Helen Simpson writes about how to grow ginger and turmeric

Of all The Common’s Facebook posts that I have referenced in recent months, the most popular amongst our newsletter fraternity has been that on turmeric. In this context, Helen and I agreed that she would write an article about how to grow the stuff. And given its similarity, both botanically and from a growing perspective, Helen decided that she would also discuss ginger. The end result is that
Helen’s article for the month of September is on how to grow ginger and turmeric. As she says in her introduction “Ginger and turmeric are both hot weather plants which grow abundantly in tropical climates. Although growing in Melbourne presents a challenge, a moderate harvest can be obtained by mimicking a tropical environment as closely as possible. Essentially this means growing ginger and turmeric over Melbourne’s summer and, to maximise your harvest, create the longest possible growing period by starting your plants as soon as the weather warms up in September. This can be tricky, as cold snaps and frosts still occur, so protection of your plants in the early months is essential – for example, in a greenhouse or house overnight. Because of this, I recommend growing the plants in pots, which can be moved and protected as necessary.” Both are grown from rhizomes, which are the things that you also buy to eat. Read the full article.

Another honey provider in the Local Food Directory

See the directory entry for Backyard Honey. Their raw, local, multi-floral and varietal honey is hand-harvested, unheated, cold extracted and permeated with local pollens. They are based in Surrey Hills and their honey is available from a wide variety of outlets across North East Melbourne.

Mac’s tip of the week

It is time to prevent codling moth on your apples, pears and quinces, especially if you have had infestations in the past. Use pheromone traps, trappit glue or corrugated cardboard wraps around the trunk. Perhaps spray with Dipel or Success. Google “codling moth lifecycle” to gain more knowledge. Act now!

Food and social justice

Karyn Knight thought that some people might be interested in a new book entitled Beyond the kale: urban agriculture and social justice activism in New York City.

Bruce Plain’s contribution is a link to an article about Detroit urban farmers.

Here are some links to Melbourne-wide organisations: Food Bank, SecondBite and Feed Melbourne.

And here are some more local links: the Food Justice Truck and the Diamond Valley Food Share.

New events

Note that the first five events below are all happening within the next week.

Sauerkraut making workshop

What: Go and give your health an extra boost this spring season by learning how to prepare fermented foods that are good for your stomach. Led by Gemma Macri, this workshop will cover the basic practices in the traditional fermentation process including chopping, salting, packing and tasting. Please BYO small jar if you would like to take some sauerkraut home to ferment. Numbers are limited so please register in advance. Sauerkraut will be available as part of the lunch menu at the Peppertree cafe.
When: Saturday, 3rd September, 10am-2pm.
Where: PepperTree Place, Coburg.
Cost: $15 ($10 concession).
Enquiries/Bookings: Natasha van Velzen by phone (0431 494773) or email.
Further information: LFC calendar entry.

Weed control networking day

What: This event will provide landowners with information on the resources available to tackle priority weed issues, as a community. Their guest speakers will discuss how their organisations can support and fund community-led programs and provide case studies of successful projects in the region. Organisations include Landcare Victoria, The Victorian Blackberry Taskforce (VBT), The Victorian Gorse Taskforce (VGT), Melbourne Water and Port Phillip and Westernport CMA.
When: Saturday, 3rd September, 10am-2pm.
Where: Wollert Hall, Wollert.
Cost: free.
Enquiries/Bookings: Katherine Whittaker by phone (9217 2147) or email.
Further information: LFC calendar entry.

Permaculture basics

What: Following the regular monthly food swap at Montmorency, listen to local gardener and permie Julie as she explains what is meant by permaculture, the ethics and principles that underpin it and how you can use it in your home garden.
When: Sunday, 4th September, 11.30am-12.15pm.
Where: Montmorency Primary School.
Cost: free.
Enquiries/Bookings: Katherine Barling by phone (0439 652680) or email.
Bookings: just turn up.
Further information: LFC calendar entry.

