LFC News November 28 2018

Nov 282018
 

Judy interviews Angelo Eliades

Angelo, who lives in Preston, is a well-known figure in the permaculture world. His website is Deep Green Permaculture. He works part time (including Saturdays) at Bulleen Art & Garden as a gardening expert, co-organises the Bulleen Veggie Swap and is the Science and Industry Research Officer at Sustainable Gardening Australia.

One of the first times that I met Angelo was when I visited his garden, where he was doing guided tours as part of the annual Darebin Backyard Harvest Festival. During the tour, he said something that I have never forgotten: “like all gardeners, I have to contend with lots of pests but the main pest in my garden is … [pause for effect] … my mum“! Well, Judy Vizzari has now interviewed both Angelo and his mum Savoula. As Judy says, Angelo’s garden is extraordinary, in large part due to how much he has managed to cram into a small space: “In this past year, I’ve seen quite a few gardens and been impressed in differing ways by all of them, but this is unlike any place I’ve visited. Before me is a narrow pathway lined with neat rows of water tanks and compost bins. Potted orchids’ bending spikes are loaded with exotic blooms and twisting grape vines bursting into leaf linger beneath the building’s eaves and dress its west wall. Beyond, I see the walkway opening onto a verdant mass dominated by greens, dotted with colour and defined by a myriad shapes within a huge variety of thriving plants. I see that many of the plants are food producers, others are medicinal herbs and others appear to be there to support their neighbours, perhaps to encourage beneficial insects, provide shade or just add to the aesthetics of the space. I’m impressed – I’ve never before seen such varied, thriving growth in such a small space.” Read the full interview.

Robin’s veggie growing tip of the month – what is a compost activator?

A compost activator is a plant that activates and speeds up decomposition in the compost heap. It is the presence of potassium that makes a plant an activator. Potassium is found in sufficient quantity in the leaves of comfrey, yarrow, tansy, dandelion and stinging nettle and so you should put as much as you can of any of these in your compost layers. Comfrey also adds good quantities of trace elements which have been taken up by their very deep roots and deposited in the leaves, which then easily break down in the compost, releasing these trace minerals.

At this time of year, and during the hotter months to come, make sure that your compost is always moist throughout – decomposition will grind to a halt without moisture. Also at this time of year, there are plenty of fresh grass clippings available – add these clippings to speed up, and heat up, your heap, thereby killing any seeds that you have incorporated.

Read all of Robin’s tips

What seeds to plant in December

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

Warm season veggies

Beans
Cucumber
Gourd
Pumpkin
Sweetcorn
Leafy greens

Lettuce
Mustard greens
Parsley
Silverbeet
Perennial

Asparagus
Chives
Other

Beetroot
Carrot
Potato
Radish

December is not a very good planting month: arguably too late for many summer veggies and, although you can plant leafy greens such as lettuce and mustard greens, they are likely to go to seed pretty quickly.

Montmorency Primary School will be a stallholder at the next Eltham Farmers’ Market

Students from Montmorency Primary School will be at the Community Market Stall at the next Eltham Farmers’ Market on Sunday, 2nd December. They will be selling strawberry jam, cordials, beeswax food wraps, lip balms and fruit/herbal teas (made by dehydrating fresh produce from the school garden).

The purpose of the Community Market Stall is to provide a free and legal venue for people to sell their surplus produce on an occasional basis. In other words, if you have too much surplus produce to swap at a food swap but not enough to sell through commercial channels, the Community Market Stall offers you an opportunity for selling fruit, vegetables or herbs which might otherwise be wasted, recouping some of your costs in keeping your garden going. If you are potentially interested in having a stall, contact me by either phone (0416 203067) or email.

‘Crowd harvest’ – seeds for Christmas

Gardeners with excess seeds are invited to send them in a Christmas card or holiday card to one of the not-for profit organisations listed below who will, in turn, either germinate the seeds, store them or distribute them to people facing crisis yet know how to start seeds. Please package the seeds in individual and labelled packages so that food relief recipients can easily take them home. The program runs from 1st December to 15th December. DIVRS in Preston, STREAT in Collingwood or Carrington Health at Level 2, 43 Carrington Road, Box Hill, 3128. Alternatively, Tiny Trowel, PO Box 4076, Box Hill South, 3128.

