Mar 282018
 

Greta visits the garden of Jacklyne Bereka

Greta Gillies has visited the garden of Jacklyne Bereka and her family, from Heidelberg Heights. Here is how she introduces the write up: “Jacklyne lives with her husband Michael and their sons McNivan (12), Ishmael (3) and Jayson (16 months). Jacklyne is a primary school teacher and Michael is an accountant (currently undertaking his Master’s). The family moved to Australia from a coastal area in Papua New Guinea in August 2017. Since then, they have really immersed themselves in their local community, getting to know their neighbours and becoming involved in local community networking groups Rough Trade 3081 and Heidelberg Good Karma Network. Since the start of this this year, they have been growing a food garden. The main garden beds, currently growing tomatoes and pak choy, are in the front garden. As Jacklyne is being interviewed, a passerby shouts out “nice crop of tomatoes!”. She says that compliments like this are common.Read the full write up.

This is the last of Greta’s garden visits for the time being. As John Buttery said, Thanks very much for your reviews, Greta, they are great.” Thanks, Greta!

Robin’s veggie growing tip of the month

When to pick pumpkins and how to ‘cure’ them. Pick pumpkins when the stem coming out of the top of the pumpkin has withered. Leave 10-12 cm of stem but don’t use it as a handle. You can also ‘knock’ on the pumpkin and if it sounds hollow then it is ready for picking.

A pumpkin will not be ready to eat immediately after being harvested. Rather, it needs to be ‘cured’ (aka ‘hardened off’) and allowed to sweeten. To do this, rest the pumpkin on some mesh or wire so that air can circulate around it, with newspaper or straw underneath so that the skin doesn’t tear or blemish. Leave it in the sun for 2-3 weeks then turn it over and do the same for the bottom. Then the pumpkin will be ready to eat.

Read all of Robin’s tips.

Mac’s tip of the month

At last we have the green light (aka rain) for Autumn plantings! Be sure to dig your compost through your soil, and perhaps some cow manure and /or mushroom compost as well.

Although my favourite harvests are probably during the warmer months, I have to say that Autumn plantings are both productive and easy: you can pretty much just plant, mulch, and leave them to it.

Editor’s note re the change of title: from henceforth, Mac’s tips will be monthly rather than weekly. This will help ensure that they are each well-fertilised!

Read all of Mac’s tips. In total, Mac has now done more than 50 tips. Thanks, Mac!

What to plant in April

Here is a list (see the planting guide for more detail):

Brassicas

Broccoli
Brussels sprouts
Cabbage
Cauliflower
Kale
Mizuna
Mustard greens
Pak choy

Cool season veggies

Broad beans
Coriander
Fennel
Garlic
Peas

Other leafy greens

Lettuce
Rocket
Silverbeet
Spinach

Other

Beetroot
Carrot
Chives
Leeks
Oregano
Parsley
Radish
Shallot

April is a good month to plant your cool season veggies. So, plant those broad beans, peas, garlic and brassicas. Also, plant some leafy greens.

Read Helen’s 2016 articles on growing brassicas and on autumn plantings.

Eltham Farmers’ Market stallholder lists

Eltham Farmers’ Market becoming weekly has obviously made it easier for people to know whether the market is being held on a particular Sunday. But it also seems to have made it more difficult for some people to know whether a particular stallholder will be at a particular market. Two of our website pages are designed to help this:

Note that, because of Easter, Coburg and Fairfield markets are not taking place this upcoming weekend. So, Eltham is the only farmers’ market happening in the whole of North East Melbourne.

David Holmgren’s presentation at Eltham: the aftermath

Around 150 people turned up to listen to David Holmgren talk at Eltham last Thursday. Click here to buy his new book, RetroSurburbia. It may cost quite a lot ($85) but it is also substantial (600 pages). As someone who has read it, I can tell you that it is substantive, comprehensive and readable.

For interest, here is a quick analysis of where the 150 attendees came from: 35% from Nillumbik, 35% from Banyule, 15% from elsewhere in North East Melbourne and 15% from further afield. 60% currently receive this newsletter and 40% don’t.

Choosing the best compost method

An interesting article with a great graphic.

News about local food producers

My Little Country Kitchen’s (Kinglake West) sausage rolls are now available at the Wild Wombat Cafe, Hurstbridge.

PoppySmack’s (Warrandyte) sauces are now available at Mirrabella’s at Doncaster.

Which link was clicked most times in the last newsletter?

Greta’s visit to Jonathan Warren’s garden.

Gardening quote of the month

My life now is just trees. Trees and champagne. by Judi Dench.

Read all the quotes.

Proverb of the month

You’re not as green as you’re cabbage looking. Meaning: you’re not as gullible as you look. A Yorkshire saying dating back to at least the mid-1800s. First used in Australia in 1882 in the Southern Argus (Goulburn, NSW). ‘Green’ here means gullible, naive or foolish. ‘Cabbage-looking’ is from a comparison of the head to a cabbage, both being of similar size and shape, and is a traditional slang term for naive. As a bonus, cabbages are coloured green. [The picture is an advert for hats from 1887.]

Read all the proverbs.

Joke of the week

Why did the tin man from Oz eat artichokes? Because he wanted a heart!

Read all the jokes.

