinner that we prepare and share in gratitude together on the beautiful farm. For more information, visit http://www.esalen.org/

Experiencing the Esalen Farm and Garden

Date: September 23-28, 2012
Location: Big Sur, California

For more than 40 years, the Esalen Farm and Garden has provided a holistic model of food security and sustainability. This dynamic workshop experience provides the opportunity to immerse yourself in the farm and garden alongside our talented and experienced staff. The week culminates in a farm-to-table dinner that we prepare and share in gratitude together on the beautiful farm. For more information, visit http://www.esalen.org/