LFC News September 26 2018

Sep 252018
 

I will be on holiday for most of October (in New England) so there won’t be another newsletter until end October. In this context, this newsletter covers all known events until the end of November.

Tomato: know, sow, grow, feast

The winner of the random draw was Vicki Jordan, from Lower Plenty. A copy of the book has been duly posted to her. The rest of you will have to buy the book online at Booktopia for $45.

Although not required to, a number of people sent in comments when they entered the draw. Here’s a selection:

  • May I please enter the draw to win the book. My husband could live on tomatoes alone. It would be a great Christmas present for him.
  • I would love to give the book to an ardent tomato grower friend of mine.
  • I could do with some help.
  • I would love the tomato book. I just potted up 600 tomatoes for our school fete.
  • I would love to receive this book about heirloom tomatoes. I have tried to plant them in recent years but unsuccessful. I hope with this book I will have a good crop and share the fruits with family and friends.
  • As a tomato grower of many years I’ve had successes and failures and would love to know more about the failures in the hope of securing more successes.
  • Will it improve my chances if I say that I love your newsletter?
  • I really want to win it.

Need some free chook food?

Newsletter reader Janet's chickens have just been killed by foxes so she has no need for two unopened 20Kg bags of chook food. Pickup Eltham. Email us if interested and we’ll put you in touch. First come, first served.

Judy interviews Meg Montague

Some of you will know Meg through her various activities around Darebin and/or her involvement with Foodbank Victoria. Judy Vizzari has now interviewed Meg as a home grower. To quote Judy quoting Meg: “I’ve always grown vegetables – I never ‘decided’ [to grow them], I’ve just always grown them.“, “The philosophy around this garden is that it’s very much a social space – for families, for parties and for eating outside. These activities sometimes inhibit the growing of vegetables, so it’s not a fully food producing garden.” and “Gardening is relaxation, it’s economy – it’s all sorts of things.“. Read the full interview. We are beginning to run short of interviewees. If you would be willing to be interviewed about your garden, email us.

Robin’s tip of the month – growing blueberries

Blueberries can be grown successfully in North East Melbourne but they do require exceptional soil preparation. The soil needs to be quite acidic with a pH of 4-5. However, our soils are naturally closer to 7 (neutral) so the pH needs to be reduced by at least 2 points. To do this, add granular sulphur, work it into the surface, and water it in. You may have to do this several times and it is best to begin the process 3 months before planting. Once your blueberries are established, you can assist the soil remaining acidic by digging in sphagnum peat carefully around the shallow roots once a year, and fertilising with an acidic fertiliser. However over time, the soil will return to its natural pH and your plants will suffer. Remedial action is then required to again reduce the pH. Plant in a sunny, well-drained position. One of the best varieties for our area is Brigitta. [Editor’s note: in The Complete Book of Fruit Growing in Australia, Louis Glowinski recommends using well-rotted chicken manure as the fertiliser. His argument is that blueberries don’t like either nitrates or chlorides and that many commercial fertilisers contain such compounds.] [Editor’s second note: one way of helping to keep the soil acidic is to use pine needles as the mulch. There are a number of pine trees along the Yarra, for example at Lenister Farm – simply take some big bags and scoop the needles off the ground.] Read all of Robin’s tips.

What seeds to plant in October

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

Cucurbits

Cucumber
Gourd
Pumpkin
Rockmelon
Watermelon
Zucchini
Other warm season veggies

Beans
Okra
Peanut
Sweetcorn
Leafy greens

Lettuce
Mustard greens
Parsley
Rocket
Silverbeet
Roots

Beetroot
Carrot
Jerusalem artichoke
Parsnip
Potato
Radish
Other veggies

Asparagus
Celery
Chives
Globe artichoke
Rhubarb
Spring onions
Sweet potato

Compared with September, the solanums (capsicum, chilli, eggplant and tomato), basil and coriander drop out of the list, whilst the cucurbits (cucumber, gourd, pumpkin, rockmelon, watermelon and zucchini) stay in. Note, however, that these lists are the months that it is ideal to plant particular seeds and that you can sometimes plant in other months. So, for example, if your tomato seeds didn’t germinate in September, it’s better to try again in October (or buy some seedlings) rather than face the prospect of no homegrown tomatoes. Helen Simpson has previously written ‘how to grow’ articles about many of the warm season veggies, namely: basil, chilli, cucurbits and tomatoes. Robin and Paul Gale-Baker have previously written about how to grow eggplants and capsicums. And Helen has written more generally about Spring veggie garden preparation.