An exhibition of pumpkin paintings by Felicity Gordon

“A series of paintings … charts the beauty of pumpkin plants as they morph from a food source to seed depository.” Read the article in last week’s Leader (picture right). Thursdays to Sundays, 29th November to 16th December, 11am – 5pm. Tinning Street Presents, Lot 5/29, Tinning Street, Brunswick.

Is your soil safe? (cont)

Since last week, I have managed to talk to Kara Fry, from VegSafe. She has confirmed that the most appropriate standards to use when judging whether your soil is safe are the so-called ‘Australian NEPC Health-based investigation levels (Residential A) that we published last week. She also added: “The guidelines are not necessarily ‘safe’ levels; for example, when the NEPC set their guide of 300 mg/kg for lead (Pb), they also said that no level of lead is safe. Rather, the 300mg/kg mark is the level at which intervention is recommended.” Thanks for the chat, Kara.

Tamarillos in pots (cont)

Fay Loveland has written in: “I am growing a tamarillo in a pot. It’s a medium-sized pot and has a water well at the bottom. The plant was frost damaged in late August so it’s just coming back from that and starting to flower. I give the plant overflow water from a large wicking bed so that the tamarillo gets some leached nutrients. I sometimes give it liquid fertiliser too.” Thanks for the information, Fay.

More fun facts about bananas

In researching the little section above, I came across a web page entitled 23 ways not to waste. Most of the methods were general statements such as “cook every part of the vegetable” but one was very specific: “Make your banana bread out of bananas that are dark brown.”

Why don’t my cabbages look like this?

The picture was taken in a garden in Arthurs Creek a few weeks ago.

Interested in participating in the Darebin Backyard Harvest Festival?

Do you live in Darebin and are interested in opening your food garden or holding a food gardening workshop next year as part of the Darebin Backyard Harvest Festival to be held in May? They are looking for gardens of all sizes and cultural backgrounds. Gardeners will be supported to hold a 1-2 hour garden tour and visitor numbers are limited to a manageable size with bookings. Submit an expression of interest by end December. Alternatively, ring Lee Tozzi, Darebin Sustainable Food Officer, to discuss (8470 8392).

Which link was clicked most times in the last newsletter?

Katrina Forstner’s article on how to build a bee hotel.

Proverb of the month

As alike as two peas in a pod. Meaning: two identical items or people. This simile has a prosaic derivation: someone in the 16th Century simply decided that peas from the same pod are virtually indistinguishable and coined the simile. When the simile was first invented, ‘peas’ was actually spelt (and pronounced) ‘peases’ but, over time, people decided that that sounded naff and so the middle ‘se’ has gradually disappeared. It does, however, survive in the phrase ‘pease pudding’, which is a thick pea soup consumed in parts of North East England. But this usage might disappear as ‘pease pudding’ is becoming superseded by ‘mushy peas’. As I know from my gran’s cooking, mushy peas are often an oddly bright green colour but I’ve only just found out (whilst researching this article) that this was probably achieved by adding the yellow and blue additives, E102 and E133.

Interestingly, as different as chalk and cheese, meaning the opposite from as alike as two peas in a pod, also has a prosaic derivation: someone, this time in the 14th Century, simply thought it sounded good to use two short words that alliterated.

Read all the proverbs.

Gardening quote of the month

“Plant and your spouse plants with you; weed and you weed alone.” by Jean-Jacques Rousseau.

Read all the quotes.

Joke of the week

What’s round, white and giggles? A tickled onion!

Read all the jokes.

