LFC News March 30 2016

Mar 302016
 

pak choyYour Autumn plantings (continued)

Helen’s article for April is on how to grow a) broad beans and b) Chinese cabbage. It complements her article from last month on brassicas and leafy greens, as well as her earlier article on how to grow garlic.

Broad beans, Chinese cabbage and garlic are all relatively easy crops to grow so, if you have never grown them before, now might be a good time to start. Read the article.

A new food swap at Mooroolbark

2nd Saturday of the month, 10-11.30am. Red Earth Community Park, Brice Avenue, Mooroolbark, 3138. For more info, contact Claire by email or phone (0425 700280).

That makes a total of 19(!) currently active food swaps in North East Melbourne. Have a look at our food swap page for the complete list, including where, when and contact details. Alternatively, see the same information in a different format in our calendar

New events

Fruit tree pruning workshop

What: Learn to prune apples, pears, plums, peaches, apricots, nectarines and a host of other fruit trees plus theory on the best time to prune depending on what size you want your trees to be. Afternoon tea provided.
When: Saturday, 16th April, 1-5pm.
Where: Macleod.
Cost: $15.
Enquiries/Bookings: Robin by email.
Further information: LFC calendar entry.

Wicking bed workshop

What: The workshop will give you hands-on experience of building a wicking bed. It will include theory as well as practical experience and tips. It will be led by Paul Gale-Baker, member of Sustainable Macleod. Please bring lunch to share. Morning and afternoon tea provided. Not sure what a wicking bed is? It has a reservoir of water below the plants so that the roots receive consistent moisture. It uses 50% less water than the equivalent raised garden bed.
When: Saturday, 30th April, 9.30am-5pm.
Where: Macleod.
Cost: $15.
Enquiries/Bookings: Robin by email.
Further information: LFC calendar entry.

Living longer the Mediterranean way

What: Mary Valle teaches Mediterranean-style cooking and consults to a cafe, assisting in creating menus, recipes and new dishes. Her style of cooking is seasonal, simple, healthy and delicious. She is the author of the cookery book My Greek Kitchen and contributes to magazines regularly. Mary will talk about her work and her cookbooks, with her latest being Everyday Mediterranean Cooking: food, life and living longer the Mediterranean way with healthy oil.
When: Thursday, 5th May, 2-3pm.
Where: Balwyn.
Cost: free.
Bookings: Eventbrite.
Further information: LFC calendar entry.

Bees, beekeeping and a bee-friendly garden

What: Bernie Heinze has been a beekeeper for fifty years and is the chairman of the Melbourne sector of the Victorian Apiarists’ Association. Bernie will answer your questions about bees and beekeeping. He will also talk about native plants and other strategies for maintaining a bee-friendly garden. Bookings preferred. Refreshments provided.
When: Saturday, 28th May, 1.30-2.30pm.
Where: Lilydale.
Cost: free.
Enquiries/Bookings: Lilydale Library by phone (9800 6457).
Further information: LFC calendar entry.

Summary of upcoming events

Over the next week
Over the next month

Click here for the complete calendar of upcoming events.

LFC News March 16 2016

Mar 162016
 

The Wonga Park, Eltham, Manningham and St Andrews food swaps

The Wonga Park food swap on Sunday, 20th March will not be taking place. Nor will the Eltham food swap on Sunday, 27th March.

Following discussions, we have starting including the Manningham food and seed swap in our calendar. It takes place in the evening of the last Wednesday of each month and is followed by a presentation of some kind. The next swap is on Wednesday, 30th March.

There will be a food swap at St Andrews on Sunday, 20th March.

Why don’t you ‘advertise’ in this newsletter?

We’ve decided to try and track what happens when people submit something to this newsletter along the lines of “does anyone want …?” On 2nd March, Sophie Miller wrote in looking for a new home for her ducks. She has now written in again to say that two newsletter readers have come and picked up four ducks each. “They promised that they would have good homes and we could visit them if we wanted! One place even has a pig to protect them.”