New events

The basics of preserving

What: Learn to preserve the best seasonal produce by making delicious jams, pickles, relishes and sauces. These techniques are suitable for most fruit and veggies and you learn how to make your own preserves. The tutor, Maria from My Green Garden, will make some on the night for you to taste and maybe even take home a small jar to share.
When: Tuesday, 17th April, 7-8.30pm.
Where: Hawthorn Community House.
Cost: $20.
Bookings: TryBooking.
Further information: LFC calendar entry.

3 Ravens Brewery tour and tasting

What: What you will learn: see behind the scenes of a fully functioning craft brewery; taste your way through the The 3 Ravens range under the guidance of one of their brewery team; and learn what goes into beer, how it’s produced and how it gets in your glass.
When: Saturday, 21st April, 4-5pm.
Where: Thornbury.
Cost: $35.
Bookings: WeTeachMe.
Further information: LFC calendar entry.

Artisan pasta – fettuccini

What: 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. 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.
When: Sunday, 29th April, 10am-12.15pm.
Where: Donvale.
Cost: $55.
Bookings: WeTeachMe.
Further information: LFC calendar entry.

Food and mood

What: Science has begun to understand the relationship between food and how we feel. Evidence now shows that diet is a key factor in promoting and protecting mental health. Meghan Hockey and Amelia McGuinness from Deakin University’s Food and Mood Centre will discuss current research, new findings, and important strategies for using nutrition for the promotion of mental health.
When: Monday, 30th April, 7-8pm.
Where: Coburg Library.
Cost: free.
Bookings: Eventbrite.
Further information: LFC calendar entry.

Make sense of food labels

What: Tour a supermarket and learn how to accurately read and understand food labels and choose healthy foods that are suitable for the whole family. You will also receive a show bag with information sheets and a healthy shopping guide booklet. The tours are led by healthAbility’s qualified dietitian and open to anyone interested in healthy eating.
When: Monday, 14th May, 9.30-11am.
Where: Eltham.
Cost: $15 (includes a healthy shopping guide booklet).
Bookings: by phone (9430 9100).
Further information: LFC calendar entry.

Olive magic

What: What you will learn: improve your culinary knowledge; learn how to preserve olives; and understand and experience different techniques for preserving olives. What you will get: take home olives ready to eat; take home olives that you will continue to cure ready to eat at a later date; recipes and notes on the different techniques used; and olive preserves tasting with cheese, biscuits and wine. Presented by Lucy Marasco. Transform bitter unpalatable olives into gourmet delights! This hands-on workshop will show you a variety of different ways Italians use to preserve green olives straight from the tree.
When: Saturday, 19th May, 9.30am-12.30pm.
Where: Bulleen Art and Garden.
Cost: $45.
Bookings: WeTeachMe.
Further information: LFC calendar entry.

Sourdough bread making workshop

What: Tutor Jenna Farrington-Sear. This workshop will cover basic theory as well as the tactile pleasure of all the steps of making bread from milled flour. Suitable for both novices and those who want to expand their bread making repertoire. Topics to be covered: the essential ingredients and tools of the trade; the principal steps of bread making; baker’s percentage and hydration; mixing, kneading and folding dough; shaping loaves, scoring and baking; and maintaining a starter. You will take home: a piece of dough which can be baked at home; and a sourdough starter.
When: Saturday, 19th May, 10am-1pm.
Where: Panton Hill.
Cost: $59.
Bookings: their website.
Further information: LFC calendar entry.

Native herbs for the kitchen and garden

What: What you will learn: which native produce-plants are suitable for growing in the Melbourne area; what to harvest and when; and how to use them to flavour your dishes and enliven your garden. Presented by Karen Sutherland, of Edible Eden Design. Explore edible native Australian plants that are easy to grow, attractive and add flavour and interest to your home-cooked dishes. Lemon myrtle, bush pepper and native salt are just a few of the flavours we can smell and taste, and they and many others will be discussed in terms of how best to use and grow them in your garden. All plants covered are suitable for a Melbourne climate, and many are suitable for pot cultivation.
When: Thursday, 24th May, 6.30-9pm.
Where: Bulleen Art and Garden.
Cost: $45.
Bookings: WeTeachMe.
Further information: LFC calendar entry.

Beeswax food wraps

What: Ever wanted a reusable, sustainable alternative to clingwrap and plastic zip-lock bags? Beeswax wraps, made from fabric and beeswax, are an alternative to one-use plastics. Wrap sandwiches, snacks and other items, cover bowls and plates. You can even fold them over containers and use them again and again! Learn what fabrics to use, where to buy beeswax, and how to create your own reusable food wraps.
When: Saturday, 26th May, 2-3pm.
Where: Brunswick Library.
Cost: free.
Bookings: Eventbrite.
Further information: LFC calendar entry.