New events

Sylvester Hive presents Buzz & Dig – native bee workshop

What: This workshop will help you identify native bees and understand their nesting behaviour. Find out why insect biodiversity is so important and how you can encourage native bees to your garden. Take a plate to share.
When: Thursday, 29th November, 6-8.30pm.
Where: Sylvester Hive Community Garden, Preston.
Cost: free.
Bookings: EventBrite.
Further information: LFC calendar entry.

Stock Street Pop-up Garden art exhibition

What: Pop in and out of a garden art exhibition at the Stock St Pop-up Garden, which was built along the train line nearly 3 years ago and functions as a little fun community project for the people on the street. Artists are from the Moreland area and there is a variety of styles and themes to check out. Artworks will be for sale on the day. There will be finger foods and refreshments plus BYO alcohol.
When: Sunday, 2nd December, 11am-4pm.
Where: Stock Street Pop-up Garden, Coburg.
Cost: free.
Bookings: just turn up.
Further information: LFC calendar entry.

Introduction to mindful eating and yoga night

What: Join licensed Am I Hungry facilitator and dietitian (APD) Tess Gardiner for an introduction to mindful eating workshop. Learn how to develop the effective thoughts and positive feelings necessary to make decisions about eating, physical activity and self-care that support optimal health. This inside-out approach changes thoughts and feelings first so that changes in behaviour will last. The evening will begin with a 60-minute yoga practice with physiologist Jacynta Annesley (owner of Align Health & Movement) followed by a light dinner and then finishing with the 90-minute mindful eating workshop.
When: Monday, 10th December, 6.30-9.30pm.
Where: Heidelberg Heights.
Cost: $60 ($40 prior to 1st December).
Bookings: by phone (0402 702794).
Further information: LFC calendar entry.

Zero waste community lunch and food swap

What: Everyone is welcome to come along to this Sustainable Watsonia community gathering. Bring something to share without any single-use plastic.
When: Wednesday, 12th December, 12.30-2.30pm.
Where: Watsonia Neighbourhood House.
Cost: free.
Bookings: just turn up.
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 November 21 2018

Nov 202018
 

A new local food producer – iVi’s Chevaps

One of the most beautiful parts of Europe is the Dalmatian Coast in Croatia. And one of the most beautiful towns on the Dalmatian Coast is Dubrovnik. And one of the best things about Dubrovnik is the chevapi (ready-to-eat meat patties with garlic and spices served in bread). Well, you can now buy chevapi in North East Melbourne!

Doreen-based iVi’s Chevaps are a new startup who are selling their ready-to-eat chevapi at Eltham Farmers’ Market every Sunday. And they offer free tastings! Welcome Marie and Ivica!

Show them your galls (please)

Leaf, Root and Fruit are trying to figure out the best ways for backyard gardeners to manage their citrus gall wasp problem. They think that pupation is beginning to happen now and they want to know what is happening in your garden, namely whether your wasps are currently at the larvae stage (i.e. white) or pupating (i.e. black). Post your answers, together with a photo, on their Facebook post about the subject.

Do you want some bird netting?

Apted’s Orchards in Arthurs Creek have recently replaced large areas of bird netting due to storm damage. As a result, they have wool bales full of the portions removed that are unsuitable for use in the commercial orchard. Each bale contains a large amount of bird safe netting that would be ideally suited to a group of growers willing to share the netting and reinstate at multiple sites. $50 per bale. Pick up can be arranged with Ben Apted (0400 088769).

Templestowe College farm mini market

As some of you will know, there is a permaculture garden at Templestowe College where they grow quite a lot of food. The college has just announced that they are opening a ‘farm mini market’: “The market will run fortnightly on Wednesday afternoons from 1.30pm in the nursery area. Students will be selling fresh garden produce, herb and veggie seedlings, succulents and other plants as well as cute posies and edible flowers.”

Can tamarillos be grown in pots?

Stephen Brennan has written in to ask: “can I grow tamarillos in pots like I can do with tomatoes?”

It would be great if someone could email me with their views on the subject for me to pass on to Stephen. But, in the meantime, here is my answer to him: “Yes, but only if the pot is large as your tree can get to around 2-3 metres tall and 1-2 metres wide.” Read an article about growing tamarillos by Bulleen Art & Garden nursery.

