Lunch & Learn: Potted Exotics

Join our Farm Manager, AJ, for a one-hour Lunch & Learn about raising tropical fruit trees in pots - even in Iowa. Think lemons, limes, avocados, and olives can’t grow in Iowa? Think again! In this fun, down-to-earth presentation, you’ll learn how to raise unique tropical plants indoors (and maybe even outdoors with some tricks). It’s a bit of a challenge and definitely not your average houseplant—but if you're up for a little adventure and some hands-on care, you'll be surprised by what you can grow. Join our Farm Manager, AJ, to get ready to bring the tropics to your living space this winter! For participants planning to order food to eat during the presentation, please plan to arrive 15-20 minutes ahead to place your order at the coffeeshop counter. Your lunch will then be brought to you in the Learning Center to enjoy while you learn! Registration is appreciated but not required for this free program. Instructor AJ Shultz, Convivium's Farm Manager, tends over 13,000 square feet of our gardens. From building healthy soil through harvesting delicious produce, AJ keeps his hands dirty demonstrating the process of growing food to anyone willing to listen. When not in the field, AJ also teaches gardening and composting classes and serves as our garden tour guide. Trust us – you don’t want to miss an opportunity to experience our gardens with him. AJ has been involved in edible and sustainable landscaping and urban gardening most of his adult life. His training and professional background includes working with organic farms and edible landscape organizations in Santa Cruz, California; Huelo, Hawaii; and Margaret River, Australia. An Iowa native, AJ returned to the area in 2011 to raise a family with his wife Kerri, also an Iowa native. They now have two growing daughters, Josey and Marny.