Food swap news

The next Macleod Food Swap at 11am on Sunday, 20th October will include Sustainable Macleod‘s fifth annual community auction. The items include donations from local businesses, Sustainable Macleod members and others. They have over 100 items from fruit trees to cafe vouchers, health consultations to wine. The purposes of the auction are: to raise funds for the Macleod Organic Community Garden; to support their local shops and services; and to bring people to Macleod Shopping Centre. Warrandyte Food Swap is celebrating its 3rd birthday on Sunday, 6th October at 9am and they invite you to join them. Sarah Oleksiuk writes in: “Flashback from last year’s birthday celebrations. We celebrated new baby Lachlan, 2 university graduations, woofing in Canada, a plum role in the outback, winter in the Scottish Highlands and spring on a Queensland beach. Along the way, we enjoyed great produce, luscious greens, tomatoes, cumquats, lilly pilly, macadamia, turned grapefruit into conserve, chilli into ripper salads, all the time sharing stories enjoying community. A big shout out to Glenn and Chris for their constant support.” Incidentally, around 25 people from the Warrandyte Food Swap receive this newsletter. This is because Sarah, Liz, Carol and Tess proactively invite each new person at the swap if they would like to receive it and then email us the person’s details (name, email address and suburb). It would be great if your food swap could do the same, perhaps using this simple signup form.

Community gardening news

A team from Incredible Edible Eltham, led by Paul Gale-Baker, has installed a wicking bed at Eltham Child Care Co-Op (see left hand picture). Another team has done the spring plantings at the edible food gardens at both Eltham Railway station and outside healthAbility on Main Road (see right hand picture). The plantings include alyssiums, beetroot, lettuce, marigolds, mizuna, mustard greens, oregano, radish, rocket, silverbeet, spinach, spring onions and strawberries.

Which link was clicked most times in the last newsletter?

Angelo’s article on small space tomato growing.

Proverb of the month

Grist to the mill. Meaning: useful for a particular purpose or helps support someone’s point of view. Dates back to at least the 16th Century, when grist was unground wheat that was brought to a mill to be ground into flour. A miller ground whatever grain was brought to him, and charged a portion of the final product for the service, so all grain arriving at the mill represented income regardless of its quality. It is one of 13 metaphors designated by George Orwell in 1946 as dying (“a huge dump of worn-out metaphors which have lost all evocative power and are merely used because they save people the trouble of inventing phrases for themselves”). Incidentally, the word ‘grist’ is apparently completely unrelated to the word ‘grits’, even though their meanings are similar (before grits became used to describe a weird form of American porridge made out of maize, it meant oats that had been husked/hulled but not ground). Read all the proverbs.

Gardening quote of the month

“Gardening is not a rational act.” by Margaret Atwood. Read all the quotes.

Joke of the week

You throw away the outside, cook the inside, then eat the outside, and throw away the inside, what am I? Corn on the cob. Read all the jokes.

New events

Farming for kids, with farmer Em

What: Farmer Em is a qualified teacher who is passionate about inspiring new young growers. When: Saturday, 6th October, 11am-midday. Where: Joe’s Market Garden, Coburg. Cost: $10. Bookings: EventBrite. Further information: LFC calendar entry.

Mushroom workshop – cultivating gourmet mushrooms in your garden

What: Tyler Cameron will run the workshop. Tyler is a small-scale gourmet & medicinal mushroom farmer and amateur mycologist based in Bundoora, Melbourne. He will focus on outdoor mushroom growing. At the workshop, you will install a King Stropharia (Garden Giant) mushroom patch, as well as inoculate logs with various different species of edible and medicinal mushrooms for the community garden. You will learn how to make their own ‘spawn’ for outdoor mushroom growing, and take home a mushroom ‘culture’ to start your own patches. When: Saturday, 6th October, 11am-1pm. Where: Bellfield Community Garden. Cost: $10. Bookings: by email. Further information: LFC calendar entry.

Linking Lalor

What: Learn about traditional bush tucker at Links Community Garden. Participate in a traditional Aboriginal smoking ceremony. Try out some art activities. Follow the local cultural heritage trail of Bern Emmerichs’ fascinating artworks leading to the original ceramic murals in Peter Lalor Walk. When: Saturday, 6th October, 12.30-2.30pm. Where: Links Community Garden Lalor. Cost: free. Bookings: just turn up. Further information: LFC calendar entry.

Fermented food

What: Tim McNeilly, from Really Awesome Wholefoods, will run this fermentation talk and kimchi workshop. When: Thursday, 11th October, 7-8.30pm. Where: Lalor Library. Cost: free. Bookings: their website. Further information: LFC calendar entry.

Asian cooking with Jean

What: Join Jean from Jean’s Asian Cooking as she demonstrates stir-fry Asian dishes. Followed by tastings. When: Thursday, 25th October, 7-8.30pm. Where: Mill Park Library. Cost: free. Bookings: their website. Further information: LFC calendar entry.