Want to create your own bee hotel?

Newsletter reader Katrina Forstner (aka Buzz and Dig) has written an article on how to build a bee hotel and encourage some native solitary bees into your garden.

More fun facts about bananas

Yosefine Deans has written in to point out that, whilst commercial bananas are seedless, wild bananas have seeds and these have to be pollinated by bats or other animals for the fruit to set. See, for example, this article on the Bat Conservation International website. (the picture right is from Wikipedia)

Whilst we’re on the subject, here’s another fun fact: once a banana plant has fruited, it will never fruit again. So you should cut it down to make room for the other suckers. Has anyone got a machete that I could use?

Want some spent coffee grounds?

Darebin’s ‘Café to Garden’ program enables residents to pick up spent coffee grounds from participating Darebin cafes. The following cafes are currently participating:

  • Cafe Qtee – 287 Broadway Street, Reservoir; 9462 5440.
  • Harvest Food Store, 108 Station Street, Fairfield; 9481 4718.
  • Miss Margaret – 14C Gilbert Road, Preston; 8592 6910.
  • Red Bean Coffee – 121 Plenty Road, Preston; 9416 8612.
  • Tasties Cafe – 356 High Street, Preston; 9470 2260.
  • The Tea Rose – 25 Railway Place, Fairfield; 9486 3518.
  • Three Locals – 127 Station Street, Fairfield; 9078 6579.

Another cafe is Nourish Me Cafe – 131 Burnley Street, Richmond; 9429 4477.

Or, if you want greater quantities, you can get them delivered by Reground – 0466 242575; email. Minimum delivery quantities: 2 bins if you live in inner Melbourne or 7 bins if you live in outer Melbourne.

Finally, you can also get coffee husks from the following two roasters:

In most cases, you have to call in advance and take your own containers. See the local resources page on our website for more details.

Is your soil safe?

Stimulated by an article in this newsletter from a few weeks ago, Stuart Rodda submitted his soil for testing by VegeSafe and has just received his results. “I am relieved to say that my results are all well within what is considered as ‘safe’ for food growing by the Australian Government’s published standards.” The results from VegeSafe are set out in the table below, together with the Australian standards that Stuart and I have agreed are the best ones to use (VegeSafe sent Stuart a table with seven different sets of standards from around the world but it is a real dog’s dinner with the different standards being for completely different things and it has taken Stuart and I a considerable amount of time to work out that the most appropriate standards to use are the so-called ‘Australian NEPC Health-based investigation levels (Residential A).) The numbers are all in mg/kg (milligrams per kilogram), which is the same as ppm (parts per million).

  Mg / Kg
  As Cd Cr Cu Mn Pb Ni Zn
West veggie patch 4.9 0 51 22 210 24 0 55
East veggie patch 15.5 0 66 40 277 69 0 152
Raised bed 7.5 0 45 22 201 17 0 76
Old orchard 8.0 0 57 15 304 51 0 28
North end 5.2 0 42 24 261 19 0 347
 
Health-based investigation levels
(Residential A)		 100 20 100 6,000 3,800 300 400 7,400

 
Here’s Stuart’s commentary: “In thinking about the results, I have found this paper from Cornell University very helpful. The elements of most interest from a human health point of view are arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr) and lead (Pb). Copper (Cu), manganese (Mn), nickel (Ni) and zinc (Zn) are all essential for plant growth and human nutrition so, unless exceptionally high, are not generally a concern. My land was previously used as an orchard (around 40 years ago) so there was the potential for residues of toxic materials in the soil from sprays, etc. The test included samples of the ‘original’ orchard soil and two vegetable growing beds which I have heavily modified with imported manures, mulches, lime, gypsum, and more recently coffee and lignite (brown coal). There was no cadmium detected. The ‘East veggie patch’ (which is at the bottom of the valley) had consistently higher levels of As, Cr and Pb than the ‘West veggie patch’ (which is part way up the hill), which makes sense if the elements present leach downhill over time or tend to accumulate in the bottom of the valley. Note that chromium and arsenic are two of the elements which are used in ‘treated pine’ as a preservative and these products are no longer recommended for use where there is human contact.”