Eat, drink, talk, think

What: Join them to discuss the question “How can we better tell the sustainable fair food story to engage new audiences?” This event gives those working and volunteering on sustainable and fair food projects an opportunity to meet, be inspired by others’ projects, discuss ideas, forge new relationships, and stay connected with what is happening. The two speakers of the evening are Dr Jen Rae (artist, researcher, and cultural producer) and Ben McMenamin (chef, environmentalist and social entrepreneur).
When: Tuesday, 6th September, 6.30-9pm.
Where: Neometro lounge, Brunswick.
Cost: $6 pre-event; $7 on the door.
Enquiries: Jen by email.
Bookings: Eventbrite.
Further information: LFC calendar entry.

Wine master class

What: Two wines in glasses side by side without seeing the label, can you tell Pinot from Merlot? Can you tell oaked from un-oaked Chardonnay? Go along for a wine master class conducted by winemaker George Apted from Shaws Road Winery. Limited numbers (30 max) so book early.
When: Tuesday, 6th September, 6.30-9.30pm.
Where: Folk Alley Cafe, St Andrews.
Cost: $30 (includes all wine tastings, cheese platters and canapes).
Enquiries/Bookings: Cassie by phone (0448 220433).
Further information: LFC calendar entry.

Indian cooking – Punjabi (two sessions)

What: Tutor – Taariq Hassan. Learn how to cook a healthy North West Indian vegetarian meal from scratch using authentic ingredients. Enjoy eating what has been made after at the end of the session or take it home for your next main meal. Join a small group of 6-8 participants at these hands on cooking sessions guided by demonstrations from an enthusiastic and knowledgeable tutor. Simple approaches and techniques, authentic shortcuts and steps for preparation will all be covered. Week 1 menu: daal (spiced lentils); raita (yoghurt-based dip); basmati rice with peas and cumin seeds; dry roasted poppadums; and a milk-based dessert. Week 2 menu: aloo saag (spinach and potato) and chapatti (flat bread).
When: Thursday, 8th September and Thursday, 15th September, both 6.30-8.30pm.
Where: Hurstbridge Hub.
Cost: $90 ($82 concession).
Enquiries/Bookings: Living & Learning Nillumbik by phone (9433 3744) or email.
Further information: LFC calendar entry.

Traditional Italian pizza

What: Discover the authentic taste of Mediterranean cuisine, using the freshest ingredients. A tasty three-course menu (pizza base and a variety of traditional toppings; focaccia; and sweet pizza surprise) will be prepared and enjoyed for lunch afterwards.
When: Saturday, 17th September, 10am-1pm.
Where: Living & Learning Nillumbik at Panton Hill.
Cost: $70 ($65 concession).
Enquiries/Bookings: Living & Learning Nillumbik by phone (9433 3744) or email.
Further information: LFC calendar entry.

Introduction to natural beekeeping (two day)

What: Suitable for beginners, and ideal for the backyarder, this two-day event will cover such subjects as: equipment, legislation, choosing the location, ongoing maintenance and harvesting. The event is being run by the Natural Beekeeping Group of Permaculture Victoria.
When: Saturday 17th September and Sunday, 18th September, both 10am-4pm.
Where: Mitcham.
Cost: $200 for members of Permaculture Victoria; $250 for non-members.
Enquiries/Bookings: Claire Smith by email.
Further information: LFC calendar entry.

Sourdough workshop

What: Yvonne Ashby hopes that her passion for sourdough will inspire others to enjoy a good quality homemade bread and a great way to re-live a past time. This will be a hands-on workshop on how to make traditional sourdough bread with the 3 basic ingredients of flour, water and salt. The class will be limited to 6-8 people with a hands-on approach to all aspects of making sourdough, including the tasting for lunch from different variations of sourdough bread that use the basic sourdough recipe being learnt in the workshop (e.g. spelt, fruit & nut, seeded, wholemeal). The cost is inclusive of Yvonne’s continued support whilst the participant is making their own bread at home. The workshop is suitable for beginners who want to expand their bread making repertoire. You will: learn about the required ingredients and tools of the trade; discover the fermentation techniques to optimise the open crumb texture; and learn about the Baker’s Percentage and hydration. During the workshop, you will: mix, knead and fold the dough; learn shaping techniques; learn to score and bake; and learn how to maintain a starter.
When: Saturday, 1st October, 10am-1pm.
Where: Yallambie.
Cost: $85.
Enquiries: Yvonne Ashby by phone (0409 225774) or email.
Bookings: Eventbrite.
Further information: LFC calendar entry.