Healthy productive compost and worms

What: What you will learn: the importance of compost for soil health; how to fix common composting problems; and setting up and looking after a worm farm. Presented by Maria Ciavarella. Learn how to make great compost, the essential ingredient for a thriving and healthy garden. You will also look at worm farms and Bokashi as other options. You will also be shown how to make a DIY worm farm using recycled products. When: Thursday, 22nd November, 6.30-9pm. Where: Bulleen Art and Garden. Cost: $50. Bookings: WeTeachMe. Further information: LFC calendar entry.

Home brewing with Paul Rigby

What: What you will learn: make your own beer; all about full grain brewing; and the fermentation process. What you will get: samples of different beers; and recipes to take home. The workshop will be a practical demonstration of full grain brewing covering ingredients (including malt, hops, yeast and water), equipment, brewing theory, and (most importantly) the brewing process (including mashing, lautering, boiling, sanitation, fermentation and packaging). Samples will be available for tasting. When: Saturday, 24th November, 10am-3pm. Where: CERES. Cost: $70. Bookings: WeTeachMe. Further information: LFC calendar entry.

Summary of upcoming events

Over the next week
Over the rest of October
During November

View the complete calendar of upcoming events.

LFC News September 19 2018

Sep 192018
 

Tomato: know, sow, grow, feast

Tomato: know, sow, grow, feast is a new book about Australian heirloom tomatoes. One of its authors is newsletter reader Karen Sutherland, with the others being Penny Woodward and Janice Sutton. Here is what the back cover says: “Heirloom, organic, Australian. Karen leads you through organic heirloom tomato growing, from seed sowing to feeding, pruning and training. She outlines a variety of ways to grow, tells stories of some passionate growers, and helps you to keep problems at bay with an extensive illustrated pest and disease section. Penny chronicles the history of heirloom tomato varieties in Australia and explains how to breed your own heirloom tomatoes. She also details why tomatoes are so good for you, and why a red tomato is red! Finally Penny lists, and describes in detail, more than 220 different heirloom tomatoes that can be sourced in Australia today. Janice explores the enticing and diverse range of heirloom tomato flavours, describes in detail how to select, prepare and cook heirloom tomatoes, and explains how to create the perfect tomato passata and paste. Finally, she shares more than 60 delectable tomato recipes from renowned chefs from all over Australia.” Booktopia says: “What [sets the book apart] is the extensive list and descriptions of heirloom tomato pests and diseases, painstakingly researched by gardening expert Karen Sutherland, that includes an indispensable pest and disease chart to help gardeners identify and control them.“

Karen is offering a free copy of the book to a randomly chosen newsletter reader(!). To enter the draw, simply email us. If you don’t win, you can buy the book online at Booktopia for $45.

Talking about people who have written books – here’s something that you don’t know (and probably don’t want to know): I (Guy Palmer) am an erstwhile book author and you can still buy some of my books online at Amazon. For example, my 2006 book on housing and my 2002 book on poverty & social exclusion.

Small-space intensive tomato growing

Read this article by newsletter reader Angelo Eliades.

A new local chocolate producer – Manuko

Manuko, from Thornbury, sell a range of chocolate slices and truffles, all made from Certified Organic ingredients, and all raw, gluten free and dairy free. You can buy their chocolate online or from East Elevation (Brunswick East), Hoppa & Joe (Fairfield), Hurstbridge Deli & Larder, Little Woodpecker (Blackburn North), One Plus Piece Cafe (Balwyn) or Wild Things Food (Fitzroy North). And, later in the year (from 25th November), they will be a stallholder at Eltham Farmers’ Market. Read their Local Food Directory entry. Welcome Inga and Matt!

There are now 9(!) chocolate producers in our Local Food Directory

Community gardening news

The Garden of Plenty at Diamond Valley Library has opened its ‘Maker Space’ (see picture right). “The Garden Maker Space is equipped to facilitate hands-on learning about gardening and food for all ages … As a Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden participant, the Garden Maker Space is developing a new range of programs focussed on healthy eating, seasonal produce and food education for local schools, kindergartens and childcare centres.“

There is now a ‘Grow Free’ cart at Links Community Garden Lalor.

Sometimes a visit to a community garden helps the process of getting information about them for our website. Last week, we visited Jolimont and Rushall Community Gardens (see the second and third pictures below).

The Garden of Plenty (Greensborough)
Maker Space Opening		 Jolimont (Forest Hill) Rushall (Fitzroy North)

Want a job?

Panton Hill Winery are looking for an additional member of staff. They would prefer a mature person who could work front of house in the tasting area sometimes, and in the kitchen at other times. They need you especially on a Sunday afternoon between midday and 4pm.
Experience useful but training provided on the job. Text Dorothy on 0408 101523.