The VegeSafe program is run by Environmental Science staff at Macquarie University and offers a very cheap ($20 donation) say of getting your soil tested for metal and metalloid contaminants. Read more. Submit sample.

Which link was clicked most times in the last newsletter?

Permablitz’s article on the Ebbings silverberry.

Joke of the week

If corn oil comes from corn, what does baby oil come from?

Read all the jokes.

New events

Book launch – Tomato: Know, Sow, Grow, Feast

What: Tomato: Know, Sow, Grow, Feast is a new book by Karen Sutherland, Janice Sutton and Penny Woodward. At this launch, Karen will talk and then there will an opportunity to pick up a signed copy plus some drinks and nibbles.
When: Thursday, 6th December, 6-8pm.
Where: Bulleen Art and Garden.
Cost: free.
Bookings: just turn up.
Further information: LFC calendar entry.

Community Leaders in Sustainability Course information session

What: Darebin and Banyule Councils are offering a free 12 week course on project management, resourcing and communication for local environmental community projects. The course starts in February and finishes in April. Course participants need to live, work or study in Darebin or Banyule Councils. Participants can apply as an individual or as a team. To find out more, go along to this Information Session where you will hear about Councils’ environmental strategies and get some guidance on possible project ideas.
When: Thursday, 13th December, 6-8pm.
Where: Darebin Council Chambers.
Cost: free.
Bookings: EventBrite.
Further information: LFC calendar entry.

Kombucha tea workshop

What: Learn to make your own kombucha tea with Dayle Barnett. Dayle is a chemistry major who often has many different brews fermenting in all corners of the house and enjoys experimenting with kombucha, jun, kefir and ginger beer.
When: Saturday, 15th December, 10-11.30am.
Where: Central Ringwood Community Centre.
Cost: $20.
Bookings: by phone (9870 2602) and pay at the door.
Further information: LFC calendar entry.

Diamond Creek Christmas lunch

What: A community lunch at the Uniting Church Hall on Christmas Day, with a relaxed and friendly atmosphere where everyone is welcome. Door-to-door transport is available if needed.
When: Tuesday, 25th December, midday-3pm.
Where: Uniting Church Hall, Diamond Creek.
Cost: free.
Bookings: Graham by phone (0419 361487) or email.
Further information: LFC calendar entry.

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.
Friday, 7th December, 6.15-8pm. Daal makhani and naan bread. $50.
Friday, 14th December, 6.15-7.45pm. Chicken saagwala, palak paneer, spiced rice and mango lass. $45.
Friday, 4th January, 5.30-7.15pm. Butter chicken and masala lassi. $45.
Friday, 11th January, 6.15-8pm. Flatbread stuffed parantha with chutney and raita. $45.
Thursday, 17th January, 5.30-7.15pm. Street food (chaat) and gulaab jamun. $50.
Monday, 21st January, 5-7pm. South Indian (dosa, sambhar and tomato garlic chutney). $60.
Where: Diamond Creek.
Bookings: by email.
Further information: their Facebook page.

Cook Indian by the creek – kids specials

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.
Thursday, 3rd January, 11am-12.30pm. Flatbread roti. $35.
Thursday, 10th January, 11am-12.30pm. Samosa. $35.
Monday, 14th January, 11am-12.30pm. Seekh kebab rolls. $35.
Where: Diamond Creek.
Bookings: by email.
Further information: their Facebook page.

Bee hive tour

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: Saturday, 19th January, 10.30am-12.30pm.
Where: Rivers of Yarrambat.
Cost: $50 ($79 for a family).
Bookings: their website.
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 November 14 2018

Nov 142018
 

Do you want a solar cooker?

