LFC News July 25 2018

Jul 242018
 

Hurstbridge Deli & Larder

Nina Gormley has written in to tell us all about a new deli in Hurstbridge: “Hurstbridge Deli & Larder opened in December last year and is located in Parker Road, Hurstbridge (behind the real estate agent in what used to be the Mechanics). It has been refurbished and is now a successful shop/cafe. They have lots of delicious food such as pasta (fresh homemade as well as dry and frozen), pasta sauces, antipasto, soft & hard cheeses, smoked products, frozen pies, pastries and a small range of specialty meats such as gammon, Irish sausages, steak & double smoked bacon. They also make coffee and stock some produce that is local to the area. They are open 6 days a week (Mon-Fri: 8am-6:30 pm and Saturday: 8:30am-6pm). They also have a Facebook page. In summary, Hurstbridge Deli & Larder is well worth a visit whether you are after something to take home for dinner or after a sit down meal or snack.” Read their Local Food Directory entry. Thanks Nina! And welcome Sheree and Noel!

[Editor’s note: watch this video interview of owners Sheree and Noel. Also, watch some videos of other Hurstbridge eateries and food shops on the Hurstbridge Village Youtube channel.

[Editor’s second note: the local food producers whose products Hurstbridge Deli & Larder stock include Caffe Strada, Doreen Egg Farm, That’s Amore Cheese, Under The Pickle Tree, Yarra Valley Dairy and Yarra Valley Tea Company.]

Judy interviews Audrey Beard

Audrey Beard is the new Community Garden Coordinator at Span Community House in Thornbury and Judy Vizzari recently interviewed her. Audrey’s interest in edible gardening apparently started at a young age (“In primary school we were given a project where we had to grow a broad bean at home. The first day I saw it popping its little head above the soil I was just so excited!“) and has since developed into a career (e.g. completing a Permaculture Certificate III course at TAFE and running a market garden in Healesville). Read the full interview.

Robin’s tip of the month – early heritage tomatoes

At this time of year – late July/early August – Bunnings sell a small range of heritage tomatoes from Diggers. You will find them in the indoor nursery section and this is for a very good reason: it is far too early to plant them out. However, if you have a greenhouse, or perhaps a sunny verandah, planting these early tomatoes in large pots of compost will give you advanced plants for putting in your garden in October, or even September if the weather is good and frosts unlikely.

One advantage of doing this is that, as the plant grows, laterals will develop. Laterals are the shoots that grow between the main stem and a side branch. Normally they are pinched out to strengthen the plant. However, leave them until they are around 6cm long, pinch them out, plant them in potting mix and water well. Water each day and, within a week or two, you will have new plants with strong roots to plant out for no extra cost.

A second advantage is that you could have tomatoes by Cup Day in early November! Traditionally, Cup Day has been the day that Melbournians are advised to plant out their tomatoes so you could be harvesting whilst your neighbours are only just planting!

Read all of Robin’s tips.

What seeds to plant in August

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

Leafy greens

Lettuce
Mustard greens
Rocket
Alliums

Leeks
Onion
Shallot
Spring onions
Warm season veggies

Capsicum
Chilli
Eggplant
Tomato
Other

Asparagus
Beetroot
Coriander
Globe artichoke
Parsnip
Potato
Radish

As Spring begins to beckon, the list begins to grow. Note that, as per Robin’s tip, the warm season veggies can only be planted if under cover in seed trays.

A number of us, including Gembrook Potatoes, have been discussing when to plant potatoes. Potatoes grow best over summer, and therefore the best time to plant them is in Spring. However, they can sensibly be planted in any month apart from Winter (June and July). Given that it is actually quite difficult to store potatoes successfully in Melbourne for long periods of time without them sprouting, succession planting throughout the year is a good approach. After thinking about all this, I have amended the planting guide to extend the planting period for potatoes. So, now you can start planting potatoes in August!

ShareWaste

Newsletter reader Katrina Forstner has just been interviewed by ShareWaste. ShareWaste aims to connect people who wish to recycle their kitchen scraps with their neighbours who are already composting, worm-farming or keep chickens. If you look at their map of members, you will see that there are lots of members in Banyule, Darebin and Moreland (although I am apparently the only member living in Eltham!).

Buying dried herbs

In response to last week’s question about possible sources of coriander, Gillian Essex suggested the Austral Herbs online shop. It has a massive range of dried herbs including, for example, 367(!) different Certified Organic ones.