A picture from the Snowy Mountains

Newsletter reader Helga Hill, who recently moved from Diamond Creek to Lake Jindabyne in the Snowy Mountains, has sent in a picture of the outlook from her balcony.

Not food, but interesting

October is Seniors Month and there will be events throughout Victoria throughout the month. Your local authority will probably have made a program of the local events available online.

Many of the events are being organised by local University of the Third Age (U3A) organisations. And there is substantial overlap between membership of a U3A and subscribers to this newsletter; for example, around 70 members of Nillumbik U3A receive this newsletter. In this context, here are three of the events being organised by Nillumbik U3A:

  • A Musical Afternoon with ‘The Don’t Think Twice’ Trio. Sunday, 14th October, starting 2pm. Book: www.trybooking.com/XIJT.
  • Eltham High School String Quartet Music Afternoon. Sunday, 21st October, starting 2pm. Book: www.trybooking.com/XIJS.
  • Diamond Valley Open Door Singers Community Choir. Sunday 28th October, starting 2pm. Book: www.trybooking.com/XIJR.

Which link was clicked most times in the last newsletter?

Is honey vegan?.

The author, Ben, writes other unusual articles. For example, read his recent blog posts: is honey kosher? and do bees poo?

Joke of the week

How did Reese eat her soup? Witherspoon.

Read all the jokes.

New events

Sustainable gardens for small spaces

What: From small plots to productive pots, a sustainable garden can fit anywhere. Being space-constrained is not a barrier to having a beautiful, productive and functional sustainable garden. This workshop, run by Nicole Griffiths, will give you many tips, tricks and simple solutions to make your garden seem bigger, to overcome constraints and grow a garden that is good for you and the environment.
When: Thursday, 20th September, 6.30-7.30pm.
Where: Box Hill Library.
Cost: free.
Bookings: their website.
Further information: LFC calendar entry.

Connecting your kitchen garden community – with Stephanie Alexander

What: The Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden Foundation, along with Stephanie Alexander, is holding a session to discuss how to connect kitchen garden schools, centres and supporters. You will learn about your local kitchen garden community, share news, swap resources and explore how we can all work together to change food culture in your area.
When: Monday, 24th September, 4.30-6pm.
Where: Fawkner Bowls Club.
Cost: free.
Bookings: by phone (0401 155828).
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: Wednesday, 3rd October, 9.30-11am.
Where: Eltham.
Cost: free.
Bookings: by phone (9430 9100).
Further information: LFC calendar entry.

Julie’s garden

What: The garden uses both front and backyards to grow a mix of fruit, vegetables and herbs, as well as some ornamental and native plants. The design has had to contend with site constraints that include shade and occasional flooding and has been guided by permaculture principles. The most productive part of the garden is in the front, facing onto the street. Julie says “It’s a great way to interact with neighbours and passers … it inspires people to grow something and it makes people happy.” A key element of interest is the way that Julie has built the soil using on site materials such as compost, worm castings and mulch. Read an interview with Julie about her garden.
When: Saturday, 6th October, 2-4pm.
Where: Montmorency.
Cost: $10.
Bookings: EventBrite.
Further information: LFC calendar entry.

Kevin Heinze GROW Spring plant sale

What: Fruit trees & seedlings, veggies & herbs, cakes & preserves, BBQ, Devonshire tea, cut flowers, pots and books.
When: Saturday, 13th October, 9am-3pm.
Where: Doncaster.
Cost: free.
Bookings: just turn up.
Further information: LFC calendar entry.

Bees in the ‘burbs

What: Join the team from Backyard Honey to learn about bees and their crucial role in our eco-system. Talk with the beekeepers, handle apiary equipment, enjoy a cup of herb and honey tea and purchase pure raw, locally-sourced honey.
When: Saturday, 13th October, 3-4.30pm.
Where: Surrey Hills Neighbourhood Centre.
Cost: $10.
Bookings: their website.
Further information: LFC calendar entry.

Bee hive tours

What: Your tour, led by Nathan Stewart, a professional Doreen-based beekeeper from Maya ‘Xala Honey, will include suiting up in protective gear, lighting a bee smoker, and spending two hours as real life beekeeper. Initially, Nathan will give you some tips on what to look for inside a hive including how to spot the Queen and where to look to potentially witness the birth of a new worker bee. Then, together you will lift the lid of a busy hive, watch bees at work creating honey, pull out a frame of honey ready for extraction, and get up close with more than 100,000 bees! After the lid is closed, you will sample some of the honey direct from the hives while enjoying a refreshing honey tonic.
When: 4 occurrences: Saturday 13th October, Sunday 28th October, Saturday 24th November and Saturday 8th December, all 10.30am-12.30pm.
Where: Rivers of Yarrambat.
Cost: $50 ($79 for a family).
Bookings: their website.
Further information: LFC calendar entry.