So, this newsletter is effective in helping you find a good home for things (admittedly from a sample thus far of only one!). And, of course, it is free. Why don’t you submit something?

New events

Free Easter egg hunts

What: Free Easter egg hunts will take place Good Friday, Saturday and Easter Sunday at 10am, 11am, 12 noon, 2pm and 4pm. Yarra Valley Chocolaterie’s Easter Bunnies will help kids aged 12 and under search for a golden token to then claim their complimentary Easter egg. No bookings required.
When: Friday, 25th March, Saturday, 26th March and Sunday, 27th March.
Where: Yarra Glen.
Cost: free.
Enquiries: Yarra Valley Chocolaterie & Ice Creamery by phone (9730 2777) or email.
Further information: LFC calendar entry.

Mooroolbark growers & weeders present: “bee-keeping for the beginner”

What: Learn the basics of keeping bees in your backyard with William Orange, a member of the Victorian Apiarists’ Association. The benefits of keeping bees are pollination, home-grown honey and increasing the number of bees in our environment. Without bees, many plants and fruits would not exist. Come along and ‘bee’ inspired, and ‘maybee’ motivated to join a beekeepers’ club, where you can enjoy the support, wisdom & experience of other beekeepers – not forgetting the opportunity to taste pure honey. Bookings essential. Tea and coffee provided.
When: Tuesday, 10th May, 2-3pm.
Where: Mooroolbark.
Cost: free.
Enquiries/Bookings: Mooroolbark Library by phone (9800 6480).
Further information: LFC calendar entry.

Keeping chickens in a suburban backyard

What: Chickens make great pets. They roam the garden and assist with maintenance of weeds and bugs, eat all the leftovers, make wonderful composters, and provide you with fresh eggs for breakfast. Learn how to keep and maintain chickens in a suburban backyard with Maria Ciavarella from My Green Garden.
When: Wednesday, 11th May, 7-9pm.
Where: Doncaster.
Cost: free.
Enquiries: Manningham Council by phone (9846 0575).
Bookings: Eventbrite.
Further information: LFC calendar entry.

Olive magic – preserving olives

What: Olives straight from a tree are inedibly bitter and must be cured and then pickled somehow to make them edible. In this workshop, they will cover several different techniques to cure olives, each with a different waiting – or curing – period. In order to fully experience the stages of the processes, some olives will have been partially cured before the class for you to continue the process; as well as taking home fresh olives for you to start from scratch. Tastings will be available so that you can decide which style is your preferred. They will use both black and green olives. If you grow olives, bring along some samples so that they can suggest some ways to cure them.
When: Thursday, 19th May, 10am-1pm.
Where: Donvale.
Cost: $50.
Enquiries: Maria Ciavarella by phone (0424 083057) or email.
Further information: LFC calendar entry.

Waste free, smarter living

What: Tamara DiMattina is the founder of the Buy Nothing New Month and the New Joneses campaigns. Influenced by her travels to Antarctica and Mumbai, India, Tamara has become an advocate for waste free, smarter living. Do more with less, think where stuff comes from and where it goes, maximise resources and minimise waste.
When: Wednesday, 25th May, 7-9pm.
Where: Nunawading.
Cost: free.
Enquiries: Manningham Council by phone (9846 0575).
Bookings: Eventbrite.
Further information: LFC calendar entry.

Summary of upcoming events

Over the next week
Over the next month

Click here for the complete calendar of upcoming events.

LFC News March 9 2016

Mar 082016
 

The comparative costs of fruit & veggies

How do you think that the costs of the food at Eltham Farmers’ Market compare with a) the local small shops and b) supermarkets? We have now analysed our third quarterly survey (i.e. late Summer). For the detailed results, click here.

For an overall summary of the three surveys combined, click here. Whilst the results differ somewhat between the three surveys, one thing remains clear: for both veggies and for fruit, the supermarket is NOT generally cheaper than either the farmers’ market or the greengrocer.

