Careful planning and use of permaculture techniques will make your gardening diverse and easier. A free workshop on the topic will be presented in Mariposa on Saturday, August 6, 2016.

Permaculture is a good thing. What is it? According to Bill Mollison, an Australian researcher, author, scientist, teacher and biologist who is considered the father of permaculture, it is “the conscious design and maintenance of cultivated ecosystems that have the diversity, stability, and resilience of a natural ecosystem.” In other words, making your garden a year-round delight with the least effort from you, after you get it planned, started, and tended.

Mariposa Master Gardeners will present a free workshop on the topic Saturday, August 6, at 10 a.m. to noon at the board of supervisors chambers, 5100 Bullion St., Mariposa. Register at cemariposa.ucanr.edu or call (209) 966-2417.

Marianna Burrett, founder of Tend the Earth in Oakhurst, will include eco-garden design, garden layout, soil building and plant choices in her presentation.  Among her points are the importance of envisioning what your garden will look like, planning, and doing the work. Water conservation is one of the tenets of this mode of gardening.

She will take questions and distribute lists of resources for further information.