Kitchen medicine with Lisa Hodge

What: What you will learn: an introduction to herbal medicine making; plant identification; guidelines for foraging and wild-crafting; medicinal uses for plants; and how to introduce medicinal herbs into the kitchen for medicine. Take a walk through the CERES garden beds and bring the wisdom of traditional herbal medicines into a modern context. During this workshop, you will explore traditional and modern uses of the plants and how to introduce these plants into the kitchen as medicine. You will make an item to take home as well as a seedling.
When: Sunday, 27th May, 10am-3pm.
Where: CERES.
Cost: $70.
Bookings: WeTeachMe.
Further information: LFC calendar entry. Continue reading »

Mar 212018
 

Greta visits the garden of Jonathan Warren

Greta Gilles and Stevie Chy have visited the garden of Jonathan Warren, from Heidelberg Heights. Here is an extract from the write up: “As a chef, I like to try to grow things that perhaps wouldn’t be normally found in your standard veggie patch. I like to know how the food I cook grows. As much as possible, I try to plant edibles, or medicinal herbs and plants, and have tried growing chickpeas, sesame seeds, ginger and galangal because they add a point of difference and curiosity to my own cooking. It would be good to grow a curry – including all the herbs and spices!Read the full write up.

Mac’s tip of the week

Last weekend was actually not quite as hot as was forecast but there still hasn’t been any real rain so continue to holding off on autumn planting.

It’s a good time to check your citrus trees and cut out any wasp gall before the autumn growth spurt.

Read all of Mac’s tips.

Really Really Free Market Preston

After a short hiatus, the Really Really Free Market Preston has re-started. It’s still on the last Sunday of each month but now at a new location: J.S. Grey reserve, corner of Regent Street and Gilbert Road, Preston.

As its name suggests, everything is completely free – no donation options or anything. It’s a community gathering where participants give away usable items, skills, food, entertainment, games and many others things that a community can come together and share. The market is a 100% free and non-commercial event (no bartering or advertising). It includes movie screenings, bowen therapy, clothes repair (sewing, etc), jewellery repair, bike repair, arts space, mosaic, music, clothes, bric-a-brac, yoga, veggie seedlings, zines, food, ‘class-less room’ and haircuts.

SecondBite

Having a spare evening last week, I decided to spend it reading the past newsletters. To my surprise, I noticed that I had never mentioned SecondBite. So, here goes.

SecondBite is a major Australia-wide organisation, headquartered in Heidelberg West, which “exists to provide access to fresh, nutritious food for people in need across Australia. We do this by stopping good food from going to waste. We rescue edible, nutritious food that was heading for landfill and give it to people in need, free of charge.” What they actually do is to make the food available to local agencies, such as Diamond Valley FoodShare, who then distribute it to individuals. Much of their food comes from Coles, and the majority of it is fresh fruit and vegetables, but some comes directly from farms such as Just Picked (based in Yan Yean).

Read about other local and Melbourne-wide food justice organisations.

Community gardening news

A new community garden in Coburg is being developed at Robinson Reserve and construction of the initial 6 raised garden beds has begun. If you are interested in being involved, email them.

A new mural has been painted at SEEDs Communal Garden in Brunswick.

‘Crowd harvest’ – tomatoes for Easter

At this time of year, gardeners everywhere often have more tomatoes than they can sensibly consume. Gardeners with excess tomatoes are invited to give them to one of the not-for profit organisations listed below, each of will preserve the tomatoes as passata, chutney or sundried and then distribute through their food relief programs. DIVRS in Preston or STREAT in Collingwood. The initiative is running from 19th March to 1st April. Any questions, contact Cath Lyons (aka Tiny Trowel) by phone (0401 814679) or email.

Which link was clicked most times in the last newsletter?

Duang’s house on RealEstate.com.au

Joke of the week

As seen at White Night, Ballarat: Why don’t eggs tell jokes? Because they’d crack each other up!

They also used two of the jokes from our previous newsletters: Why did the tomato blush? Because it saw the salad dressing. and What do you call cheese that isn’t yours? Nachos cheese.

Read all the jokes.

New events

CERES Harvest Festival

What: An annual event to celebrate food, farmers, the good earth and the cycle of the seasons. Food stalls, giant veg competition, face-painting, kids’ activities, music and local artisans. More specifically: farm tours; urban beekeeping; workshops and demos; all about seed saving; mandala making; Ethiopian coffee ceremony; Timor permaculturalist Q&A; jam making; kite flying; circus skills; Asylum Seeker Resource Centre food drive; batik making; eco house tour; seed planting & pot making for kids; Aozora Shokudo: traditional Japanese dancing; and henna painting.
When: Saturday, 24th March, 10am-3pm.
Where: CERES.
Cost: free.
Bookings: just turn up.
Further information: LFC calendar entry.

Meet the producers market

What: The stallholders will include: Australian Harvest / Bio Grape (from Coldstream); Coldstream Dairy; Cunliffe & Waters (from Coldstream); La Villa Salumi (from Kilsyth); Spice Fusion (from Ringwood); and Yarra Valley Gourmet Foods (from Mt Evelyn).
When: Sunday, 25th March, 10am-5pm.
Where: Ringwood Town Square.
Cost: free.
Bookings: just turn up.
Further information: LFC calendar entry.

Ringwood Highland Games

What: Ringwood Highland Games is a traditional Highland games, with pipe bands, highland dancers and heavy games combined with Celtic activities such as folk singers, sound healing, story telling, and clan history talks. Includes whisky tastings and haggis treats.
When: Sunday, 25th March, 10am-5pm.
Where: East Ringwood Sports Ground.
Cost: $15.
Bookings: just turn up.
Further information: LFC calendar entry.