It is also interesting that, for most veggies, their cost at the market does not vary by season.

A bonus byproduct of the surveys is documentation of the seasonal availability of fruit and veggies at the market. Click here.

foodshareCongratulations to the Diamond Valley Foodshare

The Diamond Valley Foodshare is one of the most impressive food-related organisations in North East Melbourne that I have had the honour to visit. Based in Greensborough, it packs and distributes thousands of food parcels for people in need of them. I was really pleased to read in The Leader (see graphic right) that they have just received a big grant from the Banyule RSL Trust Fund to buy a refrigerated van. Congratulations also to the Banyule RSL Trust Fund itself, who distributed a total of $300,000 in grants this year.

Eat your pumpkin leaves!

Karen Olsen writes in: “When I look at my veggie patch at the moment all I can see is zucchini and pumpkin plants. I often make stuffed zucchini or pumpkin flowers (ricotta and basil: stuff, dress with olive oil, salt & pepper, then bake in the oven until a touch golden). But sometimes there are not so many flowers. So I tried the same thing with young pumpkin leaves (the whole of the plant is supposed to be edible): they were great! And, of course, it made room for some other veggie patch occupants.”

The Great Tomato Tasteoff – results

The winner of the People’s Award for tastiest tomato was Wapsipinicon Peach. (It also won this editor’s award for worst named tomato!)

New events

Good food stories

What: At this meetup, there will be speakers from Free Feed Street Kitchen, Farmer Incubator, Crepes for Change, Tamil Feasts and more. It is a general catch up for all past and present community leaders in sustainability from Banyule and Darebin, plus anyone else who is interested or involved in local experiences of growing, preparing, cooking and sharing food.
When: Thursday, 17th March, 6-8pm.
Where: Northcote.
Cost: free.
Enquiries/Bookings: Charlie Davie by phone ( 8470 8405) or email.
Further information: LFC calendar entry.

Shaws Road Winery open day

What: Lunch on the verandahs overlooking the Kinglake Ranges, sampling the wines, beer and cider all made on site, while you enjoy a delicious 3 course lunch for $35 or choose from Mezze platter for 2 people, Spicy Lamb and salad and a homemade dessert. The Omaru Alpaca Farm is open the same day – just around the corner, so go and pat an alpaca before you come to the winery!
When: Sunday, 20th March, 11am-5pm.
Where: Arthurs Creek.
Cost: $35 for lunch.
Enquiries: Shaws Road Winery by phone (9439 4144) or email.
Further information: LFC calendar entry.

Herbs for health

What: Sarah Cowell is a tea sommelier and herbal educator. This session will cover different ways to easily incorporate herbs into your daily lives to enhance your well-being. It will focus on common and accessible herbs – particularly those able to be grown in our gardens – that can aid your physical and emotional health. Go and taste some herbal teas and discover fun and nourishing ways to feel better with herbs.
When: Thursday, 14th April, 7-8pm.
Where: Hawthorn.
Cost: free.
Enquiries/Bookings: Hawthorn Library by phone (9278 4666).
Bookings: Eventbrite.
Further information: LFC calendar entry.

Beekeeping taster

What: Beekeeping is an enjoyable and relaxing hobby that has recently undergone resurgence. Learn about the practical aspects of beekeeping in this introductory session. Understand the threats facing bees and how these may affect future food production and how you can assist by keeping a few backyard hives in return for a more productive garden. Bookings essential.
When: Sunday, 17th April, 10am-12.30pm.
Where: Whittlesea.
Cost: free.
Enquiries/Bookings: Megan Smithwick by phone (0407 699775) or email.
Further information: LFC calendar entry.

