Helen’s guide to Spring veggie garden preparation
Helen’s article for this month is on preparing the garden in Spring ready for the Summer crops. As she says in her introduction: “With the winter solstice behind us, daylight lengthening and jonquils flowering, signs of Spring are everywhere. It is hard to summon the courage to brave the cold weather. However, if you are looking for a garden task, now is the time to plan your Spring/Summer veggie garden – all from the comfort of your favourite chair with a few gardening catalogues in hand.” She then goes on to discuss planning, keeping a steady supply, growing from seed, aspect, soil preparation and weeding. Read the full article.
Nillumbik Health now has a local producer display
In the foyer of Nillumbik Health, there is now a map of where some of Nillumbik’s food producers are. Click the graphic on the right to view the higher resolution version of the map. Details of most of the providers are in our Local Food Directory, which can be accessed via a searchable/filterable list or via a categories and map interface.
The 2015/16 Banyule Grants Program is now open
$50K grant pool. Start planning your environmental project that will help create a more sustainable future for Banyule and beyond. Think energy, waste, biodiversity, water, transport, sustainable gardening, food production and environmental stewardship. Visit www.banyule.vic.gov.au/About-us/Grants-programs for access to the new Guidelines and Online Application Form. To discuss your application, please contact the Council’s Environment Officer on 9457 9828. To learn more about the grants process and the online application form, go along to the information sessions on Wednesday, 5th August 2015 at 1pm or 7pm (see the events below for details).
New events
The Salt Foundation’s community dinner
What: This is a weekly event, on every Friday evening. See the Salt Foundation’s Facebook page for details about each week’s particular meal. Dinner is usually served at 6.30pm, with coffee and nibbles starting 5.30pm or 6pm.
When: Every Friday evening, starting with coffee around 5.30pm and dinner at 6.30pm.
Where: St Pius, Heidelberg West.
Cost: free.
Enquiries/Bookings: The Salt Foundation by phone (0468 317258) or email.
Further information: LFC calendar entry.
Banyule 2015/16 grants information session
What: Information session for potential grant applicants. The eligibility criteria, application and assessment process will be discussed and applicants will have the opportunity to discuss grant ideas with a Council officer.
When: Wednesday, 5th August, at 1pm and again at 7pm.
Where: Banyule City Council Rosanna Service Centre.
Cost: free.
Enquiries/Bookings: Trybooking.
Further information: LFC calendar entry.
Gala grafting day & winter market at Meerlieu
What: Watch skilled grafters at work. Choose from a wide variety of heritage varieties of apples, pears, plum and cherries at low cost. Enter the apple pie competition. Look round the market, including a soup kitchen, sausage sizzle, heritage chooks, eggs and face painting along with jams, jellies and handmade arts & crafts.
When: Saturday, 8th August, 10am-2.30pm.
Where: Meerlieu Hall, Meerlieu.
Cost: free.
Enquiries/Bookings: Kerri Easton by phone (0407 094612) or email.
Further information: LFC calendar entry.
Free community meal at the Shak
What: Go and and enjoy a meal with them. Welcoming the homeless, people with dependencies, struggling families, asylum seekers, refugees, people with disabilities and anyone who just wants a good meal and a chat.
When: Saturday, 22nd August, 1-3pm.
Where: Mill Park Baptist Church.
Cost: free.
Enquiries/Bookings: Mill Park Baptist Church by phone (9436 8797) or email.
Further information: LFC calendar entry.
Setting up and maintaining a worm farm
What: A worm farm can be one of the best ways to dispose of food scraps and at the same time produce vermi-juice (worm tea) and vermicast (worm castings) for use on the garden. Learn how to set up a worm farm and the easiest methods to manage and care for these most hard working of creatures. Discounted worm farms will be available on the day.
When: Saturday, 22nd August, 2.30-4.30pm.
Where: Edendale.
Cost: free.
Enquiries/Bookings: Edendale website.
Further information: Edendale website.
Grow your own summer veggies from seed
What: Starting early means that you can save lots of money growing your summer vegies from seed. This workshop focuses on which veggies are suitable to grow over summer and how to get them started from seed. There will be plenty of opportunity for some hands-on practice.
When: Thursday, 27th August, 6.30pm-8pm.
Where: Doncaster Library.
Cost: free.
Further information: LFC calendar entry.
Note: this is a different event than the 8th August event with a very similar name.
Well bread
What: A day of making, baking and breaking of bread with the people of diverse cultures living in the City of Whittlesea. Learn about the historical, cultural and social importance of this simple food stuff. Share your stories and sample a delicious selection of breads from around the globe. This is a free event, however bookings are preferred.
When: Saturday, 29th August, midday-5pm.
Where: Mernda Village Community Activity Centre.
Cost: free.
Enquiries/Bookings: Whittlesea Council by phone (9217 2174) or email.
Further information: LFC calendar entry.
Upcoming events from previous LFC News
Over the next week
- Save our citrus from gall wasps: Wednesday, 29th July, 7-8pm.
- Pale Ale Mania: Sunday, 2nd August, from 9.30am.
- Banyule 2015/16 grants information session: Wednesday 5th August, from 1pm.
- Banyule 2015/16 grants information session: Wednesday 5th August, from 7pm.
Over the next month
- Gala grafting day & winter market at Meerlieu: Saturday, 8th August, 10am-2.30pm.
- Grow your own – summer veggies from seed: Saturday, 8th August, 2-4pm.
- Backyard chooks for beginners: Saturday, 8th August, 2-4pm.
- Handmade pasta: Thursday, 13th August, 10.30am-12.30pm.
- Sourdough bread making: Saturday, 15th August, 10am-1pm.
- Living soils and the new NPK (nutrients, physical structure, key biology): Saturday, 15th August, 1-4pm.
- Beekeeping – a taster: Sunday, 16th August, 2pm.
- Advanced composting: Tuesday, 18th August, 11.30am-12.30pm.
- Free community meal at the Shak: Saturday 22nd August, 1-3pm.
- Setting up and maintaining a worm farm: Saturday 22nd August, 2.30pm-4.30pm.
- Thai cooking: Thursday, 27th August, 2-3pm.
- Grow your own summer veggies from seed: Thursday, 27th August, 6.30-8pm.
- Well bread: Saturday, 29th August, midday-5pm.