Summary of upcoming events

Over the next week

• Preserving basics: make your own jams, pickles and relishes: Wednesday, 31st August, 10am-1pm.
• Let’s plant ourselves a berry pie: Wednesday, 31st August, 7-9pm.
• Artisan pasta – fettuccini: Friday, 2nd September, 10am-midday.
• Sauerkraut making workshop: Saturday, 3rd September, 10am-2pm.
• Weed control networking day: Saturday, 3rd September, 10am-2pm.
• Growing heritage tomatoes from seed: Saturday, 3rd September, 11am-midday.
• Heritage Fruit Society – orchard maintenance workshop: Sunday, 4th September, 9am-midday.
• Permaculture basics: Sunday, 4th September, 11.30am-12.15pm.
• Spring veggie gardening: Monday, 5th September, 10.30-11.30am.
• Eat, drink, talk, think: Tuesday, 6th September, 6.30-9pm.
• Wine master class: Tuesday, 6th September, 6.30-9.30pm.

Over the next month

• Indian cooking – Punjabi (two sessions): Thursday, 8th September, 6.30-8.30pm.
• Sourdough bread making workshop: Saturday, 10th September, 10am-1pm.
• Feastival – moving feast entree demonstration: Saturday, 10th September, 11am-midday.
• Feastival – moving feast main meal demonstration: Saturday, 10th September, 12.45-2pm.
• Soil matters: Saturday, 10th September, 2-4.30pm.
• Cooking for blokes: Sunday, 11th September, 10am-1pm.
• Preparing your garden for summer vegetables: Wednesday, 14th September, 10am-1pm.
• Boroondara Sustainable Living Festival: Saturday, 17th September, 8am-1pm.
• Traditional Italian pizza: Saturday, 17th September, 10am-1pm.
• Introduction to natural beekeeping (two day): Saturday 17th September and Sunday, 18th September, both 10am-4pm.
• Moving feast: Saturday, 17th September, 1.30-3pm.
• Vegetable seedling propagation: Saturday, 17th September, 2.30-4.30pm.
• Composting and worm farming: Wednesday, 21st September, 7-8.30pm.
• Lebanese feast: Thursday, 22nd September, 1-2pm.
• 3000acres Spring Fling Festival: Saturday, 24th September, midday-4pm.
• Love food, hate waste (Edendale): Saturday, 24th September, 1.30-3.30pm.
• Starting a patch from scratch: Wednesday, 28th September, 7-9pm.
• Tomato planting workshop for kids: Thursday, 29th September, 11am-midday.
• Great Southern Beer & Cider Festival: Friday, 30th September 11am-5pm.
• Sourdough workshop: Saturday, 1st October, 10am-1pm.

Click here for the complete calendar of upcoming events.

Our Italian correspondent reports in

Peter Dougherty writes in from Umbertide in Perugia: “The Slow Food movement was founded in Italy 30 years ago by Carlo Petrini in response to the arrival of McDonalds in Rome. It now manifests throughout Italy. ‘Terra Madre Mercati’ (Mother Earth Markets), of which there are now 55, mostly in Italy, are part of the movement. One of them takes place every Saturday morning in Umbertide. It is confined to growers and producers from within forty kilometres of the town. As well as fruit and vegetables, cheese, bread, cakes, jams, honey, olive oil and pottery are also available. Many of the participants are committed to totally organic produce, although this is not mandatory. One participant is a baker making bread with milled hemp seeds. Another is a fruit and veggie stall with connections to ‘Fondazione Amica Campagna’ (Foundation for the Countryside), a foundation that cooperates with participants from all branches of the food industry that support ideals such as seasonality, low food mileage, and a culture of conscious spending.”

