Comments from prior students:

"I have been profoundly influenced and very inspired by everything you said throughout your lessons. In particular, I’ve learned and gained so much, especially in such a short period of time! Not only can I use the knowledge I’ve taken away from your courses in all areas of my garden, but many aspects of my life as well!"

"Darren is just so knowledgable. This is a crucial part of the owner's manual for Planet Earth. "

"Darren is an outstanding teacher. He integrates real life to gardening. He's down to earth, full of laughs and personality. His enthusiasm is infectious. "

"Wow! The idea that so many things are just soil in another temporary format is pretty powerful. Darren has thought more than any other person I have ever met. The class was awesome. "

"I got so much out of this! Packed full of information that was immediately usable to me. I love listening to this guy! He knows so much and is so humble about sharing what he knows. He knocks my socks off. "

"If you want to change your perspective on the world and get deeply in touch with the Earth, come to this class! "

"Darren is conscientious about tailoring the content to address the needs of the students’ questions and concerns. He is a vital addition to the roster of speakers at the UC Cooperative Extension Master Gardener course where I first listened to him present and a frank, unforgettable teacher who is generous with sharing his knowledge and expertise."

Enrollment, payment, and refund policy:

       Full tuition must be sent to reserve enrollment for courses of up to three sessions. Half tuition must be sent to reserve enrollment for courses of four or more sessions, with the remaining half due by the first day of class. If full tuition is not paid by the second class (third class for courses of six or more sessions), attendance is expected to stop until payment is completed. Full refunds less $50 will be available until seven days before the first session. No refunds thereafter except for cancellation by the instructor. If tentative details change after enrollment has been paid, full refund is available until three days before the first class if cancellation is based upon the change(s).
      Payment is by check, cash, or money order and should be sent to Darren Butler, PO Box 920434, Sylmar CA 91392-0434. Contact me if you prefer to pay with a credit card via the internet.

Courses are rated as to my best guess about difficulty from 1 to 10 with 1 being appropriate for absolute beginners and 10 for accomplished experts.

Courses not guaranteed to carry. Some courses fill up quickly. To avoid disappointment, please do not delay.

Certificates of completion are available for most courses. Specific certificate requirements will include required reading, minimum attendance of approximately three-fourths of the class sessions with makeup for missed sessions, a project, and additional fee of $50.