Free Sub-Irrigated Planter (SIP) Seminar in Brooklyn -- July 29, 2010

Anyone who is going to be near Brooklyn on July 29th and wants to learn about SIPs should not miss this free seminar put on by our friend Bob Hyland.

Join us July 29 from 7-8:30pm for an introductory seminar on the hot topic of modern urban greenscaping using sub-irrigated planter systems (SIPs). You’ll discover how easy it is to grow all kinds of edible and decorative plants in SIPs. You will also learn about the enormous potential for new small business and green job creation in the field of SIP urban greenscaping.

SIP technology, much of it imported from Europe, was available back in the 1970s, but is only now being re-discovered in the US. Our current interest in urban food production has finally brought SIP technology to the forefront. We will cover the subject from recycled soda bottle SIPs to consumer product EarthBoxes with lots in between.

Benefits of using SIPs:

• Water conservation (as little as 10% of normal water usage)
• Conserve nutrients - unlike drain hole planters there is no runoff
• Tillable land not required - grow on concrete, a balcony or rooftop
• Portable - move with the sun, season or land availability
• Elevated SIPs enable people with physical limitations to garden


Bob has over thirty years of experience with SIPs going back to the days he ran a prominent interior plantscaping company in Los Angeles. He was a pioneering industry consultant, author and speaker at national trade conventions in the ‘70’s and ‘80’s.  Last year he founded the Center For Urban Greenscaping (CuGreen) whose primary mission is education about modern methods of growing plants,

You do not need to be an experienced gardener or have a green thumb to grow an abundance of vegetables in SIPsSIP systems are extremely user friendly. Even young kids can grow food in them. They can experience eating vegetables right off the vine that taste like candy except these sugars are healthy and nutritious. SIPs are analogous to present day kitchen appliances. Think of them as the personal technology of food production, the coffee makers of food growing if you will. Rather than planters, think of SIPs as the plumbing that makes any watertight container a SIP. Sub-irrigated planters can be any color, texture or shape that you like. A clay pot or conventional raised bed can become a SIP once you learn about the simple plumbing that makes it possible. 

The event is free, but you must register by emailing Bob.

When:
    July 29, 2010 from 7-8:30pm

Where:
    Gowanus Studio Space
    166 7th Street
    Brooklyn, NY, NY 11215