Recipes for lemon, orange and lime curds

Following Maria Ciavarella’s demonstration at the last Eltham Farmers’ Market, she has kindly given us her recipes for lemon, orange and lime curds.

Your local newsletter producer is in the news

Yup, that’s me! In the Ivanhoe and Valley 17th August edition of The Weekly Review. They actually missed out my best quote: “Pizza at Pierross: they make the well-known 400 Gradi restaurant in the CBD look like a bunch of amateurs.” (400 Gradi won the margherita pizza world championship in 2014)

Have you any reusable bags you could give Eltham Farmers’ Market?

As you should know, Eltham Farmers’ Market is now plastic bag free. As part of this, we have set up a ‘Boomerang Bags’ bag-share box which is stocked with re-usable bags for customers to borrow if they have forgotten to bring their own, hopefully returning them at the following market. The borrowing part has worked well but, to date, they have been more like sticks than boomerangs from a returning perspective. So, we have temporarily run out. If you have any reusable bags that you could donate, please contact Felicity Gordon by email.

Mac’s tip of the week

“The citrus wasp gall is now beginning to hatch. So, prune off existing galls (without holes) and consider hanging sticky traps. I’m thinking of wrapping my traps in bird wire or mesh this year: the traps seem to attract all insects (and birds that eat them), which can unfortunately also stick in the traps, but the wire/mesh should keep many of them out. By contrast, gall wasps are only 2-3mm and so will still get through. An experiment worth trying until the end of November, when they can be removed. Finally, if you haven’t yet sprayed your peaches and nectarines with copper, do so now.”

The Common’s latest Facebook post

Is about soy.

New events

Tools – maintenance and care

What: It is the first birthday for the Wonga Park Food Swap so, to help them celebrate, Warwick Bone, a member of the Permaculture Victoria Network, will give a talk about tools and their care. Choosing the right tool for the job is very important for many reasons including safety. Keeping your tools sharp is equally important, as a sharp tool is a safe tool. The talk will discuss best practices to sharpen your tools, specifically knives, secateurs, spades and axes. It will also cover some of the worst practices and gimmicks and why not to use them. Finally, there will be a few unusual tools on show.
When: Sunday, 21st August, 10-11.30am.
Where: Edible Forest Gardens at Wonga Park.
Cost: free.
Enquiries: Kirsty Bishop-Fox by email.
Bookings: just turn up.
Further information: LFC calendar entry.

All day pizza making for kids

What: One of a series of workshops that teach sustainable cooking to children from all walks of life. Age group: 4 to 11 years. Walk ins welcome. [Editor’s note: the pictures on the right give an indication about the nature of the event.]
When: Sunday, 21st August, 11am-4pm.
Where: Third Place Cafe at Wollert.
Cost: $15 per child.
Enquiries/Bookings: Sibelleus Chefittles Express by phone (0406 653430) or email or just turn up.
Further information: LFC calendar entry.

Kombucha – fermented brew

What: Learn how to brew a delightful tonic beverage that is bursting with bubbles, flavour and goodness. You will be making kombucha, a sweetened tea that is fermented by a community of bacteria and yeast (also known as ‘Scoby’). It is beneficial to your gut health, helps cleanse the body of accumulated toxins in your diet and is a deliciously tasty, effervescent alternative drink to alcohol. In this workshop, you will: discuss the health benefits of kombucha; look at the types of tea suitable for fermenting; follow a step-by-step demonstration for making single/batch brew (and learn about continuous brew) kombucha; enjoy some tastings of kombuchas made with different teas and flavourings; and learn to flavour and infuse kombucha with the added benefits of herbs, fruit and spices. You will go away with your own original kombucha starter (scoby included).
When: Saturday, 27th August, 10am-midday.
Where: Maribyrnong.
Cost: $30.
Enquiries/Bookings: Gemma Macri by phone (0431 233420) or email.
Further information: LFC calendar entry.