Which link was clicked most times in the last newsletter?

Ben’s Bees’ online shop.

Proverb of the month

Butter wouldn’t melt in his/her mouth. Original meaning (for the 16th Century): prim and proper, with a cool demeanour. Current alternative meaning: appears to be sweet and innocent but is actually unkind, devious or insincere. The change in meaning appears to have happened because some of the famous authors who used the phrase followed it with a ‘but’. For example, Jonathan Swift in 1738: “She looks as if butter wouldn’t melt in her mouth but, I warrant, cheese won’t choke her …” and William Makepeace Thackeray in 1850: “When a visitor comes in, she smiles and languishes, you’d think that butter wouldn’t melt in her mouth; and the minute he is gone, very likely, she flares up like a little demon, and says things fit to send you wild …”. The end result is that some people now use the phrase to mean “devious or insincere” whilst others mean “sweet and innocent” – almost polar opposites! So, it’s not a good phrase for you to use.

Read all the proverbs.

Gardening quote of the month

“We can complain because rose bushes have thorns, or rejoice because thorn bushes have roses.” by Abraham Lincoln.

Read all the quotes.

Joke of the week

What is small, red and whispers? A hoarse radish.

Read all the jokes.

New events

Cooking demo with Dani Venn

What: Dani Venn will cook some dishes for all to try.
When: Saturday, 4th August, at 11-11.40am, midday-12.40pm and 1-1.40pm.
Where: Greensborough Plaza.
Cost: free.
Bookings: just turn up.
Further information: LFC calendar entry.

Grafting workshop

What: Join Troy Dawes of Jeltro Cottage Permaculture to learn all about heritage fruit tree grafting. The subjects to be covered will include: starting a home orchard on a budget, grafting multiple varieties to one tree, grafting techniques, tools, and choosing the right rootstock.
When: Saturday, 1st September, 3-5pm.
Where: Central Ringwood Community Centre.
Cost: $20.
Bookings: by phone (9870 2602).
Further information: LFC calendar entry.

The art of macarons with Emelia Jackson

What: You will learn: how to make the perfect macaron shells; how to make an impressive macaron raspberry cake; and failures in macarons and how to avoid them. Snacks & sparkling on arrival, tart & bruschetta to eat while you watch.
When: Friday, 7th September, 7-9pm.
Where: Gourmet Living, Templestowe.
Cost: $64.
Bookings: EventBrite.
Further information: LFC calendar entry.

Food waste recycling with Cultivating Community

What: The statistics on annual food waste in Victoria are staggering, each year we throw out enough food to fill Melbourne’s Eureka Tower. That’s 250,000 tonnes of food going into our bins and into landfill every year. In this presentation, Cultivating Community will inspire you to create change locally to impact globally. They will provide you with solutions that you can easily implement to avoid food wastage in the first place. And for the unavoidable food waste that occurs, they will explore the different options for household food waste recycling so that you can choose the right option for your circumstances.
When: Wednesday, 19th September, 7-9pm.
Where: Box Hill Town Hall.
Cost: free.
Bookings: EventBrite.
Further information: LFC calendar entry.

Summary of upcoming events

Over the next week
Over the next month

View the complete calendar of upcoming events.

LFC News July 18 2018

Jul 182018
 

A new honey provider – Ben’s Bees

Ben’s Bees, from Blackburn North, sell raw honey – honey that has not been treated in any way. It is taken from the hive in frames designed to hold honey, spun with centrifugal force, drained through a fine sieve to remove any wax particles, and bottled. They also sell candles, beeswax, soap, hives, bees and clothing. Their services include bee & swarm removal, beehive pollination and European wasp removal. You can buy their honey and other products at their online shop. Welcome, Ben!

There are now 7 local producers in the honey section of our Local Food Directory.

Want to prune a few fruit trees (and get paid for it)?

Terry Makin and Jean Mehrtens want some help with pruning their fruit trees (around 10 trees) from someone who can guide and teach them at same time. They are willing to pay. Email us and we’ll pass your emails onto Terry.

Want some cheap plants?

Edible Forest Gardens nursery is moving from Wonga Park to Monbulk. Prior to that, they are having a moving sale. 25% off all stock, up to 50% on selected items, and potted heritage apples $10 to clear. The sale will be on Friday 20th, Saturday 21st, Sunday 22nd, Friday 27th and Saturday 28th July. 5 Lower Homestead Road, Wonga Park.