CERES is looking to donate a solar steam cooker and a solar ray cooker. The cooker is functional and can be used for either sustainability events or for day-to-day use. The pictures suggest that we are talking something big. But be quick, and it might already have gone, as we were told about it on Friday. If interested, email Andy Burns.

Swap your food for your library fines

Yarra Plenty Regional Library (which covers Banyule, Nillumbik and Whittlesea) have partnered with Foodbank Victoria to run a Food For Fines program from now until 17th December. Donate some non-perishable food and they will remove any fines from your library card. Also, return any items and no fines will apply – even if it has been years.

Identify those critters in your garden

I’ve mentioned this before but it’s such a good service that I’m going to mention it again. Send your photo to Museums Victoria and they (or more precisely, someone called Simon) will identify the animal for you. So, for example, the picture right is apparently of a type of gnat called a march fly (Bibio imitator).

Corrections and clarifications

The Spring backyard composting workshop on Saturday, 24th November, 10.30am-12.30pm is in Heidelberg Heights, not Fitzroy. Sorry Jen and Mikoto.

Charlie Mgee is coming back to Eltham! (well, Research actually)

Some of you will remember Sunday, 25th May 2014 as the day when Charlie last visited this area with his ukulele and unique vocals about vegetables. Well, he’s coming back on Tuesday, 18th December, and he’s coming with the rest of the Formidable Vegetable band to play a 3-hour concert. Read more.

News about local food producers

My wife thinks that it is important for you to know that Healthybake, from Lilydale, now make hemp sourdough bread.

Backyard Honey, from Surrey Hills, have a new outlet: the first small-format ‘local neighbourhood supermarket’ by Coles, which is in Surrey Hills and has just opened.

The Mrs & Co, from Mount Evelyn, are now a stallholder at the weekly moonlit markets at Eastland.

Angela Gioffre, from Organic Empire in Mount Evelyn, recently posted this on Facebook: “Something happens when you have children, I don’t know that I valued health or prioritised it before the boys came along. They lit a candle inside of me … and like all parents we just want our babies to be healthy and safe … I found organic food … it made so much sense to eat without chemicals. I was so completely dumbfounded that we had eaten any other way, without thought. I became consumed with understanding food, every waking moment was spent reading and learning about how food works in our bodies. I then turned that into formal qualifications, studying for a further three years and becoming a nutritionist. I realised that food is the answer to all of our problems, and at the same time it can be the problem with everything. Food brings people together, it nourishes, it heals, but sadly it also has the capacity to poison, to destroy … it was at that moment that Organic Empire began … I wanted everyone to know how good it felt to feel good, to feel alive and healthy and strong … because eating organic food does that.“

Local food producers in the news

Deb Graham, from Blue Pear Pantry in North Warrandyte, featured in the November edition of The Warrandyte Diary.

Permablitz’s hero of the month – Ebbings silverberry

Is Ebbings silverberry the perfect permaculture plant? Well, it ticks a lot of boxes – nitrogen fixer, tough evergreen shrub, makes a good hedge or windbreak, is a useful dense habitat, edible fruit, has perfumed white flowers, is a bee plant … what more could you want?

Read all Permablitz’s heroes of the month.

Where to buy books

Following previous discussions about where to buy Karen Sutherland’s book about tomatoes, Carol Clethero has written in to comment: “the best option for the economy is to purchase from local bookstores but failing that, if a local bookstore doesn’t exist nearby or mobility is an issue, Booktopia and Fishpond are the next best options. Booktopia is an Australian company that pays tax and their profits stay in Australia. Fishpond, whilst New Zealand owned, has a branch in Australia, pays local taxes and abides by local employment law. Amazon (including the Book Depository) is the worst option in my opinion as it pays its staff relatively little, has bad working conditions and moves its profits around to avoid paying taxes – see this recent article in the Guardian.“

Fun facts: bananas

If you have a banana plant, and you protected it from the frost, then it might well now be bearing bananas. But these bananas won’t have been pollinated. How come?

What is the purpose of a fruit?

