The Forest Through the Trees

Having a forest for a back yard can suck, especially when the cluster of tall trees takes up a space that could otherwise be better used for farming. The unfortunate souls of Cleveland for whom this nightmare is a reality are in luck, though, if shitake mushrooms and the medicinal ginseng forest crop are among their favorite culinary additives. Today and tomorrow, the Holden Arboretum is hosting a two-day forest-farming workshop that will teach participants — through a series of indoor and outdoor presentations — what it means to farm underneath the canopy of an existing forest. Current and former Cornell University professors Ken Mudge and Robert Beyfuss will help lead the procession; Beyfuss has had multiple works published on the art of growing gourmet mushrooms and ginseng, so interested students are set to learn from the best in the biz. The event starts at 9 a.m. and ends at 4:30 p.m. each day; tickets are $125 for both sessions or $75 for one. (Jacob DeSmit)