Where to source large volumes of coriander?

Joel Adderley wants to purchase large volumes of coriander (hundreds of kilograms). Has anyone got any suggestions for where he could source it from? Email us and we’ll pass your emails onto Joel.

Welcome to Eltham

Last Saturday, Welcome to Eltham organised a ‘Twisted Trivia Night’, which was an “intercultural Australian-Arabic games night”. Eltham Farmers’ Market donated the food. The contributing stallholders clearly demonstrate Australia’s multicultural society as they included Brits, Dutch, Israelis, Italians, New Zealanders, Taiwanese, Turks and Ukrainians.

Planting Heidelberg: an exhibition

This is an exhibition organised by the Heidelberg Historical Society. Covers the period from 1840 through to today. Every Sunday from 2-5pm, from now until November. Old Heidelberg Court House, Jika Street. $5 entry. “In the 1840s and 1850s there were grand plans for the Heidelberg District to become the fruit and vegetable hub for Melbourne … this came to a sudden halt with a string of four disastrous floods in 1863 and 1864 … planting in Heidelberg [then] took a different direction including nursery planting, domestic planting, Chinese market gardens, commemorative and civic planting, rehabilitation planting and, more recently, community planting.”

Community gardening news

St Johns Riverside Community Garden, in Heidelberg, have just had shoals of fish, eels and platypuses erected on their fence line, courtesy of Felicity Gordon. They have also been given a sizeable grant from Heidelberg and East Ivanhoe Bendigo Bank to build a ‘compost teapot’.

Local food producers in the news

Sim Hanscamp, from veggie growers Spoke & Spade in Heidelberg West, has been interviewed in ReNew magazine. Thanks for the heads up, Fay Loveland!

The Inconvenience Store featured in the Guardian.

Want a job?

Rivers of Yarrambat are looking to hire a chef. Full time. Email your resume to Karen.

Rooting edible plant cuttings in water

Newsletter reader Angelo Eliades has written an article about rooting edible plant cuttings in water. As Angelo says “There aren’t many plants that will root in water, many plants will simply rot, so it’s important to use the right plants for this propagation method.” He then goes on to say that the following can be rooted in water: basil, currants, lemon verbena, mints, pineapple sage, rosemary, sweet potato and tomato.

Joke of the week

Waiter, will my pizza be long? No sir, it will be round!

Read all the jokes.

New events

Beeswax wrap workshop

What: Join Ben Moore from Ben’s Bees to make your own eco-friendly alternative to plastic wraps.
When: Saturday, 21st July, 3-4pm.
Where: Central Ringwood Community Centre.
Cost: $25.
Bookings: by phone (9870 2602).
Further information: LFC calendar entry.

Vegetarian and vegan winter warmers

What: They will share their favourite vegan and vegetarian meals in the Thermomix and give some tips on how to adjust some popular Thermomix meals to be meatless.
When: Wednesday, 25th July, 7.30-9.30pm.
Where: Kilsyth.
Cost: $21.
Bookings: EventBrite.
Further information: LFC calendar entry.

VEG wicking bed workshop

What: Facilitated by Very Edible Gardens. Learn how to make water-efficient wicking beds using re-claimed and recycled materials. There will be a 2 hour workshop, followed by a 2 hour working bee.
When: Sunday, 29th July, 9.30am-1.30pm.
Where: Alphington Farmers Market.
Cost: $35 ($30 concession).
Bookings: TryBooking.
Further information: LFC calendar entry.

Taste of Thomo Food Festival

What: The Taste of Thomo Festival will showcase foods made in Thomastown. Meet local producers such as Jalna Yoghurt and Bertocchi Smallgoods, and sample their products. Also, say hello to Links Community Garden Lalor and other local gardeners, who will be sharing some of their winter produce on the day. Plus a monthly market, coffee cart and free children’s activities.
When: Saturday, 4th August, 10am-1pm.
Where: Thomastown Library.
Cost: free.
Bookings: just turn up.
Further information: LFC calendar entry.

David Holmgren – ‘RetroSuburbia: Aussie Street’

What: See David Holmgren, permaculture co-originator, deliver his latest presentation RetroSuburbia: Aussie Street. His presentation will be followed by Q&A, book signings and a meet & greet. Free but bookings essential. This presentation will be part of The Taste of Thomo Festival.
When: Saturday, 4th August, 11am-midday.
Where: Thomastown Library.
Cost: free.
Bookings: their website.
Further information: LFC calendar entry.

