Somewhere between art and science lies the ancient practice of alchemy.

For over a millennium, alchemy caught the eye of those who could see there was more to this world. Using various techniques, alchemists experimented with natural materials to discover what they were made of and what they could become. This quest for knowledge evolved into the fields of science we know today. But the empiricism that followed cast alchemy aside as it was too subjective to be studied scholastically.

In this workshop we will explore:

• The origins of alchemy - natural philosophy, protoscience and mysticism

• The basics of alchemy - elements, processes and goals

• The practice of alchemy in gardening, artistry and spirituality

Across these topics we will come understand the importance of DIY, especially in the age of automation that we find ourselves in.

Our focus element for this workshop will be charcoal; the methods of making it and its many uses. We will also delve into other materials that can be found or grown in the garden.

You will leave with an alchemists starter kit of seeds and assortments! Join AJ on a journey down the road less travelled as we learn to forge our own paths with alchemy.

Youth Offer

This workshop is available for teenagers who are accompanied by mum, dad, or an adult guardian who has also paid to attend the workshop.

About the Facilitator

AJ is an experimental gardener, diligently learning how to become a better support species for the ecosystem. A budding permaculturist, he holds a permaculture design certificate and has worked at Northey Street City Farm for 3 years (Nursery, Compost Hub, Farming Team and Youth & Adult Education). AJ aspires to be an activist, shifting his focus from becoming part of the forest to inspiring others to do so through art and education. Born with a penchant for exploration, AJ often wonders “why?”