Love food, hate waste

What: Did you know Victorians waste 25% of the food they buy? Learn how to avoid food waste and use leftovers more creatively. Local chef Duang Tengtrirat from Real Food Catering will provide a cooking demonstration and tips’ session. Get creative, make the most of your leftovers and show them the love they deserve!
When: Tuesday, 30th August, 6-8pm.
Where: Hurstbridge Hub.
Cost: free.
Enquiries: Edendale by phone (9433 3711) or email.
Bookings / Further information: Edendale website.

Growing heritage tomatoes from seed

What: Learn about heritage tomatoes and which varieties are best for your garden with local horticulturalist and Local Food Connect newsletter contributor Helen Simpson. participate in a hands-on experience (equipment provided – but bring your own gloves) and discover how to grow healthy plants.
When: Saturday, 3rd September, 11am-midday.
Where: Watsonia Library.
Cost: free.
Enquiries: Watsonia Library by phone (9088 3417).
Bookings: just turn up.
Further information: LFC calendar entry.

Sourdough bread making workshop

What: Tutor – Jenna Farrington-Seear. This workshop is suitable for beginners through to those who want to expand their bread making repertoire: learn about the required ingredients and tools of the trade; discover the fermentation techniques to optimise the open crumb texture; and learn about the baker’s percentage and hydration. During the workshop you will be hands on: mix, knead and fold the dough; learn shaping techniques; learn to score and bake; and how to maintain a starter. Take home: a recipe, tips and hints of sourdough making; a piece of dough which can be baked at home; and a sourdough starter.
When: Saturday, 10th September, 10am-1pm.
Where: Living & Learning Nillumbik at Panton Hill.
Cost: $45 ($40 concession).
Enquiries/Bookings: Living & Learning Nillumbik Panton Hill by phone (9433 3799) or email.
Further information: LFC calendar entry.

Preparing your garden for summer vegetables

What: Learn how to maximise the productivity from your veggie patch using all natural techniques, including crop rotation cycles. Look at great veggies to grow over the warmer months, how to start them from seed and how to look after them so that they produce well for you. What you will learn: how to prepare your soil for maximum benefit; incorporating crop rotation and other techniques for pest control; and great veggies to grow over summer and how to get them started from seed.
When: Wednesday, 14th September, 10am-1pm.
Where: Donvale.
Cost: $50.
Enquiries: Maria Ciavarella by phone (0424 083057) or email.

Boroondara Sustainable Living Festival

What: From growing veggies and keeping backyard chooks to ‘speed dating’ a sustainability expert, there is something for everyone at this year’s Boroondara Sustainable Living Festival. Worms not waste: get expert advice on worm farming and composting; you will also be able to pick up free worm juice plant fertiliser and find out how to order a discounted worm farm or compost bin. Incredible edibles: get expert advice and see demonstrations on growing your own fruit and vegetables; get in early to pick up a free seedling.
When: Saturday, 17th September, 8am-1pm.
Where: Patterson Reserve, Hawthorn East.
Cost: free.
Bookings: just turn up.
Further information: LFC calendar entry.

Composting and worm farming

What: Learn the art of successful home composting and worm farming from Maria Ciavarella, of My Green Garden.
When: Wednesday, 21st September, 7-8.30pm.
Where: Mill Park Library.
Cost: free.
Enquiries: Sylvia Turk by phone (9401 0509) or email.
Bookings: Yarra Plenty Library website.
Further information: LFC calendar entry.

Tomato planting workshop for kids

What: Learn how to plant tomato and basil seedlings then decorate a jiffy pot to take home. This will be a hands-on activity so bring your gardening gloves. Bookings required.
When: Thursday, 29th September, 11am-midday.
Where: Watsonia Library.
Cost: free.
Enquiries: Watsonia Library by phone (9088 3417).
Bookings: Yarra Plenty Library website.
Further information: LFC calendar entry.