Growing microgreens at home

What: Richard Lee, from KABUU, will teach you everything you need to know about how to successfully grow you own healthy micro greens at home. Whether you are new to growing food, live in an apartment or unit with limited space, are time poor, have physical constraints, or just want to try something new, micro greens are an easy and fun way to grow some food at home. The workshop will cover: the difference between sprouting and growing microgreens; materials required — sources, types and costs; seeds — sources, storage, varieties and seasonal choices; conditions — temperature, light, air circulation and humidity; how to sow — density and size; and care and maintenance — germination, duration, watering and disease prevention.
When: Saturday, 4th August, 12.30-2pm.
Where: Edendale.
Cost: $45.
Bookings: WeTeachMe.
Further information: LFC calendar entry.

Screening – Edible Paradise, Growing the Food Forest Revolution

What: Incredible Edible Eltham invites you to what they believe will be the Australian premiere screening of the brand new ‘Edible Paradise’ documentary! Captured over five years as part of the Localising Food Project, Edible Paradise travels to the four corners of Aotearoa – New Zealand, to meet local food campaigners instrumental in creating community orchard and food forest projects in their patch. A feel-good documentary, why not come along and check it out. Then, afterwards, chat over a cuppa and nibbles. Doors open 6.30pm for 7pm screening. Film ends 8pm, with subsequent mingling until (say) 9pm.
When: Thursday, 9th August, 6.30-9pm.
Where: Edendale.
Cost: $10.
Bookings: EventBrite.
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: roast Moroccan veg tart; chicken ‘salty sweet’ satay; and salted caramel apple pie.
When: Thursday, 9th August and again on Friday, 10th August, both 7-9pm.
Where: Gourmet Living, Templestowe.
Cost: $42.
Bookings: EventBrite (Thursday, Friday).
Further information: LFC calendar entry (Thursday, Friday).

‘Spring sensations’ 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: chilli beef salad; rigatoni pesto pasta; and blueberry jam tart.
When: Thursday, 16th August and again on Friday, 17th August, both 7-9pm.
Where: Gourmet Living, Templestowe.
Cost: $42.
Bookings: EventBrite (Thursday, Friday).
Further information: LFC calendar entry (Thursday, Friday).

Breads, jams and chutneys in your Thermomix

What: They will share their favourite recipes and tips for making jams and chutneys in the Thermomix, including how to do jams with little sugar. They will also give you tips and recipes for making different breads, including gluten and grain-free bread.
When: Wednesday, 22nd August, 7.30-9.30pm.
Where: Kilsyth.
Cost: $21.
Bookings: EventBrite.
Further information: LFC calendar entry.

Grow productive lemons, limes and oranges

What: Duncan Cocking, founder of Leaf, Root & Fruit, will tell you how to successfully grow lemons, limes and oranges. He will cover optimal growing conditions, planting, fertilising and pruning for optimum yield as well as pest & disease management. Duncan also has some interesting insights on citrus gall wasp and some novel ideas on how to reduce their impact on your citrus trees.
When: Thursday, 13th September, 6.30-8pm.
Where: Nunawading.
Cost: free.
Bookings: EventBrite.
Further information: LFC calendar entry.

Growing tomatoes organically

What: What you will learn: a range of common and heirloom tomatoes for a variety of growing situations; and how to best prepare your soil, including the option of vegan soil additives. Presented by Karen Sutherland, of Edible Eden Design and author of the upcoming book Tomato – Know, Sow, Grow, Feast. Homegrown tomatoes are a world away from bland supermarket fruits, no matter whether they are common or heirloom. And growing heirloom tomatoes opens up a rainbow of possibilities. Growing your own from seed to harvest in Melbourne will earn you serious gardening cred. Learn some tricks to help you growing your own from seed to harvest.
When: Thursday, 13th September, 6.30-9pm.
Where: Bulleen Art and Garden.
Cost: $55.
Bookings: WeTeachMe.
Further information: LFC calendar entry.

Build your own poly/shade tunnels

What: Richard Lee, from KABUU, will teach you how to build a tunnel, with designs including bench covers for propagation, covering raised wicking beds, small propagation houses, shade houses, and farm-sized 50m rows. As a part of the workshop, you will learn about: planning a tunnel that meets your needs; the tools and materials required; where to source supplies; measuring, cutting and forming / bending materials; how to construct a tunnel safely; and optional extras.
When: Saturday, 15th September, 10am-2.30pm.
Where: Research.
Cost: $45.
Bookings: WeTeachMe.
Further information: LFC calendar entry.