Preserving olives

What: Olives straight from the tree need to be experienced once in your lifetime to show you how incredibly bitter they are! The process of curing – or pickling – olives is needed to draw the bitterness away from the olive flesh and make it edible. Spend a morning with Maria from My Green Garden learning how to cure and preserve olives in a variety of different styles while having fun! Olives will be supplied or you can bring your own olives from your garden. Bookings essential.
When: Sunday, 1st May, 9.30am-midday.
Where: Alphington.
Cost: $35.
Enquiries/Bookings: Alphington Community Centre by phone (9499 7227) or email.
Further information: LFC calendar entry.

Home composting and worm farming

What: Learn the art of successful home composting and worm farming and how to overcome common problems. Bookings essential.
When: Thursday, 5th May, 10-11.30am.
Where: Thomastown.
Cost: free.
Enquiries/Bookings: Sylvia Turk by phone (9401 0509) or email.
Further information: LFC calendar entry.

Summary of upcoming events

Over the next week
Over the next month

Click here for the complete calendar of upcoming events.

LFC News March 2 2016

Mar 022016
 

A guide to buying local veggies

vegetableI’ve finally written a guide to buying local veggies (i.e. veggies grown in North East Melbourne). It may not be my best work, perhaps because I am largely self-sufficient in veggies, but it does list all the local veggie farmers that I am aware of, what they sell and where their stuff can be bought. Feel free to email me with any suggested additional content.

To summarise the local veggie situation: it is rather like the local fruit situation, with around 10 local farmers, but with only 3 of these growing a reasonably wide range and the rest being specialised. The 3 generalist farmers are Just Picked from Yan Yean, Kinglake Vegetables from Kinglake, and Sugarloaf Produce from Strathewen. Just Picked and Sugarloaf Produce are both stallholders at Eltham Farmers’ Market. Read the full guide.

Finally, read the other guides to buying local food: cheese, chocolate, fruit, marmalade/jam, mushrooms, seedlings and wine.

Want some ducks?

ducks4 Silver Appleyard ducks looking for a good home: 2 drakes and two female adults. Maybe some 8 week old babies too, sex unknown. They are pretty and lay big eggs all year unless when breeding occurs (when laying stops for a couple of months once the chicks hatch). They make a great natural fertiliser if you use their water on the garden. They need a water source that they can dip their head into. They also need to be put in a fox proof house at night. As they have been raised in a yard, they won’t fly away. If interested, contact Sophie Miller by phone (0422 989035).

Where the newsletter readers live

In terms of suburbs, we now know where most of the newsletter readership live. The maps on our website summarise this information. Key points:

  • 25% live in Eltham, 25% in other parts of Nillumbik, 25% in Banyule and 25% from the rest of North East Melbourne (and elsewhere).
  • The geographic spread has increased substantially in the last two years. More specifically, the proportion of new readers who do not live in Nillumbik or Banyule:
    • 2009-2013: 10%
    • 2014: 25%
    • 2015: 35%
    • 2016 (thus far): 50%
  • This increased spread is good(!) – the newsletter aims to cover the whole of North East Melbourne.
  • The following suburbs have more than 1% of their population being newsletter readers: Arthurs Creek, Bend of Islands, Eltham, Kangaroo Ground, St Andrews and Strathewen.
  • The three suburbs with the most newsletter readers are: Eltham, Macleod and Montmorency.

New events

Good bugs

What: Learn how to identify your garden helpers such as ladybirds and lacewings in various life stages. Run by Integrated Pest Management, based in Hurstbridge, and facilitated by Angelica Cameron.
When: Saturday, 5th February, midday-2pm.
Where: Watsonia.
Cost: $5 (kids are free).
Enquiries: Marina Bistrin by phone (9434 6717) or email.
Further information: LFC calendar entry.

Composting at home

What: Learn how to get the best out of your compost bin at home. Learn how to set it up and how to use it so that you not only reduce the amount of food waste going to landfill (and so reduce pollution and household contribution to climate change), but also create high quality fertiliser which enriches your soil and helps your plants grow big and strong!
When: Sunday, 6th March, 2-3pm.
Where: Northcote.
Cost: free.
Enquiries: Darebin City Council by phone (8470 8373).
Bookings: Eventbrite.
Further information: LFC calendar entry.

