Lectures
Ann Barklow of Garden Magic Company speaks to groups, clubs and municipalities on various topics, including:
Organic Pest Management for the Home Gardener
“There is no excuse for a homeowner to ever use a toxic pesticide," explains Ann Barklow, owner of Garden Magic Company, Manhattan Beach, Ca. Beneficial insects, Choosing the Right Plants, and Ant Management, are just some of the topics covered. Her lectures and handouts on Earth-Friendly Pest Management are well worth it for the safety and health of your family and community.
Integrated Pest Management for Municipalities
Ann Barklow helped establish a "Pesticide Free Zone" in Hermosa Beach, California after several citizens were subjected to direct exposure to the herbicide Roundup without their knowledge. "Some dogs walked through freshly sprayed Roundup, saturating their fur and others ingested grass still wet with the chemical. And it really hit home after my own dog was made very ill. That was a turning point for me," recalls Ann. Ann Barklow specializes in helping municipalities find successful and low-cost methods for weed management without using expensive herbicides. Many California cities, especially along the coast, are realizing the potential harm to communities and to the ocean created by continued reliance on herbicides. "Cities can jump-off the Roundup and herbicide treadmill, and find new ways to manage their green spaces," explains Ann.
Ann Barklow Biography
Workshops
Workshops are given in the following areas as interest arises:
"How to Operate Your Own Specialty Garden Maintenance Business"
This workshop run by Ann Barklow is designed to take the fear out of making that first step into running your own business in the area of Specialty Garden Maintenance. You must be actively enrolled in college horticulture classes or have taken several before registering for this workshop. Topics include: how to advertise, finding your market, bookkeeping and accounting for a small business, bidding practices, interviewing your client, and establishing your “turf” with the other gardener. Visiting several of Ann’s clients for hands-on bidding practices will give you the confidence to make the big step into the world of Professional Gardening. Handouts include: Tool Start up Kit, List of nurseries, Lists of recommended books and resources and a sample list of business tax write-offs. Three hours, usually held in Manhattan Beach, Ca: $275.00
"Organic Pest Management"
Ann’s pest management workshop recommends instead of looking for a box of beneficial insects or a can of insecticides to solve a pest problem, create a healthier environment for the plants being attacked. "Research the plants irrigation, soil, and garden location needs. Create a habitat for beneficial insects and birds and use the best compost and mulch you can find. And learn to build up a tolerance for insects in your garden. The healthiest gardens are maintained by responding to plants needs rather than reacting to a pest," explains Ann Barklow.
Organic Pest Management also means learning about the pest and discovering how you might be creating an environment for them. After you take Ann's Pest Management Workshop, you'll have a whole new take on garden pests. "You may just find yourself looking at them with a hand lens and finding them more interesting than you did before," recalls former student, Mimi Andersen, now Ann's Assistant. The workshop covers the most common pests in Southern California and cultural, mechanical and physical management of them. Two Hours - usually held in Manhattan Beach, Ca: $225.00
Garden Magic Company 2004 is owned and operated by Ann Barklow, Manhattan Beach, California. If you would like to use text, photos, or illustrations from this website, please contact us for permission, thank you. Garden Magic Company IPM