Backyard beekeeping workshop

What: Interested in beginning with bees in your backyard but not sure how and where to begin? Join Bec, from Bec’s Beehive, in this introductory session covering hive set up requirements, legalities and seasonal expectations.
When: Tuesday, 18th September, 7-8.30pm.
Where: Hawthorn Community House.
Cost: $20.
Bookings: TryBooking.
Further information: LFC calendar entry.

Urban permaculture with David Holmgren

What: David Holmgren will talk about the permaculture lifestyle as a simple, realistic and achievable way of life. He will show you how to apply the principles and ethics of permaculture to create urban, household and neighbourhood systems that provide food, energy, shelter and other everyday needs. David is author of a new book RetroSuburbia: the downshifter’s guide to a resilient future (2018) as well as Permaculture: Principles & Pathways Beyond Sustainability.
When: Tuesday, 18th September, 7-9pm.
Where: Camberwell.
Cost: free.
Bookings: EventBrite.
Further information: LFC calendar entry.

Summary of upcoming events

Over the next week
Over the next month

View the complete calendar of upcoming events.

LFC News July 11 2018

Jul 102018
 

Permaculture in Cuba

Did you know that around half of all vegetables consumed in Havana are actually grown in the city? Marina Bistrin has written a short article for the website on permaculture in Cuba. Here is an excerpt: “After the collapse of the Soviet Union in the early 1990s, trade between Cuba and the Soviet Union stopped and subsidies received from the Soviet Union also stopped (there was an embargo already in place from the USA; their closest neighbour). As a consequence, there were acute food and petrol shortages in Cuba. In reaction, they started growing food and raising animals in the cities and on available land nearby. From necessity, they farmed organically as they didn’t have access to industrial fertilisers and chemicals.” Read the full article.

The Inconvenience Store has opened

The Inconvenience Store is Melbourne’s first rescued food, vegan, pay-as-you-feel grocery store. All the food stocked will be food rescued by their Food Without Borders team, mostly donated by local businesses, shops and markets who want to make a change in their food waste. All contributions will be on a pay-as-you-feel basis, and will go towards supporting their food rescue operation. The antithesis of a convenience store. Located at the back of Lentil as Anything, 562 High Street, Thornbury. Open every Friday to Monday, 11am-3pm. If you would like to get involved as a volunteer, email them.

Plastic Free July

Although not directly related to food, it is clear that Plastic Free July is supported by many newsletter readers. At last Sunday’s Eltham Farmers’ Market, newsletter readers Penny Grose and Robyn Ball put up a display and were on hand to answer any questions that people might have.

Want a job?

Leaf, Root & Fruit Gardening Services are looking to hire an Edible Landscaper, which will involve implementing their landscape designs. Full time. Must have horticultural qualifications and carpentry skills. Operating out of Burwood. Closing date for applications: 30th July.

CERES is seeking an Urban Farmer to manage two micro enterprises – Honey Lane market garden and Honey Lane eggs. Working with volunteers and students, you will engage and educate the wider community about the benefits of urban food production and community food systems. Closing date for applications: 16th July (at 9am).

Ben’s Bees in Blackburn North are looking for a Beekeeping Apprentice. Tasks will include: building ready-made beehives; assisting customers set up their own bee colonies; assisting in the transportation of hives; assisting in the removal of honeycomb; extracting honey; repairing hives and hive equipment; re-queening colonies and raising queens; packaging and selling honey and bee-products; cleaning; and admin. Read more and apply.

You might want to apply to lease the cafe at Edendale Community Farm in Eltham. Construction of the cafe, which will be open 364 days a year, will be completed mid-August. Expressions of interest from 22nd July to 16th August. Email procurement@nillumbik.vic.gov.au.

Local food producer news

You can now buy Blue Pear Pantry’s savoury rolls at Fresh Sensations in Mitcham, Jefferies in Croydon Hills, and Park Orchards Cellars. That moves Jefferies up to 4th equal in the league table of shops selling local food.

Food swap news

The Diamond Village (aka Watsonia) Food Swap on Sunday (14th July) has been cancelled.