Summary of upcoming events

Over the next week

• Fruit trees for the home gardener: Thursday, 18th August 6.30-8pm.
• Sourdough workshop: Saturday, 20th August, 10am-1pm.
• Common garden medicine making: Saturday, 20th August, 1-4pm.
• Setting up and maintaining a worm farm: Saturday, 20th August, 3-4pm.
• Tools – maintenance and care: Sunday, 21st August, 10-11.30am.
• All day pizza making for kids: Sunday, 21st August, 11am-4pm.
• Suburban beekeeping: Sunday, 21st August, 2.30-4.30pm.
• Winter garden maintenance: Tuesday, 23rd August, 11am-midday.

Over the next month

• Eat healthy, seasonally and waste nothing: cooking masterclass with Arabella Forge: Thursday, 25th August, 10am-12.30pm.
• Swipers Gully Restaurant guest chef Stephen Mercer: Thursday, 25th August, 6.30pm onwards.
• Kombucha – fermented brew: Saturday, 27th August, 10am-midday.
• Love food, hate waste: Tuesday, 30th August, 6-8pm.
• Preserving basics: make your own jams, pickles and relishes: Wednesday, 31st August, 10am-1pm.
• Let’s plant ourselves a berry pie: Wednesday, 31st August, 7-9pm.
• Artisan pasta – fettuccini: Friday, 2nd September, 10am-midday.
• Growing heritage tomatoes from seed: Saturday, 3rd September, 11am-midday.
• Heritage Fruit Society – orchard maintenance workshop: Sunday, 4th September, 9am-midday.
• Spring veggie gardening: Monday, 5th September, 10.30-11.30am.
• Sourdough bread making workshop: Saturday, 10th September, 10am-1pm.
• Feastival – moving feast entree demonstration: Saturday, 10th September, 11am-midday.
• Feastival – moving feast main meal demonstration: Saturday, 10th September, 12.45-2pm.
• Soil matters: Saturday, 10th September, 2-4.30pm.
• Cooking for blokes: Sunday, 11th September, 10am-1pm.
• Preparing your garden for summer vegetables: Wednesday, 14th September, 10am-1pm.
• Boroondara Sustainable Living Festival: Saturday, 17th September, 8am-1pm.
• Moving feast: Saturday, 17th September, 1.30-3pm.

Click here for the complete calendar of upcoming events.

Quists Coffee are now giving away free coffee husks

Quists Coffee have been in contact to say they are happy to provide free coffee husks. Thanks, Doris! As detailed in the updated list, they are based in Research and you have to ring them in advance.

Two more sources for free manure

Thanks to Karen Cheah, our list of sources of free manure has grown by one: Tandivale Equestrian Centre & Pony Club in Warrandyte offers free horse manure.

Tell us about local people who sell veggie seedlings

This week I want to focus on local people who sell veggie seedlings. There are two people/organisations on the current list: KABUU and The Mushroom Shed, both from Montmorency. There must be lots of others around North East Melbourne and I am sure that they would appreciate a wider audience knowing about them. Email me with the details of anyone that you know whose business is selling veggie seedlings that they have grown themselves.

Shoutouts to everyone who replies.

Mac’s tip of the week

Mac McVeigh has kindly agreed to provide this newsletter with periodic, seasonal tips. Mac is a qualified horticulturalist from Eltham who can do most skilled tasks around the garden. He is one of the people on our list of local people who build wicking beds or raised garden beds.

Here is Mac’s tip for this week: “All winter pruning should largely be completed now, with eco-oil sprayed where needed. It is also a good time to prune off more wasp gall on your citrus. Keep an eye on your peaches and nectarines for bud swell as you will soon need to spray to prevent curly leaf.”

Do you want some fresh strawberries?

Yarra Valley Gateway Estate grow their strawberries in a hydroponic greenhouse and they currently have a new crop coming into full production. In the middle of Winter! Go along and pick however many you want, $4 for a 250g punnet.

Local food producers in the news

Kangaroo Ground-based winery Kings of Kangaroo Ground and Yan Yean-based fruit and veggie grower Just Picked are both featured in the August edition of Farm Magazine, which is part of the rural Weekly Times newspaper.
          