David Moyle in conversation

What: Richard Cornish will host David Moyle in conversation, discussing all things food and wine, as well as David’s latest project Longsong, and his Hobart eatery Franklin.
When: Sunday, 25th March, 1-2pm.
Where: Ringwood Town Square.
Cost: free.
Bookings: just turn up.
Further information: LFC calendar entry.

Shane Delia – Middle Eastern inspiration

What: Richard Cornish will chef and owner of restaurants Maha and Biggie Smalls, Shane Delia, in conversation.
When: Sunday, 25th March, 4-5pm.
Where: Ringwood Town Square.
Cost: free.
Bookings: just turn up.
Further information: LFC calendar entry.

Food, health and sustainability seminar

What: From the affordability of Victorian Farmers Markets to the future needs of our food supply in Nillumbik, this seminar presents an opportunity to learn more about the intersection between food, health and sustainability in Nillumbik and beyond. Supported by local public health professionals, the seminar will feature Monash University Master of Dietetics student presentations, followed by an interactive panel discussion, followed by networking and nibbles.
When: Tuesday, 27th March, 7-8pm.
Where: healthAbility, Eltham.
Cost: free.
Bookings: contact Dana Thomson by phone (9430 9169) or email.
Further information: LFC calendar entry.

Heritage apple tasting

What: Sample the seasonal flavours of the heritage apple collection at an apple tasting afternoon at 5pm. Around 15 varieties will be available for tasting, with limited quantities available for purchase. An orchard tour is included. All funds received go toward the maintenance and expansion of the collection.
When: Sunday, 22nd April, 5-7pm.
Where: Petty’s Orchard, Templestowe.
Cost: $15.
Bookings: their website.
Further information: LFC calendar entry.

Olive magic – preserving olives

What: What you will learn: how to transform the raw olive into something deliciously edible; how to cure and pickle olives using a variety of different Mediterranean techniques; and how to cure olives to have them ready for an antipasto platter in less than a fortnight. What you will get: jars of olives ready to continue the pickling process at home; samples of olives that have been prepared ready to dress and eat; and recipes for the techniques covered in the workshop. Olives straight from a tree are inedibly bitter and must be cured and then pickled somehow to make them edible. In this workshop, you 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 you can decide which style is your preferred.
When: Saturday, 28th April, 9.30am-12.30pm.
Where: Donvale.
Cost: $90.
Bookings: WeTeachMe.
Further information: LFC calendar entry.

Home composting and worm farming

What: Maria Ciavarella, from My Green Garden, will show you how to set up a worm farm and the its environmental benefits.
When: Thursday, 10th May, 10.30am-midday.
Where: Thomastown Library.
Cost: free.
Bookings: their website.
Further information: LFC calendar entry.

Worm farming

What: Join Felicity Gordon as she shows you how to set up and maintain a worm farm to get the best results.
When: Tuesday, 15th May, 11.30am-12.30pm.
Where: Diamond Valley Library.
Cost: free.
Bookings: just turn up.
Further information: LFC calendar entry.

Turkish cooking

What: Led by Arzu Yilmaz. Four different dishes (three vegan, one vegetarian). Enjoy Turkish music, a feast at the end, and Turkish tea/coffee in special pots. Hands-on and demonstration.
When: Saturday, 19th May, 10am-midday.
Where: Span Community House, Thornbury.
Cost: $72.
Bookings: by phone (9480 1364) or email.
Further information: LFC calendar entry.

Introduction to permaculture (two sessions)

What: Developed by Bill Mollison and David Holmgren, permaculture (permanent agriculture) is a whole system approach to ecological planning and design for sustainable living. This workshop, spread over two weekends, will be beneficial to both those new to the concept of permaculture and for those thinking of undertaking a permaculture design course. You will be introduced to permaculture and gain a basic understanding of the principles and design methods associated with permaculture.
When: Saturday, 19th May and Sunday, 20th May, both 10am-4pm.
Where: Edendale.
Cost: $120 for the two days.
Bookings: TryBooking.
Further information: LFC calendar entry. Continue reading »

Mar 142018
 

Greta visits the garden of Marc and Liz Hudson

Greta Gilles has visited the garden of Marc and Liz Hudson, from Heidelberg Heights. Here is how the write up starts: “Marc and Liz moved to Heidelberg Heights in the early 90s. Marc is semi-retired and keeps the garden under some sort of control as well as working a couple of shifts at Heidelberg Repatriation Hospital as a Patient Services Assistant (PSA). Liz works fulltime at Austin Repatriation in admin (specifically older people). They both love the opportunity that the Repatriation Hospital gives to interact with the older members of our community. They also volunteer (run a cooking program) with Heidelberg Housing, which is a disabled housing initiative, and are involved with both Rough Trade 3081 and a support network for people returning from volunteer work in closed countries. On visiting, you immediately recognise the garden as a place of refuge with many seating areas scattered around the garden, a space that does a loop around the house. This isn’t solely a food garden and non-edible flowering plants weave wonderfully in amongst the edible. This is a garden many years in the making with so many pockets of interest within it.Read the full write up.

Mac’s tip of the week

Although March is officially the start of Autumn, we are definitely having a late Summer period. With mid to high 30s forecast for next weekend, and still no real sign of rain, don’t rush out to plant your autumn seedlings just yet. To quote myself: “the early bird may find a fried worm“. Better to keep watering or simply prepare your soil for when true Autumn arrives. If you’ve already jumped the starting gun, pull out that shadecloth!