Growing broccoli and kale

Newsletter reader Nicole Griffiths recently featured in a Sustainable Gardening Australia video about growing broccoli and kale.

Amazing fact of the month

One bee will make 1/2 a teaspoon of honey in its entire life (source: Witch, Herb, Earth & Tea).

Which link was clicked most times in the last newsletter?

The seasonal edible weed calendar.

Joke of the week

Two burritos are in a microwave and one says “wow, it’s hot in here.” And the other one says “Gosh, a talking burrito!”.

Read all the jokes.

New events

Share the Taste hits the road – free chocolate

What: Look for the Cadbury Dairy Milk RV for games, music and Cadbury dairy milk milk chocolate.
When: Tuesday, 24th July, 3.30-5.30pm.
Where: Coburg.
Cost: free.
Bookings: just turn up
Further information: LFC calendar entry.

Permaculture Design Course (12 sessions)

What: Upon successful completion of this 80 hour class, students will receive the International qualification of PDC Permaculture Design Certificate (PDC). Completing a PDC is the only way that you can teach, design and use permaculture in your business name anywhere in the world. While the principles are global, they use local plants as examples. Multiple tutors, led by Pete the Permie from Telopea Mountain Permaculture, will cover such subjects as: zones; sectors; soils; water; passive solar; disaster resilience; how to select & design food production systems; selecting the right animals; and community. Skills development areas will include: soils; composting; grafting fruit trees; natural management of fruit and animals; and crop protection. Most of the classes will be held at Kinglake Ranges Neighbourhood House with 3 at Telopea Mountain Permaculture in Monbulk and one day on the road. Full course is just $495, not $2,500, thanks to a subsidy. Any questions, contact Pete the Permie by phone (0418 665880) or email or at Eltham Farmers’ Market on 5th August.
When: Tuesdays, 9am-4.30pm, 21st August until 4th December (no classes 17th October to 12th November).
Where: Kinglake.
Cost: $495.
Bookings: Kinglake Ranges Neighbourhood House by phone (5786 1301) or email.
Further information: LFC calendar entry.

Annual agribusiness dinner

What: It’s again time to gather the City of Whittlesea farming community together, celebrate a successful year and look forward to a fruitful Spring ahead. Enjoy an evening of local food and wine, conversation and music. Dr. Charles Massey, author of the book Call of the Reed Warbler – A New Agriculture, A New Earth will be keynote speaker. Charles has managed Severn Park, a 1820 hectare sheep and cattle property on the Monaro, for 40 years. He will discuss his vision for the future of agriculture.
When: Saturday, 25th August, 6-10.30pm.
Where: Growling Frog golf course, Yan Yean.
Cost: $45.
Bookings: EventBrite.
Further information: LFC calendar entry.

Planting traditional indigenous food, fibre and medicine plants

What: Help support the Wurundjeri Tribe and Friends of Panton Hill Bushland Reserve System to restore the entrance to Bunjil Reserve and create a cultural education trail. The site will be re-vegetated with indigenous food, fibre and medicine plants to be used for the rejuvenation of traditional cultural practices such as the Murnong (yam) daisy, which was a staple food source for the Wurundjeri people.
When: Sunday, 26th August, 10am-1pm.
Where: Bunjil Reserve, Panton Hill.
Cost: free.
Bookings: TryBooking.
Further information: LFC calendar entry.

Amazake making and cooking

What: Amazake (aka ama koji) is a traditional Japanese fermented energy drink. Rich in digestive enzymes and nutrition, amazake is also a seasoning for cooking. Learn about amazake and enjoy the flavour, beauty and health benefits.
When: 2 times on Friday, 31st August, 10am-12.30pm and again at 2-4.30pm.
Where: Preston.
Cost: $80.
Bookings: by email (hello.cookingwithkoji@gmail.com). In your message, please include your name, contact number, email, requested date and time.
Further information: their website.

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, 8th September, 10am-1pm.
Where: Living & Learning, Panton Hill.
Cost: $59.
Bookings: their website.
Further information: LFC calendar entry.

Save our citrus

What: Kaye Roberts-Palmer, the founder of Save Our Citrus Melbourne, will show you how to take care of your citrus trees including basic botany, tackling the citrus gall wasp and other pests, pruning, watering and fertilising.
When: Saturday, 8th September, 11am-midday.
Where: Diamond Valley Library.
Cost: free.
Bookings: just turn up.
Further information: LFC calendar entry.