Practically Green Festival

What: The Practically Green Festival celebrates sustainable living and all things green with activities for the entire family. This year’s festival will include a number of talks: 11am – plant-grow-eat-repeat; midday – backyard chooks for beginners; 1pm – home composting; 2pm – set up and maintain a worm farm; and 3pm – organic gardening for beginners. The market stalls will include Heidi Honey Hurstbridge and Organic Fix.
When: Sunday, 14th October, 10.30am-4.30pm.
Where: Edendale.
Cost: free.
Bookings: just turn up.
Further information: LFC calendar entry.

Raspberry winemaking

What: Gary Campanella, Danny Cappellani, Wayne Harridge and Mario Fantin from Eltham and District Winemakers Guild will introduce the basics of country winemaking and demonstrate the steps to make a raspberry wine. Come along and learn how to make wine with a tried-and-true recipe using principles which can be applied to anything organic which grows in your garden.
When: Tuesday, 16th October, 11.30am-12.30pm.
Where: Diamond Valley Library.
Cost: free.
Bookings: just turn up.
Further information: LFC calendar entry.

Festive inspired 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 zucchini tart; lamb wellington; and berry crostata.
When: Thursday, 18th October and Friday, 19th October, both 7-9pm.
Where: Gourmet Living, Templestowe.
Cost: $42.
Bookings: EventBrite (Thursday, Friday).
Further information: LFC calendar entry (Thursday, Friday).

Open Cellars of the Artisan Hills

What: On both 20th and 21st of October. Visit any or all of the family-owned wineries in Nillumbik, each with an individual style, where the grapes are hand-picked and hand-crushed by family and friends in the traditional style, with wines developed on site. This is a chance to sample wines at wineries not always open to the public. You will also find food to complement the wine, as well as live music and artworks from local artists at some venues. There is no entry fee, or tasting fee, at any of the venues. The participating wineries include: Buttermans Track, Hildebrand Ridge Organic Vineyard, Kings of Kangaroo Ground, Naked Range Wines, Nillumbik Estate, Panton Hill Vineyard & Winery, Punch, Shaws Road Winery, Wedgetail Estate and Yarrambat Estate Vineyard.
When: Saturday, 20th October and Sunday, 21st October, both 11am-5pm.
Where: Various wineries in Nillumbik.
Cost: free.
Bookings: just turn up.
Further information: LFC calendar entry.

RetroSuburbia with David Holmgren

What: David Holmgren will advance permaculture ideas as a creative framework for applying vital retrofits to our homes, gardens and, most fundamentally, our behaviours. In particular, he will highlight the importance of household food growing and shared neighbourhood activity in our everyday lives.
When: Sunday, 21st October, 10.30am-12.30pm.
Where: CERES.
Cost: $20.
Bookings: TryBooking.
Further information: LFC calendar entry.

Hobby beekeeping

What: Christos Tonovich, a hobby beekeeper for 20 years with 40 hives around the Yarra Valley, will present on how to set up a hive in a courtyard garden.
When: Tuesday, 23rd October, 10.30-11.30am.
Where: Collingwood Library, Abbotsford.
Cost: free.
Bookings: EventBrite.
Further information: LFC calendar entry.

Mexican – aguas frescas and kombucha

What: Ana and Gaby are Mexican Aussies with a wealth of skills, knowledge and experience in cooking Mexican dishes. Immerse yourself in Mexican cooking techniques and culture. This workshop will cover: how to brew, care for an grow your kombucha scoby; second fermentation; and flavouring your drink.
When: Saturday, 10th November, 11am-1pm.
Where: Living & Learning, Diamond Creek.
Cost: $58.
Further information: LFC calendar entry.

Bush foods & herbs for courtyards & balconies

What: What you will learn: which native produce-plants are suitable for growing in pots and small spaces; what to harvest and when; and how to use bush foods and herbs to flavour your dishes. Presented by Karen Sutherland, of Edible Eden Design. Australian native plants have flavour and aroma profiles unlike any others, and can be easily incorporated into your kitchen. Also, a wide range of them can be grown in Melbourne in pots or small and difficult spaces. In this class, which is ideal for those with limited garden space or even just a courtyard or balcony, you will explore the world of edible native Australian plants that are easy to grow in such spaces, attractive to look at and can easily add flavour and interest to your home-cooked dishes. All plants covered are suitable for Melbourne’s climate, and will be discussed in terms of how best to use and grow them in your garden.
When: Thursday, 15th November, 6.30-9pm.
Where: Bulleen Art and Garden.
Cost: $55.
Bookings: WeTeachMe.
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 September 12 2018

Sep 122018
 

Community gardens in Maroondah

The website now has pages for most of the community gardens in Maroondah:

Bedford Park, Ringwood Eastland Multicultural, Ringwood Glen Park Oaks, Bayswater North
 
Seasons of Hope Garden, Croydon Tables, Heathmont  

Thanks to Barbara, Jess, Penny, Stephanie and Vanessa for providing all the information.