Here is the video to which the Kings of Kangaroo Ground article refers:

And here is the video to which the Just Picked article could have referred (but didn’t):

The Common’s latest Facebook post

Is about milk.

Meet and eat: characters made from fruit and veg – in pictures

Just to demonstrate that this is a highbrow newsletter, have a look at this wonderful array of pictures. My favourite is probably Stephen (the rightmost one below), whilst my wife likes Albert (the leftmost one below).

If you want to have a look at a Renaissance equivalent from 500 years ago, google ‘Arcimboldo’ and search for images.

New events

Introduction to natural beekeeping

What: Suitable for beginners, and ideal for the backyarder, this two-day event will cover such subjects as: equipment, legislation, choosing the location, ongoing maintenance and harvesting. The event is being run by the Natural Beekeeping Group of Permaculture Victoria.
When: Saturday 13th August and Sunday, 14th August, both 10am-4pm.
Where: Mitcham.
Cost: $200 for members of Permaculture Victoria; $250 for non-members.
Enquiries/Bookings: Claire Smith by email.
Further information: LFC calendar entry.

Fruit trees for the home gardener

What: Pete the Permie (aka Telopea Mtn Permaculture & Nursery) has been growing thousands of varieties of fruit trees organically for twenty years. Join him in this beginner’s session that will cover the basics of growing fruit in an urban garden. Pete will share his top tips in selecting the species that best suit your situation and purpose. He will also cover soil preparation, maintenance, organic pest control and pruning tips. Finally, go into the draw to win free fruit trees to take home on the night.
When: Thursday, 18th August 6.30-8pm.
Where: Nunawading.
Cost: free.
Enquiries: Whitehorse Council Tree Education Officer (Millie Wells) by phone (9262 6333) or email.
Bookings: Eventbrite.
Further information: LFC calendar entry.

Bellfield Community Garden working bee

What: At this working bee, they are looking to: start the pizza oven base; plant several fruit trees; and put up an additional tool shed. Have a look around the garden, see their new shelter and meet the members. They are now fully open new members: $30 for the year, or $15 concession. Please bring a plate to share at afternoon tea.
When: Saturday, 20th August 2-5pm.
Where: Bellfield.
Cost: free.
Enquiries: Paul Morland by phone (9440 9247) or email.
Bookings: just turn up.
Further information: LFC calendar entry.

Preserving basics: make your own jams, pickles and relishes

What: Learn how to preserve fruit and veggies safely, using a variety of techniques. These techniques can be used on most fruit and veggies so that you learn to make your own preserves, with no artificial additives and nasty numbers. No preserving background is assumed as you go through how to prevent food spoilage using the preserving methods of bottling, jam-making, pickling and making relishes. Dehydrating is also demonstrated. You will cover the jars and lids to use, safe storage and use. All the preserves made on the day get taken home by everyone. What you will learn: how to make jams, pickles and relishes; select and re-use suitable jars and how to sterilise them; and bottle seasonal fruits and vegetables for future use.
When: Wednesday, 31st August, 10am-1pm.
Where: Donvale.
Cost: $70.
Enquiries: Maria Ciavarella by phone (0424 083057) or email.

Artisan pasta – fettuccini

What: Learn how to make pasta like an Italian! You will use age-old techniques to make a classic egg pasta, to be transformed into delicious fettuccini. Then, using the basic pasta-making technique, you will incorporate colourful vegetables to make fettuccini in a variety of colours. You can also opt to make your fettuccini suitable for vegans. Your pasta will be ready to take home to cook for a lovely meal. Instructions on how to dry the pasta or freeze it for future use will be given. Easy sauce recipes will also be discussed. What you will learn: how to make and knead egg-based pasta dough; use traditional pasta machines to roll and cut pasta; and how to use selected vegetables to make colourful fettuccini, including vegan options.
When: Friday, 2nd September, 10am-midday.
Where: Donvale.
Cost: $50.
Enquiries: Maria Ciavarella by phone (0424 083057) or email.