Using a worm farm and bokashi bin at home

What: Learn how to use and maintain your worm farm and/or bokashi bin at home. Worm farming and/or using a bokashi bin not only reduces the amount of food waste going to landfill (and so reduces pollution and household contribution to climate change) but also provides high quality fertiliser which enriches your soil and helps your plants grow big and strong!
When: Sunday, 6th March, 3-4pm.
Where: Northcote.
Cost: free.
Enquiries: Darebin City Council by phone (8470 8373).
Bookings: Eventbrite.
Further information: LFC calendar entry.

Wicking bed workshop

What: The workshop will give you hands-on experience of building a wicking bed. It will include theory as well as practical experience and tips. It will be led by Paul Gale-Baker, member of Sustainable Macleod. Please bring lunch to share. Morning and afternoon tea provided.
When: Sunday, 13th March, 9.30am-4.30pm.
Where: Macleod.
Cost: $15.
Enquiries: Robin by phone (0408 733683) or email.
Bookings: Trybooking.
Further information: LFC calendar entry.

The herb and chilli festival

What: A two day festival celebrating all things related to herbs and chillis. The festival brings together a variety of cuisines and cultural elements from around Melbourne and beyond. Visitors to the festival will see, smell, taste and imbibe food and wine in a multitude of forms. They will meet and talk with passionate producers who will teach them about their cuisine. There will be demonstrations, talks, tastings, music, dance and even competitions to enter. Activities for all ages.
When: Saturday, 19th March and Sunday 20th March, 10am-5pm.
Where: Wandin.
Cost: $24 per person per day.
Enquiries: Clive Larkman by phone (0414 242710) or email.
Further information: Herb and chilli festival website.

Introduction to horticulture – 9 session course

What: This 9-week hands-on course will introduce you to a range of topics in the field of horticulture. The course runs at Edendale in Eltham, and places in the course are government-subsidised, so it is a great starting point for people thinking about turning their passion into a career in horticulture, or simply for home food growers who want to learn more – only $130 for a 9-session course! No prior experience is necessary. The course will be run by Justin Calverley, a horticultural expert with over twenty years’ experience. Inter alia, Justin is a lead trainer in adult education at CERES, where he has presented workshops on topics ranging from fruit and vegetable production to bush foods, and from garden design to sustainable gardening.
When: Saturday, 19th March – Saturday, 4th June, 9.30am-3pm. Also, Monday, 18th April – Monday, 27th June, 9.30am-3pm.
Where: Edendale.
Cost: $130 for all 9 sessions ($73 concession).

Sustainable home-grown garlic

What: Sustainable Gardening Australia is working with Penny Woodward to bring you this class on growing garlic sustainably. What will be covered: types of garlic, its diversity, groupings and cultivars; how to choose your garlic; soil preparation, planting, growing, harvesting, curing, storing and using; characteristics of different types of garlic; and solutions to common problems.
When: Saturday, 16th April, 2-3.30pm.
Where: Forest Hill.
Cost: $30.
Enquiries: Richard Rowe by email.
Bookings: Weteachme website.
Further information: Weteachme website.

Permablitz 179 (Doncaster)

What: St Gregory the Great primary school is looking forward to starting a veggie garden. Last year, students voted on the most sustainable garden bed – the majority of students opted for wicking beds, with many also showing an interest in worm tunnels. The permaculture seed has been planted and now it’s time to grow! During this blitz you will be making things happen! You will be resurrecting a currently unused area of the school, transforming it into an educational edible paradise.
When: Saturday, 23rd April, 9am-4.30pm.
Where: Doncaster.
Cost: free.
Enquiries/Bookings: Permablitz website.
Further information: LFC calendar entry.

Summary of upcoming events

Over the next week
Over the next month

Click here for the complete calendar of upcoming events.