Blooming lovely!

The Forest Hill food swap isn’t happening this Saturday (15th Sep). This is because the relevant people are all taking part in a garden show entitled Blooming lovely! at Box Hill Town Hall.

The Beales Road Farm crowdfunding campaign reached its target

The Beales Road Farm crowdfunding campaign for an irrigation system reached its goal of $5,500. I counted at least 12 newsletter readers who contributed. Well done everyone!

Peppertree Place (Coburg) may have been saved

Read this week’s article in The Leader.

Darebin Backyard Harvest Festival moved to the autumn

The next festival will be held in autumn 2019 instead of the usual spring/November.

Interview with Joe Garita – erstwhile market gardener on Merri Creek

Joe Garita had a 5 acre market garden on the Merri Creek in Coburg. Read the interview with Joe on wikinorthia. Note that, although recently published, the interview actually took place in 2012.

Is honey vegan?

Read this Facebook post by Ben Moore from Ben’s Bees.

Which link was clicked most times in the last newsletter?

Possible arsenic contamination in Diamond Creek.

Joke of the week

That awkward moment when you pay $5 for Evian water and notice that it is Naive spelt backwards.

Read all the jokes.

New events

Top tips for reducing waste in your household

What: Why is it so hard to be waste free? Where do you even start? Will your small household contribution really help the planet? Why isn’t the government doing more? How can you get more involved? Whether you want some ideas on where to start, or if you’re already on the journey and have some Top Tips you’d like to share, go along for a chat. Organised by Sustainable Greensborough.
When: Sunday, 16th September, 2-4pm.
Where: Watsonia Library.
Cost: free.
Bookings: just turn up.
Further information: LFC calendar entry.

Growing mycelium (mushrooms) in the city

What: Take home your own DIY mycelium mushroom kit. This workshop will give you the skills to grow your own mushrooms at home and is aimed at an entry level point. It will cover oyster and lions maine mushrooms. Learn the hands-on techniques for re-building soil, drought proofing gardens and growing new varieties of mushrooms. A vegan, gluten-free lunch will be provided. Facilitator: Stuart Muir Wilson.
When: Monday, 17th September, 10am-3pm.
Where: Brunswick.
Cost: $70 (includes lunch).
Bookings: WeTeachMe.
Further information: LFC calendar entry.

Official opening of Macleod Organic Community Garden

What: Macleod Organic Community Garden will be formally opened by Costa Georgiadis. Celebrate with them as they approach three years since commencing work on the garden. Following the opening, they will be serving pizza straight out of our community oven, as well as other refreshments. There will be activities for children and tours of the garden.
When: Sunday, 30th September, 2-4pm.
Where: Macleod Organic Community Garden.
Cost: free.
Bookings: just turn up.
Further information: LFC calendar entry.

Olives and olive trees

What: A presentation by David Strutt at Nillumbik Garden Club.
When: Monday, 1st October, 7-10pm.
Where: Metzner Hall, Eltham.
Cost: free.
Bookings: just turn up.

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: Thai pesto bruschetta; coriander & lime rockling; and apple & cranberry rice pudding.
When: Thursday, 4th October, 7-9pm.
Where: Gourmet Living, Templestowe.
Cost: $42.
Bookings: EventBrite.
Further information: LFC calendar entry.

Chinese tea – a history and tasting

What: Chinese teas have a long and fascinating history. Hear from the tea specialists at Libertea about the various blends and culture associated with Chinese teas, and sample a few for yourself.
When: Sunday, 7th October, 11am-1pm.
Where: Realm Library, Ringwood.
Cost: free.
Bookings: by phone (9800 6430).
Further information: LFC calendar entry.

Festive inspired 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: pesto pasta salad; roast mustard pork loin; and apple & fig puff tarts.
When: Thursday, 11th October and again on Friday, 12th October, both 7-9pm.
Where: Gourmet Living, Templestowe.
Cost: $42.
Bookings: EventBrite (Thursday and Friday).
Further information: Thursday; Friday.

Alexandra and district open gardens

What: Fancy a visit to the country? There are 10 gardens to visit in Buxton, Taggerty, Acheron and Alexandra Township comprising 6 town gardens and 4 country gardens. Visit their website for details about each garden.
When: Saturday, 27th October and again on Sunday, 28th October, both 10am-4pm.
Where: Buxton, Taggerty, Acheron and Alexandra.
Cost: $5 to visit a single garden or $35 for all ten gardens.
Bookings: just turn up.
Further information: LFC calendar entry.