Spring gardening

What: Get ready for Spring by joining Maria Ciavarella from My Green Garden. Her ideas will ensure you have lots of lovely produce to share with your family and friends.
When: Monday, 5th September, 10.30-11.30am.
Where: Bulleen.
Cost: free.
Bookings: Whitehorse Manningham libraries website.
Further information: LFC calendar entry.

Great Southern Beer & Cider Festival

What: This event is a great day out if you are a beer and cider enthusiast eager to try a variety of new flavours and some of your old favourites. It is also a great day out for families with plenty of children’s activities and entertainment. Your entry ticket includes: a souvenir tasting glass; an opportunity to experience a range of boutique beer and cider, complimented by a selection of gourmet street food; free admission for children accompanied by an adult; live music; and children’s entertainment.
When: Friday, 30th September 11am-5pm.
Where: Yarra Glen.
Cost: $22.
Enquiries: The event organisers by email.
Bookings: Eventbrite.
Further information: LFC calendar entry.

Summary of upcoming events

Over the next week

• Backyard chooks for beginners: Saturday, 6th August, 10am-midday.
• Yarra community growing spaces workshop: Saturday, 6th August, 10.30am-12.45pm.
• Yarra community growing spaces workshop: Saturday, 6th August, 2-4.15pm.
• Winter herbal pantry – using food as medicine: Saturday, 6th August, 3.30-4.30pm.
• Biodynamic course (two-day): Saturday, 6th August and Sunday, 7th August.
• Grafting and apple tree sales days: Sunday, 7th August, 10am-midday.
• All Nations Kitchen Garden second birthday celebrations: Sunday, 7th August, 10am-1pm.
• Winter garden party: Sunday, 7th August, 11am-3pm.
• Beekeeping – a taster: Sunday, 7th August, 1-3pm.
• Australian Community Food Hubs Conference: Monday, 8th August and Tuesday, 9th August.
• Fruit tree grafting: Wednesday, 10th August, 9am-midday.
• Preserving with citrus: Wednesday, 10th August, 10am-1pm.

Over the next month

• Building a healthy economy from the bottom up: annual agribusiness dinner: Saturday, 13th August, 6-10.30pm.
• Introduction to natural beekeeping (two-day course): Saturday 13th August and Sunday, 14th August, both 10am-4pm.
• Fruit tree grafting: Sunday, 14th August, 1-4pm.
• Aquaponic gardens: Tuesday, 16th August, 11.30am-12.30pm.
• Fruit trees for the home gardener: Thursday, 18th August 6.30-8pm.
• Sourdough workshop: Saturday, 20th August, 10am-1pm.
• Common garden medicine making: Saturday, 20th August, 1-4pm.
• Bellfield Community Garden working bee: Saturday, 20th August, 2-5pm.
• Setting up and maintaining a worm farm: Saturday, 20th August, 3-5pm.
• Suburban beekeeping: Sunday, 21st August, 2.30-4.30pm.
• Winter garden maintenance: Tuesday, 23rd August, 11am-midday.
• Eat healthy, seasonally and waste nothing: cooking masterclass with Arabella Forge: Thursday, 25th August, 10am-12.30pm.
• Swipers Gully Restaurant guest chef Stephen Mercer: Thursday, 25th August, 6.30pm onwards.
• Preserving basics: make your own jams, pickles and relishes: Wednesday, 31st August, 10am-1pm.
• Let’s plant ourselves a berry pie: Wednesday, 31st August, 7-9pm.
• Artisan pasta – fettuccini: Friday, 2nd September, 10am-midday.
• Heritage Fruit Society – orchard maintenance workshop: Sunday, 4th September, 9am-midday.
• Spring gardening: Monday, 5th September, 10.30-11.30am.
• Feastival – moving feast entree demonstration: Saturday, 10th September, 11am-midday.
• Feastival – moving feast main meal demonstration: Saturday, 10th September, 12.45-2pm.
• Cooking for blokes: Sunday, 11th September, 10am-1pm.

Click here for the complete calendar of upcoming events.