Engaging, practical, and down-to-earth talks and workshops for gardeners, community groups, schools, and conferences.
I bring hands-on experience from the backyard to the YouTube studio and the stage. My talks blend practical how-to with a strong environmental and social justice perspective – perfect for audiences who want to grow food in harmony with nature, deepen their relationship with place, and leave inspired to act.
What I Offer
- Keynote talks (40-60 minutes): Inspiring, story-led presentations with crisp takeaways and visual slides. Ideal for conferences, festivals, and large audiences.
- Workshop sessions (60-180 minutes): Practical, activity-focused sessions that leave participants with new skills they can use the next day – from garden design to seed-saving basics and food preservation.
- Half-day & full-day intensives: Multi-session days packed with demonstrations, hands-on group work, troubleshooting clinics, and planning time.
- Panel participation & interviews: Experienced, concise contributor who brings clarity and gentle advocacy to conversations about food gardening and home-scale systems.
- Hybrid & virtual presentations: Live-stream-ready talks and recorded sessions for online conferences and classroom use.
*Appropriate for adult or youth audiences.
Sample topics I present on
- Suburban & modern homesteading: realistic systems for busy households
- Growing food in harmony with nature: regenerative practices for healthier soil and resilient crops
- Designing a productive home food garden: layout, succession planning, season extension, an crop choice for Zone 4-6 climates
- No-till and low-work systems (bed design, mulching, permaculture)
- Native food forests and cultivating wild edibles: ethics, identification, and stewardship
- Community gardens, schoolyards, and curriculums: engaging youth and creating legacy programs
- Harvesting, preserving, and making value-added goods (cider, preserves, dried products)
If you’d like a custom topic or a workshop designed to fit your site, program, or seasonal goals, I’ll tailor content and activities to your group.
Past engagements (selected)
- Guelph Seedy Saturday presenter
- Wheatley Horticultural Society conference presenter
- The Hive Market presentation
- Foodsters school program facilitator
(Available on request: speaker bios, sample slide decks, references)
Audience & learning outcomes
My presentations are built for:
- Community groups, horticultural societies, and farmers’ market organizers
- Schools and outdoor education programs (age-appropriate lessons and hands-on activities available)
- Home gardeners and beginner-to-intermediate homesteaders
- Small businesses and non-profits working in food security, local food, or urban agriculture
Typical outcomes participants can expect:
- Practical skills they can apply the next season
- Concrete approaches for designing or improving a food garden
- Increased confidence caring for soil, plants, and small ecosystems
- Clear resources and follow-up links for deeper learning
Pricing & Booking
- Email info@thehobbyhomestead.com (or use the contact form on this site) with your event date, audience size, preferred format, and any special requests.
- I’ll reply with availability, a short outline tailored to your event, and a formal quote.
- To confirm: 25% deposit, final details 14 days before the event, and an optional pre-event planning call.
A note on values
My work is rooted in accessibility, stewardship, and practical skill-building. I design talks to be inclusive – accessible to beginner gardeners while still offering depth for experienced participants. I prioritize low-cost, low-barrier solutions wherever possible and will always provide alternatives for budgets or venues with limited resources.