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Gardeners have already been getting their hands dirty with warm-weather veggies and herbs, since we've been in peak spring planting season in Los Angeles lately. At Baldwin Hills' Post & Beam restaurant, the winter crops have just been taken out from the on-site garden, and replace with new seedlings that will feed diners in the coming weeks and months.Basil, eggplant, peppers, squash, and--of course--heirloom tomato seedlings are in the ground and growing, and will be used for dished prepped by Executive Chef Govind Armstrong.
The connection between plant and plate is a powerful one, and if it's something you've been hoping to explore, you might be interested in the upcoming summer gardening series Post & Beam is launching in May.
Here's more info:
Guests can learn gardening techniques as the crops grow with the launch of the Post & Beam Gardening Club, led by Geri Miller, beginning Saturday, May 5, 2012. The initial series, from May-September 2012, is designed to educate aspiring gardeners on growing one’s own ingredients and a few tricks to recreate Post & Beam dishes, and even cocktails, at home.
Here are the scheduled classes:
Saturday, May 5, 2012 10:30 a.m.-1 p.m.
Create Your Organic Edible Garden - Eat Your Yard
Learn the basic practices essential to the success of growing an edible garden, including soil management, what to plant and where, organic planting strategies, and irrigation techniques. Attendees will take home an edible plant and will receive a Post & Beam box lunch to enjoy in the garden.
FEE: $25 (includes a paperless handout for attendee to view on iPad or print out) OR $30 (includes a hardcopy of handout at class)
Saturday, June 16, 2012 TIME: TBA
What's Eating Your Garden - If Not You Then Who?
A fun introduction to organic pest control and fertilizers. Attendees will receive a Post & Beam box lunch to enjoy in the garden and take home an edible plant.
FEE: TBA
Saturday, July 28, 2012 TIME: TBA
The Secrets of the Homegrown Cocktail: Designing & Using a Cocktail Garden
Join Post & Beam’s mixologist and Geri to learn the tips and tricks - from design to the drinks - that are sure to turn your garden into a garden party this summer! Attendees will sample an infused cocktail sample and take home a botanical featured in the lesson.
FEE: TBA
Saturday, September 8, 2012 TIME: TBA
Plot to Plate: Harvesting - the 'how and when'
This class includes a HGEL lecture, hands-on harvesting session, and cooking demo by Chef Govind Armstrong using ingredients from the garden designed and managed by Home Grown Edible Landscapes. Attendees will take home an edible of their own and will have a chance to win a raised bed kit.
FEE: TBA
The classes will take place on the outdoor patio of Post & Beam next to the garden. Call the restaurant To reserve a place in the class of your choice you can register online or call the restaurant at (323) 299-5599