Growing fruit and veggies in small spaces

What: What you will learn: which produce plants are suitable to grow in small areas; coping with shade and sun for produce growing; and how to make the most of any available space for growing produce. Presented by Angelo Eliades. Do you only have a small garden or no garden at all? Would you still like to grow your own food? This class will inspire you to get started. Topics will include fruit, vegetables and berries for small spaces, growing produce in pots and containers, maximising productivity in any size space and plant selection.
When: Thursday, 8th November, 6.30-9pm.
Where: Bulleen Art and Garden.
Cost: $50.
Bookings: WeTeachMe.
Further information: LFC calendar entry.

Green at Kathleen – preparing for summer harvest

What: All you need to know to grow fresh produce at home in Summer including: what to plant and when; soil maintenance in the Summer months; smart watering and managing hot weather; and feeding and maintaining the patch for a great harvest.
When: Saturday, 10th November, 11.30am-1pm.
Where: Kathleen Syme Library.
Cost: free.
Bookings: EventBrite.
Further information: LFC calendar entry.

Arthurs Creek Mechanics Institute’s 30th annual garden walk

What: Celebrate 30 years of open gardens in the area of Arthurs Creek and Doreen. 5 beautiful gardens to visit. Light lunches and Devonshire teas available. Various art/craft items to purchase including: Jane Annois pottery, Tara Stubley’s paintings, Robyn and John Harris’ craftware/lavender products, and Melissa Thomas’ metalwork. Plants also available for purchase. All proceeds will go towards the upkeep and restoration of the hall.
When: Sunday, 11th November, 9.30am-5pm.
Where: Arthurs Creek Mechanics Institute Hall.
Cost: $20.
Bookings: Purchase tickets at the hall on the day.
Further information: LFC calendar entry.

Open Gardens Victoria – chooks in the city workshop

What: Open Gardens Victoria and Jessamy Miller (from ABC’s Organic Gardener) will show you how to keep and care for chooks in the city, including: housing; diet & health; and Council rules.
When: Sunday, 11th November, at 10-11.30am and again at 12.30-2pm.
Where: Northcote.
Cost: $35.
Bookings: TryBooking.
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, 10th November and Sunday, 11th November, both 10am-4pm.
Where: Edendale.
Cost: $120 for the two days.
Bookings: TryBooking.
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 September 5 2018

Sep 052018
 

Local Food Connect seed share

LFC is starting a small project to distribute free veggie seeds among the community to encourage people to grow more of their own food. Initially, the seeds will be available at the LFC marquee at Eltham Farmers’ Market and at Eltham Food Swap. If we get enough seeds and interest, we might be able to supply local school kitchen gardens and other food swaps. We already have a lot of sweetcorn seeds plus some purple climbing beans (thanks, Pauline!), which will be available this week at the LFC marquee at Eltham Farmers’ Market. If you have some saved veggie seeds from your garden that you would like to share, or you are interested in helping run the project, contact Richard Rowe by email.

Possible arsenic contamination in Diamond Creek

Bruce Plain has written in to point out that Gordon Legal are investigating possible arsenic contamination in residential land surrounding 50 Fraser Street, Diamond Creek. Read more.

Edible Hexham, Northumberland, UK

Carol Woolcock is currently visiting the UK and has sent in this picture.

More changes in the ownership of Eltham cafes

The Eltham Tea House is now The Greek Place, and the Weidlich Food Store is now Oregon Xpress. View our map of all 31 cafes, which includes menus and contact details.

Some interesting, recent articles from local bloggers

How to Grow Great Tomatoes in Melbourne: a typically comprehensive article by Leaf, Root & Fruit.

The difference between soft and hard mulches: a typically erudite article by Angelo Eliades.

Why do you grow your own food?

The graphic right is taken from a 2014 report entitled Grow your own: The potential value and impacts of residential and community food gardening. How many apply to you? [Three apply to me.]

Which link was clicked most times in the last newsletter?

The Laughing Waters Pick My Project.

Joke of the week

How do you make a waffle smile? Butter him up.

Read all the jokes.

New events

Cook Indian by the creek

What: Cook Indian by the creek came into existence with the idea of breaking the myth that Indian cooking is complex and difficult to nail. In each session, they will share their traditional recipes and go through the step by step cooking process. The classes are held in a private kitchen. Menus – 7th September: samosa with chutney; 14th September: chicken saagwala and palak paneer; 21st September: dal makhani and naan bread; and 28th September: chicken biryani with mixed veg raita.
When: Friday, 7th September; Friday, 14th September; Friday, 21st September; and Friday, 28th September. Each starting 6.15pm.
Where: Diamond Creek.
Cost: $35 per session ($45 on 28th September).
Bookings: by email. Quote ‘Gourmet Living’ to get a discount of 10%.
Further information: LFC calendar entry.