Read all of Mac’s tips.

Looking to move to a beautiful bush block?

Duang Tengtrirat and Rob Reid Smith, who we interviewed a few weeks ago, have decided to downsize. Their delightful 18-acre property at 95 Gumtree Road in Research is therefore up for sale. Click here to read all the details.

They would love it if the property could be sold to a reader of this newsletter. Duang writes in: “Anyone interested in food and sustainability would find our property ideal. We have enjoyed building the gardens and improving the soil, season after season. There is enough fertile soil to grow enough vegetables and fruits to be self sufficient, run a food business, and share with family and friends. The main vegetable garden is on an enclosed tennis court. Established and productive fruit trees are netted and fenced. It would be great if this property continues to reflect sustainable living in the local community.Click here to read all the details.

News about local food producers

Fairfields Food Swap is a new food swap organised by Transition Darebin. The 3rd Saturday of each month, 11am-midday. St. Andrews Church, side garden, corner of Gillies Street & Duncan Street, Fairfield.

Fairfields Farmers’ Market has moved to the Melbourne Innovation Centre, 2 Wingrove Street, Alphington, 3078.

Arthurs Creek Garlic, from Arthurs Creek, and Juanita’s Kitchen, from Preston, will both be at The Herb and Chilli Festival in Wandin North on 17th and 18th March.

AVS Organic Foods, from Watsonia North, and Billy van Creamy, from Fitzroy North, will both be at the Big Vegan Market at the Royal Exhibition Building on Saturday, 12th May.

You can now buy Blue Pear Pantry’s savoury rolls at Eltham Deli

Sim Hanscamp, from Spoke & Spade in Heidelberg West, featured in an ABC article on Melbourne’s urban farmers. The public housing community gardens operated by Cultivating Community were also discussed.

Fresh food delivery company Aussie Farmers Direct has gone into voluntary administration. Click here to read an ABC article on the subject.

Vegetawall: a garden for everyone, everywhere

Vegetawall’s (aka Ariel de Ramos’s) mission is “to help and support people in rented flats and low income households to have their own garden and grow their own fresh, healthy food through saved seeds, home compost and vertical gardens.” They are Melbourne based and facilitate workshops. Their three pillars are:

  • VegetaWall: a vertical garden system which is simple to make, affordable and adaptable.
  • Seed library: a collection of saved seeds, seeds of heirloom plants, and surplus seeds from packets.
  • Compost map: communal composting.

Young Farmers Scholarship Program

Up to $10,000 is available from the Victorian Government for young farmers to study and invest on-farm or in professional development activities. Closing date 24th April. Click here to read more and to apply. Click here to read about the wider young farmers’ programme.

Henry the Hedgehog

Miriam Jans has written in: “I am currently writing a vegan kids books series called Animal Alliance Series – 12 short stories in total, 4 animal main characters and 12 addressed moral values (such as honesty, perseverance, humility, courage and compassion), as well as topics of veganism. And it all rhymes, too! The book’s aim is to teach children from a young age about environmental and moral issues of the modern age, whilst being cute and non-confrontational. As it is still early days, and the first book about Henry the Hedgehog is available for pre-order, I need all the support I can get, as it is important to get the vegan message ‘out there’ to as many people as possible. For more info, have a look at my website or Facebook page.

Which link was clicked most times in the last newsletter?

Greta’s visit to the garden of Maude Farrugia and Neil Erenstrom.

Joke of the week

The trouble with eating Italian food is that five or six days later, you’re hungry again.

Read all the jokes.

New events

Shopping with a conscience

What: What are the issues that reflect the true cost of the products we buy? What are ‘best buys’ for our health, our communities and our planet? How can you find the most sustainable purchase amongst the options available? Go to a workshop by Nick Ray from Shop Ethical (creators of the Shop Ethical Guide) to find out more about the products, companies and related issues that are part of your weekly supermarket shopping adventures. You will explore practical ways to help you in making more ethical choices and lighten your impact. The session will include a trip to the Watsonia IGA to buy some food based what you have learnt, followed by a light meal and discussion. Organised by Sustainable Greensborough.
When: Sunday, 18th March, 2-4.30pm.
Where: Watsonia Library.
Cost: $15 (includes the cost of the food you purchase at the IGA).
Bookings: by email.
Further information: LFC calendar entry.

Seed saving

What: With Kat Lavers. Learn how to save seeds. You will save a fortune on seed packets and seedings of course, but over time you will also develop stronger plants that are perfectly adapted to your garden’s microclimate. They will cover all the basics of plant selection, pollination, harvesting, drying, cleaning and storing seeds.
When: Tuesday, 20th March, 6.30-8.30pm.
Where: Fitzroy North.
Cost: $25.
Bookings: EventBrite.
Further information: LFC calendar entry.

A taste of harmony – community lunch

What: Learn to cook food celebrated throughout the world. Hosted by local residents from different cultural backgrounds, this event will celebrate the stories, memories and new connections to people and the food that they love.
When: Wednesday, 21st March, 10.30am-2pm.
Where: Heidelberg West.
Cost: $10.
Bookings: by email.
Further information: LFC calendar entry.

