Hello all,
A few years back, I organized a DIY
permaculture study group, for serious students who couldn't afford an official course. It was great fun, we all learned a lot, and I enjoyed the way that leading the group challenged me in my own studies. Now I am interested in doing the same thing for botany!
I am an avid learner, and a total plant geek. I didn't go to college, so all of my education has been at home-- with good
books, web resources, and self-made homework, not to mention lots of time "in the field." I started out with wild edible plants many years ago, then
gardening, and eventually
permaculture and herbalism. I love everything about plants! I have recently decided to take my self-education a step backwards, and deeper into the academics I didn't get in college. Botany, here I come!
I am wondering whether anyone is interested in joining me for an online "course" with no professor, but some good books, and a lively reading and discussion group...? I have decided on these three books as my "course materials"
Botany: An Introduction to Plant Biology by James D. Mauseth (I chose the 3rd edition pub. 2003 because it was WAY cheaper than the current edition)
http://www.amazon.com/Botany-Introduction-Plant-Biology-Third/dp/0763721344/ref=sr_1_6?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1433716756&sr=1-6&keywords=botany
Botany in a Day: The Patterns Method of Plant Identification by Thomas J. Elpel
http://www.amazon.com/Botany-Day-Patterns-Method-Identification/dp/1892784351/ref=pd_sim_14_2?ie=UTF8&refRID=1RGHS6KS52NDGMFCEQXY
Plant Identification Terminology: An Illustrated Glossary by James G. Harris and Melinda Woolf Harris
http://www.amazon.com/Plant-Identification-Terminology-Illustrated-Glossary/dp/0964022168/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1433717023&sr=1-1&keywords=botany+glossary
If you are interested in joining me, you will need to fit these qualifications:
1. You have an extreme thirst for learning, you would rather read a botany textbook than watch tv.
2. You are willing to pay at least $50 for the books
3. You are excited about the idea of devoting 4-8 hours every single week to reading and other study
4. You are realistic
enough to understand that that is a very significant time commitment, and have reviewed your life and schedule to ensure you can make that time available without personal stress
If you feel that you fit the description, please leave a comment below! The actual study group will happen over at HomeGrown.org, where I'll set up a group page for us to discuss and share resources.
Here's to photosynthesis!
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