Green at Kathleen – edible gardening in small spaces

What: An introduction to growing your own vegetables, aimed specifically at container and small space gardeners, which includes types of plants suited to container gardens and hints and tips on getting the most out of your containers.
When: Saturday, 8th September, 11.30am-1pm.
Where: Kathleen Syme Library, Carlton.
Cost: free.
Bookings: EventBrite.
Further information: LFC calendar entry.

Summary of upcoming events

Over the next week
Over the next month

View the complete calendar of upcoming events.

LFC News July 4 2018

Jul 042018
 

A happy story

The owners of the online property transfer system PEXA have now agreed to pay Dani Venn the money that went missing following their cyberattack. See the Nine News article. As newsletter reader Sally Davis wrote in: “Dani got her money back. A Current Affair went into bat for the family … and won.”

Community gardening news

The Garden of Plenty community garden at Diamond Valley Library in Greensborough has had numerous raised garden beds made and installed by their local Mens Shed plus garden furniture made from recycled timber.

Local food producer news

Organic Times, from Eltham, make Certified Organic chocolate. You can now buy their chocolate at Farmer Joe’s Market in Eltham.

Blue Pear Pantry, from North Warrandyte, make savoury rolls. You can now buy their rolls at the RiverView Cafe in Warrandyte.

The Eastern Region Food Co-Operative

The Eastern Region Food Co-Operative, a longstanding co-operative with its collection points in Croydon South and Heathmont, is seeking new members to join up and benefit from a combined buying power. Five times a year, non-perishable food like dried fruit, nuts, grains, flour, sugar, beans, lentils, and also honey and peanut butter, are bought in bulk, mainly from NSM in Brunswick. Co-op members order what they need – the quantity can be small or large. There is a roster for members to help out with the logistics. For more information, or a list of the food products available, email Lloyd.

Permablitzed in Rosanna

Newsletter reader Mala Plymin had her garden permablitzed in June and the writeup is now available. As the picture suggests, newsletter readers Marina Bistrin and Yvonne Ashby were also involved.

Seasonal edible weed calendar

I happened to come across this seasonal edible weed calendar on the SBS website. The article was written by North East Melbourne resident Adam Grubb and is apparently an extract from The Weed Forager’s Handbook, which was co-authored by Adam and has now sold 20,000 copies. Adam is also the facilitator of the regular edible weed walks along Merri Creek.

A possible successor to wicking beds

Greg Parsons has written in to suggest that I have a look at the website of Colin Austin, who apparently invented/pioneered wicking beds many moons ago. It is not easy to understand what Mr. Austin is saying but it looks like he is suggesting that wicking beds should be supplanted by something he calls ‘gbiota beds’ to help “provide biology for our gut biome as well as the trace minerals and phytonutrients.

Anyhow, for an easier-to-understand critique of wicking beds, have a look at this article from the Permablitz website.

Want some cheap coffee?

Chris Newman has written in to say that Andres IGA in Watsonia currently has coffee at half price.

‘Crowd harvest’ – winter citrus

Lemon trees are often heavily laden in the middle of winter. Gardeners with excess are invited to give them to one of the not-for profit organisations listed below who will, in turn, provide them to facing food insecurity. DIVRS in Preston, Now and Not Yet Cafe in Warrandyte or STREAT in Collingwood. If you want someone to harvest the lemons for you, contact Cath Lyons (aka Tiny Trowel) by phone (0401 814679) or email.

Which link was clicked most times in the last newsletter?

The article about the cyber-attack against Dani Venn.

Joke of the week

How many grams of protein are in a blueberry pi? 3.14159265359.

Read all the jokes.

New events

Two foods & fibre landscapes

What: Merri Creek Management Committee and Friends of Merri Creek invite you to this event. Learn about the Koorie uses for native plants in the Clara Street restoration site and discover its neighbour, the Merri Corner Community Garden, during their open garden session. Free lunch provided. Funded by Melbourne Water.
When: Sunday, 8th July, 10am-1pm.
Where: Merri Corner Community Garden.
Cost: free.
Bookings: just turn up.
Further information: LFC calendar entry.

Mooroolbark Growers & Weeders present backyard poultry made easy – the how and why

What: Claire Coutts, from the Outer Eastern Permaculture Swap, will ‘tell all’ about preparing secure & adequate accommodation, purchasing suitable breeds, and care & feeding of your flock.
When: Tuesday, 24th July, 2-3pm.
Where: Mooroolbark Library.
Cost: free.
Bookings: their website.
Further information: LFC calendar entry.