Cooking master class

What: Enjoy 3 tasting size courses cooked by chef Bek McMillan, from Gourmet Living, who will demonstrate step by step. All recipes are included. Menu: prawns; grilled salmon; and chocolate mousse tart.
When: Thursday, 22nd March, 7-9pm.
Where: Gourmet Living, Templestowe.
Cost: $42.
Bookings: EventBrite.
Further information: LFC calendar entry.

Building wicking garden beds from IBCs

What: Links Community Group are building a new community garden in Lalor and want to install some wicking garden beds. Attend this interactive, hands-on workhop to learn how to build wicking garden beds from secondhand intermediate bulk containers (IBCs). Matt Odgers from Links Community Group, together with Lalor & District Men’s Shed members, will cover: sourcing IBCs, cutting tips, making the cut IBC safe, protecting an IBC from the sun using wood, and use of basic power tools.
When: Saturday, 14th April, 10am-midday.
Where: Links Community Garden, Lalor.
Cost: free.
Bookings: by phone (0431 896347) or email.
Further information: LFC calendar entry.

Herbal teas

What: What you will learn: learn about herbal teas; understand how to grow your own tea; and learn about using native plants for herbal teas. Presented by Karen Sutherland, of Edible Eden Design. Herbs have been used for centuries for health benefits and one of the most common ways of taking them was through teas. Karen will guide you through their cultivation requirements and how to use them in herbal teas. Sip your way through some teas during the class to discover some new favourites, including some Australian native herbs.
When: Thursday, 3rd May, 6.30-9pm.
Where: Bulleen Art and Garden.
Cost: $45.
Bookings: WeTeachMe.
Further information: LFC calendar entry.

Cooking faster, cheaper and healthier with Duang

What: Need some easy to prepare, low cost meal options for your family dinner? Duang will demonstrate how to avoid food waste, save money and time when preparing delicious lunches and your family dinners. There will be tastings of all dishes and young children are welcome.
When: Friday, 3rd May, 10am-midday.
Where: Watsonia Library.
Cost: free.
Bookings: EventBrite.
Further information: LFC calendar entry.

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. 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 $135 for a 9-session course! No prior experience is necessary. Working as a team with fellow participants, you will gain a broad overview and practical, hands-on experience such topics as: introduction to plant recognition; propagation; planting; soil properties; environmentally sustainable work practices; and career pathways/further study in the horticulture industry. The course will be run by Justin Calverley,
When: Saturdays, starting 5th May, 9.30am-3pm.
Where: Edendale.
Cost: $135 for all 9 sessions ($78 concession).
Bookings: by phone (9433 3744)
Further information: LFC calendar entry.

Vegetable seed saving

What: Led by Ian Culbard, this workshop will cover the knowledge and skills required to produce some of your own true-to-type vegetable seeds. Seed selection, harvesting, processing and storing will all be covered. Samples of a range of locally saved open pollinated and heirloom vegetable seeds are included.
When: Saturday, 5th May, 1-2.30pm.
Where: Edendale.
Cost: free.
Bookings: TryBooking.
Further information: LFC calendar entry.

Kellybrook Cider Festival

What: Scrumpy cider, live bands and lots of food is what the Kellybrook Cider Festival is all about. Set in the historic gardens and vineyards at Kellybrook’s Wonga Park property, the weekend will feature Kellybrook’s scrumpy and other ciders, beers and wines. There will also be tastings at the cellar door. Bring your picnic rug, invite your friends and celebrate the end of apple harvest.
When: Saturday, 5th May and Sunday 6th May, both 11am-5pm.
Where: Kellybrook Winery, Wonga Park.
Cost: $22.
Bookings: EventBrite – 5th May; 6th May.
Further information: LFC calendar entry.

Kalorama Chestnut Festival

What: Explore the diverse range of stalls showcasing locally-made handcrafts and produce. Children can enjoy the fun rides and adventure play space. The activities will include: roasted chestnuts; poffertjees; Devonshire tea and home made cakes; sausage sizzle; local restaurant food stalls; artisan beer (including chestnut beer!) and mulled wine; coffee, tea and chai; bungy jump trampolines; train rides’ flying swings; petting zoos; old-fashioned kids games; raffles; local handmade crafts; local produce; and live music and performances.
When: Sunday, 6th May, 10am-4pm.
Where: Kalorama Memorial Reserve.
Cost: free.
Bookings: just turn up.
Further information: LFC calendar entry.

Natural pest control with companion planting

What: What you will learn: which plants to grow together, and which ones not to; how to solve many common garden problems naturally; and how to construct ‘plant guilds’ (groups of plants that grow much better together). Presented by Angelo Eliades. With companion planting, by knowing which plants to grow together and which ones not to, you can grow stronger, healthier and more productive plants, improve soil quality, and reduce pests and diseases in your garden. Learn which companion plants to add to your garden to solve many common garden problems naturally, and find out how to construct ‘plant guilds’ (groups of plants that grow much better together) for more abundant harvests.
When: Saturday, 12th May, 9.30am-12.30pm.
Where: Bulleeen Art and Garden.
Cost: $45.
Bookings: WeTeachMe.
Further information: LFC calendar entry.