Australian plants expo

What: A two-day event by the Australian Plants Society – Yarra Yarra. Sales of native & indigenous plants, books on related subjects, native flower displays, environmental displays, talks, giftware and refreshments. The plant sellers include: APS Yarra Yarra growers; Friends of Melton Botanic Gardens nursery; Goldfields Revegetation nursery; La Trobe Wildlife Sanctuary nursery; Natural Plantscape nursery; Sunvalley Plants Nursery; and Vaughan’s Australian Plants. On 8th September, the talks are: at 10am, propagation from seeds & cuttings; at 11.15am, drawing & painting from nature (Hannah Noorda); at 12.30pm, kokedama workshop with natives; and at 2pm, designing for habitat (Phillip Johnson). On 9th September, the talks are: at 10am, propagation from seeds & cuttings; at 11.15am, botanical art workshop (Hannah Noorda); at 12.30pm, kokedama workshop with natives; and at 2pm, the habitat element in our gardens (AB Bishop and Loretta Childs).
When: Saturday, 8th September and Sunday, 9th September, both 10am-4pm.
Where: Eltham Community & Reception Centre.
Cost: $5.
Bookings: just turn up.
Further information: LFC calendar entry.

Organic pest control and the backyard biodiversity

What: Go on a micro-safari with Adam Grubb from Very Edible Gardens and be introduced to the many creatures that inhabit your garden, from soil microbes, to problem and beneficial insects. Learn about the life of your soil and how to care for it.
When: Thursday, 13th September, 7-8pm.
Where: Hawthorn Library.
Cost: free.
Bookings: EventBrite.
Further information: LFC calendar entry.

Mexican – family dinners

What: Ana and Gaby are Mexican Aussies with a wealth of skills, knowledge and experience in cooking Mexican dishes. Immerse yourself in Mexican cooking techniques and culture. This workshop will cover aztec cake (Mexican lasagna with chicken), fresh tortillas, and vegetarian versions of the above.
When: Saturday, 15th September, 10.30am-1.30pm.
Where: Living & Learning, Diamond Creek.
Cost: $63.
Further information: LFC calendar entry.

Cook Indian by the creek – kids special

What: Cook Indian by the creek came into existence with the idea of breaking the myth that Indian cooking is complex and difficult to nail. In each session, they will share their traditional recipes and go through the step by step cooking process. The classes are held in a private kitchen. Menus – 24th September: chicken skewers and flat Indian bread; and 3rd October: mini samosa and chana chaat.
When: Monday, 24th September, 11am-midday and Wednesday, 3rd October, 11am-midday.
Where: Diamond Creek.
Cost: $35 per session.
Bookings: by email. Quote ‘Gourmet Living’ to get a discount of 10%.
Further information: LFC calendar entry.

Buzzing around Edendale

What: Through dance, art, observation and play, children discover how our friends the honey bees live their busy lives. They play with props to understand how bees collect nectar, make wax and honey and look after their babies. Everyone will learn the bees’ famous waggle dance and find out how well the bees work together. Suitable for early primary school aged children.
When: Wednesday, 3rd October, 1-1.50pm and again at 2-2.50pm.
Where: Edendale.
Cost: $8 per child.
Bookings: TryBooking.
Further information: LFC calendar entry.

Mexican – Day of the Dead

What: Ana and Gaby are Mexican Aussies with a wealth of skills, knowledge and experience in cooking Mexican dishes. Immerse yourself in Mexican cooking techniques and culture. This workshop will cover an introduction to the food, traditions and customs of one of Mexico’s most important festivities, including sweet bread and traditional hot chocolate.
When: Saturday, 29th October, 10am-1pm.
Where: Living & Learning, Panton Hill.
Cost: $63.
Further information: LFC calendar entry.

The joy of backyard chooks

What: What you will learn: how to get started with keeping chickens in a suburban backyard; how to house and protect chooks from predators; and how chooks can be used to improve your garden and soil. Presented by Maria Ciavarella. A couple of chooks in the backyard were once a staple part of the suburban quarter acre block and their eggs a healthy part of the diet. Smaller backyards needn’t mean an end to keeping these most versatile of creatures. Join their class to find out how easy it is to keep a few hens as pets and as the ultimate garden recyclers in a sustainable household. They will cover housing, protection, feeding and varieties, as well as practical ideas on how to live harmoniously with them in your garden.
When: Thursday, 1st November, 6.30-9pm.
Where: Bulleen Art and Garden.
Cost: $50.
Bookings: WeTeachMe.
Further information: LFC calendar entry.

Summary of upcoming events

Over the next week
Over the next month

View the complete calendar of upcoming events.