The purpose of a fruit is to be eaten by an animal who, at a later time and hopefully elsewhere, excretes the seeds that were contained within the fruit and thus helps the plant to disperse.

Bananas are seedless, so what is the purpose of a banana?

A banana has no purpose. Banana plants, like mules, are sterile.

So, why do bananas exist?

Bananas exist only because humans like eating them. X thousand years ago, a mutant banana plant whose bananas were seedless serendipitously happened to come into existence. A human happened to eat its bananas and thought “yum”. This human happened to be an ur-agriculturalist and he/she happened to take suckers from the plant and grow them. Their progeny or equivalent happened to do the same thing, and so on, thus replacing natural dispersal mechanisms via seed with artificial dispersal mechanisms via sucker.

Where does pollination fit in?

Pollination doesn’t fit in. Because bananas are seedless then, by definition, they are not pollinated.

So, what is the purpose of the male flowers on banana plants?

Male banana flowers have no purpose. They are, like emu wings, just a hangover from history.

How does the banana grow if it is not pollinated?

It is true that fruit usually only grow if the seeds that they contain have been pollinated. But this is because natural selection acts against it (it has costs but no benefits) rather than because there is a biological law which prevents it. After all, it is never the fruit itself that is being pollinated. There will have been many mutant banana plants which had undeveloped seedless bananas, but no ur-agriculturalist ever said “yum” and propagated them, so they no longer exist.

Nerdy aside: when the fruits develop without any pollination, this is called parthenocarpy. As well as bananas, it happens with some figs, pineapples and other plants.

Read some other fun facts such as which animals eat (or, more precisely, used to eat) avocados and excrete their pits.

Which link was clicked most times in the last newsletter?

The cancellation of the Hurstbridge Farmgate garden tour.

Joke of the week

Why did the greengrocer sell both green and purple cabbage? Because two heads are better than one.

Read all the jokes.

As a bonus, here is the latest joke of the month from the Nillumbik U3A newsletter:

A bus driver was driving a whole tour bus of elderly men and women down a highway. As he was driving, one of the little old ladies tapped him on the shoulder to offer him a handful of peanuts that he gratefully accepted.

15 minutes passed and she comes back with another handful of peanuts. This happens about five more times. The bus driver finally decides to ask her, “Why don’t you eat the peanuts yourself?“

She replied “We have no teeth so we aren’t able to chew them.“

Confused, he asks, “If you can’t chew them, why do you buy them?“

She replied “We get them just for the chocolate around them. We love it!“

New events

Propagation workshop

What: Rachel Bishop, from Beales Road Farm, will show you how to propagate from seed.
When: Thursday, 15th November, 6.30-8pm.
Where: Edendale.
Cost: $5.
Bookings: EventBrite.
Further information: LFC calendar entry.

Convivial Kitchen: beeswax wrap making workshop

What: Why not cut down on wrapping and switch to beeswax wraps instead? They are great as lids, to wrap cheese, keep avocado fresh, and wrap up your bread. This workshop will teach you how to make them, and you will take five home with you. Please bring some washed ironed cotton to use (a larger piece to cut into smaller pieces, or a number of different sized smaller pieces) and they will provide the rest of the ingredients.
When: Sunday, 18th November, 2-4pm.
Where: Preston.
Cost: $20.
Bookings: EventBrite.
Further information: LFC calendar entry.

Build your own take home garden box (4 sessions)

What: You will: create and maintain your own take home garden box; improve your landscaping and horticulture skills; improve your understandings of ecosystems; and learn about working with recycled timbers.
When: The four Wednesdays starting 21st November, each 10am-2pm.
Where: Brunswick.
Cost: $10.
Bookings: EventBrite.
Further information: LFC calendar entry.

Fruit tree pruning workshop with Chris England

What: Presenter Chris England. An introductory lecture will be followed by a hands-on workshop. Using the demonstration fruit trees in the orchard of the Burnley Gardens, you will learn to summer prune fruit trees to get maximum fruit. Chris will also demonstrate how to get fruit on espalier fruit trees. BYO secateurs.
When: Saturday, 1st December, 9.30am-12.30pm.
Where: Richmond.
Cost: $65.
Bookings: TryBooking.
Further information: LFC calendar entry.