Raw living whole foods with Valentina Rise

What: What you will learn: basics of raw food; make guilt free treats; and learn what super foods are. You will discuss the nutritional benefits of superfoods, and how introducing more raw (natural plant-based) foods into your daily eating regimes can assist in your over-all health. Eating the right foods can help with reducing stress, anxiety and depressive states of being, increase your immunity and gut health and bring greater clarity into your lives. You will learn raw food cooking skills and get to feast on many different foods from savoury to sweet healthy treats (e.g. raw pad thai, raw stir fry, raw caramel slice, raw ice cream, raw lemon slice and raw cheesecake). No refined white processed sugars or products will be used. You will gain knowledge on the best natural sweeteners and produce to use to assist in optimal health.
When: Saturday, 12th May, 10am-3pm.
Where: CERES.
Cost: $70.
Bookings: WeTeachMe.
Further information: LFC calendar entry.

Food for thought – finger foods and tapas

What: Local chef, Mellissa Strachan, will present three canapes. Each recipe will cater to a gluten-free, dairy-free or vegetarian diet. Participants will make these tasty treats and, at the conclusion of the workshop, be able to taste the final products. Apart from sharing some recipes, Mellissa will give some tips and tricks that will help even inexperienced cooks gain confidence in the kitchen.
When: Saturday, 12th May, 10.30am-1pm.
Where: Ringwood Uniting Church.
Cost: $60.
Bookings: EventBrite.
Further information: LFC calendar entry.

Edible weeds walk

What: What if many of the weeds in our garden were just as edible as the vegetables we tend beside them? What if some of these these free, all-too-easy-to-grow uninvited guests were so nutritionally dense that they are just about the healthiest things you could possibly eat? What if many of them also had medical traditions dating back centuries? Well it’s all true! And if you know what to choose, they also taste great. Join Adam Grubb, co-author of The Weed Forager’s Handbook, for a fascinating walk on the wild side.
When: Saturday, 12th May, 11am-1pm.
Where: Merri Creek Trail.
Cost: $25 ($20 concession).
Bookings: their website.
Further information: LFC calendar entry. Continue reading »

Mar 072018
 

Greta visits the garden of Maude Farrugia and Neil Erenstrom

Greta, together with neighbour Stevie, has visited the garden of Maude Farrugia and Neil Erenstrom, from Heidelberg Heights. Here is how the write up starts: “The ‘Farrugia-Erenstroms’ are a little family that live in a little house on top of a big hill in Heidelberg Heights. Maude works part-time from home for Pip Permaculture magazine, so gardening feels like ‘real’ work a lot of the time. She also runs her tiny design label Cheerio Paper Co. The rest of her time is spent gardening, looking after 3-year-old Alfie, and being an active member of the local transition towns community. Neil works a lot more (though he’s working on making it a lot less) in solar power research and development. He facilitates Maude’s garden designs through sheer brawn (and general fear of Maude?!). Alfie helps out in the garden by eating much of the produce (before it’s even made it inside), sowing seeds and harvesting. You’ll be surprised to find out that this garden has built up its thriving harvest in just under a year!Read the full write up.

Maude is one of seven Pip magazine’s people listed on their website, with newsletter readers Adrian O’Hagan and Samantha Allemann being two of the others. She blogs on the website around once a week, with her latest blog post being about summer pickling ideas.

Tip of the week – white cabbage moth

Last week, we talked about March and April as the best months for planting brassicas. Here is what Leaf, Root & Fruit had to say on the subject in their March newsletter: “Just be aware that the dreaded white cabbage moth tends to ruin any unprotected early crops. So plan ahead and have some insect netting ready to protect them. Or better still, just wait until late April to plant out seedlings. The white cabbage is a lot less prevalent in the cooler weather and your young seedlings will stand a better chance of surviving.

What happens is that the moths lay their eggs on the seedlings and the caterpillars hatch and eat the seedlings. Fine netting stops the moths from reaching the plants to lay their eggs. Another alternative is decoys: white bits of moth-shaped paper on sticks apparently make the moths think that the leaves are already home to caterpillars and thus they leave them alone.

Mac is having a well-earned week off.

Strategies for lead contaminated garden soils

A recent RMIT study found that some Melbourne veggie patches have high levels of lead contamination in the soil. In response, Adam Grubb, from Very Edible Gardens, has written an article giving 11 mitigation strategies. In summary:

  1. Get tested (by The VegeSafe project at Macquarie University).
  2. Wash. Wash your hands, and wash your vegetables.
  3. Add organic matter.
  4. Home test your soil’s pH.
  5. Add a high-phosphorous fertiliser.
  6. Mulch.
  7. Grow fruit crops, not root crops.
  8. If you have chickens, keep them separate from the soil.
  9. Use raised beds. Ideally wicking beds.
  10. Isolate or remove any highly contaminated soil.
  11. Eat a healthy diet.

Do you have a Jora compost tumbler?

As part of a research project, 3000acres would like to see a Jora compost tumbler in action. Do you have one that you could show them? If so, email Merrin Layden.

News about local food producers

Tamil Feasts, who are based in Brunswick East and grow much of their food at Joe’s Market Garden, featured on the 9th February episode of Gardening Australia. In total, they are on for 12 minutes of the 60-minute program but, irritatingly, this is split across four segments (starting at the 1 minute, 32 minute, 45 minute and 55 minute marks).