Home composting workshop

What: Learn how composting, worm farming and the use of particular plants can naturally improve your soil. Discover how to compost and worm farm effectively for the best results. Understand how recycling your household and garden organic waste (including dog poo!) can benefit the life within your soil.
When: Saturday, 28th July, 2-4.30pm.
Where: Edendale.
Cost: free.
Bookings: TryBooking.
Further information: LFC calendar entry.

Lakeside Good Earth Group presents fun ferments – kombucha tea with Sarah Cowell

What: Learn the health benefits available from making your own kombucha fermented tea. Make it even more delicious with natural herbs and fruit for flavouring. Sarah Cowell will also cover making cashew cheese, other easy home-fermenting and pickling techniques to save money and support gut health! Tastings will be provided in the class.
When: Monday, 30th July, 2-3.30pm.
Where: Lilydale Library.
Cost: free.
Bookings: their website.
Further information: LFC calendar entry.

Preparing your spring vegetable garden

What: Find out how to prepare your soil and which vegetables to plant in your spring garden with Diana Cotter, who has been introducing people to the benefits and delights of gardening for over 30 years.
When: Monday, 13th August, 11am-midday.
Where: Fawkner Library.
Cost: free.
Bookings: EventBrite.
Further information: LFC calendar entry.

Set up and maintain a worm farm

What: A worm farm can be one of the best ways to dispose of food scraps and, at the same time, produce vermi-juice (worm tea) and vermicast (worm castings) for use on the garden. Learn how to set up a worm farm and the easiest methods to manage and care for these most hard-working of creatures. This workshop will cover both the theory and practice of worm farming in a household setting. It will be useful for those wishing to recycle household food waste in order to produce worm products for use in the improvement of soil in gardens and pot plants.
When: Saturday, 18th August, 3-4pm.
Where: Edendale.
Cost: free.
Bookings: TryBooking.
Further information: LFC calendar entry.

Summer-proof your garden

What: Our weather is becoming warmer with more frequent dry spells and extreme heat events and even a relatively short stretch of hot weather can quickly destroy all your hard work. Now is a great time to be planning for heat proofing your garden and making the best use of your water. Jeremy Prentice, from Very Edible Gardens, will provide advice around smart summer garden design, water tank and irrigation solutions, plant choice, sun and wind shelter and soil care. Find out how to have a successful, low maintenance and water efficient garden even throughout the hottest months.
When: Wednesday, 29th August, 7-8.30pm.
Where: Kew Library.
Cost: free.
Bookings: EventBrite.
Further information: LFC calendar entry.

The art of espalier

What: What you will learn: growing espaliered fruit trees; different techniques to make the most of all available space for espalier; and improve your general gardening skills. Presented by Diana Cotter. “Go vertical” is the cry when garden space is limited. Gardening in two dimensions is what espalier is about and this class will cover the different types and how to get them started and then continue to train them into the desired shape. Topics covered include suitable fruit trees, pruning and training techniques.
When: Thursday, 30th August, 6.30-9pm.
Where: Bulleen Art and Garden.
Cost: $55.
Bookings: WeTeachMe.
Further information: LFC calendar entry.

Ultimate cheese and wine matching masterclass

What: When you combine the expertise of a master cheese maker (Giorgio Linguanti, from That’s Amore Cheese) together with that of a food and wine matching expert (Anthony Nania), you have the recipe for a really informative masterclass. Together they will show you how to serve a variety of cheeses perfectly and match them with the right wine styles. Go and enjoy the flavours and textures of cheeses paired with specially selected wines.
When: Friday, 31st August, 6.30-9.30pm.
Where: Northcote.
Cost: $52.
Bookings: WeTeachMe.
Further information: LFC calendar entry.

Chocolate discovery class

What: This class includes indulging in a range of chocolate & truffle tastings, the chance to learn about how chocolate is made, and finding out about the inspiration behind each of their specialty ranges with their European Chocolatiers. Your chocolate education concludes with the chance to create your own personal chocolate bar and delve in giant lollipop making fun.
When: Saturday, 1st September, 11.30am-12.30pm.
Where: Edendale.
Cost: $48.
Bookings / Further information: their website.

Summary of upcoming events

Over the next week
Over the next month

View the complete calendar of upcoming events.