‘Crowd harvest’ – tomatoes for Easter

At this time of year, gardeners everywhere often have more tomatoes than they can sensibly consume. Gardeners with excess tomatoes are invited to give them to one of the not-for profit organisations listed below, each of will preserve the tomatoes as passata, chutney or sundried and then distribute through their food relief programs. DIVRS in Preston or STREAT in Collingwood. Any questions, contact Cath Lyons (aka Tiny Trowel) by phone (0401 814679) or email.

Naturally died easter eggs

Question: what do you use to die eggs blue for Easter? Answer: purple cabbage, of course.

Which link was clicked most times in the last newsletter?

Judy’s interview with Carol and Alan Woolcock.

Joke of the week

Why did the fungus leave the party? Because there wasn’t mushroom.

Read all the jokes.

New events

Passata demonstration with Jean Garita

What: Jean Garita, matriarch of Joe’s Market Garden, will talk about how to make passata the traditional way of the Garita family.
When: Saturday, 10th March, 10.30-11.30am.
Where: Joe’s Market Garden, Coburg.
Cost: donation.
Bookings: by email.
Further information: LFC calendar entry.

Vegan day out in Melbourne

What: Local cafes and businesses in Fitzroy will be reducing prices, giving away samples and putting special vegan products on the menu. Here is how it will works: a map of all the participating businesses will be created. Collect your map and vouchers from the Cruelty Free Shop. Then enjoy spending the weekend walking around redeeming the vouchers. At the Cruelty Free Shop, they will have storewide discounts on hundreds of items and special offers plus free food tastings all weekend long.
When: Saturday, 10th March, 9am-6pm and Sunday, 11th March, 10am-5pm.
Where: Fitzroy.
Cost: free.
Bookings: just turn up.
Further information: LFC calendar entry.

Getting ready for seasonal veggies and sowing from seed

What: Led by Maria Ciavarella.
When: Wednesday, 14th March, 1-3pm.
Where: Doncaster.
Cost: $30.
Further information: LFC calendar entry.

Intro to composting workshop

What: Go and learn how to make beautiful, rich, compost for your garden. Turn household green waste into nutritious food for your veggies. Learn about the theory and different compost systems: hot compost, bokaski and worm farms. Facilitated by Murundaka Cohousing Community members Kaz Phillips and Mikoto Araki.
When: Saturday, 17th March, 10am-midday.
Where: Murundaka, Heidelberg Heights.
Cost: $5.
Bookings: EventBrite.
Further information: LFC calendar entry.

Great soil, making compost and keeping a worm farm

What: Led by Maria Ciavarella.
When: Wednesday, 21st March, 1-3pm.
Where: Doncaster.
Cost: $30.
Further information: LFC calendar entry.

Easter treats with The Kitchen Whizz

What: Min and Thea from The Kitchen Whizz will demonstrate a variety of healthy sweet treats just in time for Easter. Recipes will include choc chip hot cross buns, sweet potato brownie, cashew chilli coconut chocolate bark, and Easter bliss balls.
When: Friday, 23rd March, 11am-midday.
Where: Camberwell.
Cost: $57.
Bookings: EventBrite.
Further information: LFC calendar entry.

Kitchen dream team

What: Manage your home kitchen just like a chef. Learn to work as a team in your kitchen at home. You will learn tips that will support you to work together and involve the kids, to put home cooking at the centre of your family’s life. An interactive workshop with practical activities that you can go home and start putting into practice straight away. Please note: no actual cooking involved – this is a theory-based program.
When: Saturday, 24th March, 11am-midday.
Where: Lilydale Library.
Cost: free.
Bookings: their website.
Further information: LFC calendar entry.

Hibi Farm home tour

What: The Hibi Farm is a micro suburban farm that produces bread, beer, cheese, chocolate, honey, preserves, pottery and bicycles from scratch, amid thriving fruit and vegetable gardens. It is a social experiment in sustainable living, and the hub of a spontaneous community known as ‘the hood’.
When: Sunday, 25th March, 9am-midday.
Where: Heidelberg West.
Cost: $25.
Bookings: TryBooking.
Further information: LFC calendar entry.

Safer pest control

What: Led by Maria Ciavarella.
When: Wednesday, 28th March, 1-3pm.
Where: Doncaster.
Cost: $30.
Further information: LFC calendar entry.

Introduction to natural beekeeping (two-day)

What: Suitable for beginners, and ideal for the backyarder, this two-day event is designed to provide participants with the information they need to start natural beekeeping with confidence. It will cover such subjects as: boxes, equipment, legislation, choosing the location, ongoing maintenance and harvesting. It will also include hive manipulations and some honey tasting. After the course, for those that need it, the course organisers may be able to provide bees for your hive at no cost during swarming season. The event is being run by the Natural Beekeeping Group of Permaculture Victoria.
When: Saturday, 7th April and Sunday 8th April, both 10am-5pm.
Where: Mitcham.
Cost: $200 for members of Permaculture Victoria; $250 for non-members.
Bookings: by email.
Further information: LFC calendar entry.

Young gardeners

What: Join your youngsters in learning to successfully grow your own food. Children enjoy eating food they have produced.
When: Saturday, 21st April, 10am-midday.
Where: Macleod.
Cost: $30 (children free).
Bookings: by phone (0408 733683 or 9444 7427).
Further information: LFC calendar entry. Continue reading »