Backyard quails at The Plummery

What: You will visit with Kat Lavers’ bevy of quails which tie together her permaculture kitchen garden. You will learn all about quail care, including housing, feeding and how they can work to support a garden system.
When: Saturday, 1st December, 10-11.30am.
Where: Northcote.
Cost: $30.
Bookings: TryBooking.
Further information: LFC calendar entry.

Permaculture kitchen garden at The Plummery

What: You will explore Kat Lavers’ permaculture kitchen garden to learn how such a small space has been able to provide over 350kg of food in a single year. This session will focus on how to get more out of a small space with less work by incorporating permaculture design principles and thoughtful planning.
When: Saturday, 1st December, 1-2.30pm.
Where: Northcote.
Cost: $30.
Bookings: TryBooking.
Further information: LFC calendar entry.

Indigenous plants for food and medicine

What: What you will learn: traditional Indigenous lifestyles and healing practices pre European settlement; traditional ways of using various Indigenous plants for medicinal purposes; and promising new research into their potential medical applications. Presented by Gaby Harris. Indigenous Australians have been using native plants and animals for tens of thousands of years as sources of food and medicine. With European settlement much of this knowledge was lost or ignored, but there is now growing interest in relearning these traditional healing methods. More research is being carried out to see how we can grow, harvest and utilise our Indigenous plants for foods, medicines, cosmetics and more. This class will introduce you to some of the well-known, as well as some more obscure, Indigenous Australian plants, teach you how they were once used, and how you can use them now. You will be able to see, smell and taste a variety of these amazing plants and learn where you can find them and how to cook with them.
When: Saturday, 15th December, 9.30am-12.30pm.
Where: Bulleen Art and Garden.
Cost: $55.
Bookings: WeTeachMe.
Further information: LFC calendar entry.

Formidable Veg Melbourne permie house concert

What: Join Formidable Vegetable for an intimate pre-solstice permie-party. Arrive 6pm for a 6.30 start. BYO picnic dinner (lots of places in the garden to picnic). Listen to their well-known song, Yield. Listen to more of their music. Watch a sample video.
When: Tuesday, 18th December, 6-9pm.
Where: Research.
Cost: $30 ($20 concession).
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 November 7 2018

Nov 062018
 

How was your Halloween? In Ireland and Scotland, where the Halloween tradition has its roots, they apparently used to carve turnips and it was only the immigrants to North America who starting using pumpkins (which are native to North America). Obviously, unlike in Australia, pumpkins are in season in October in North America and, as I saw on my recent holiday in New England, their sheer ubiquity was extraordinary (see the picture right of a greengrocer shop).

A garden tour of Hurstbridge Farmgate had to be cancelled

In last week’s newsletter, we discussed how Hurstbridge Farmgate has been closed down by Nillumbik Council, who say that they haven’t got the right permit. Last weekend, the Council told Local Food Connect to cancel a garden tour of the property, claiming that this also required a permit. Lots of people are not happy with the Council’s decision – see the Facebook post on the subject. In passing, note that the reason that the garden tour was not highlighted in last week’s newsletter is that it was already sold out.

Not food but interesting

Nillumbik Artists Open Studios is happening on the weekends of 17th/18th and 24th/25th November. 32 artists from across Nillumbik will be opening their studios on all four days for you to visit, talk to the artists, look at their art and (if you want) buy some. If you have never done this, you really are missing out.

Which link was clicked most times in the last newsletter?

The sales’ listing for Jonathan Warren’s house.

Joke of the week

Did you hear about the guy who overdosed on curry powder? He went into a korma.

Read all the jokes.

New events

Cook Indian by the creek

What: Menu: Diwali special of savoury and sweet – seekh kebab followed by gulab jamun (an Indian doughnut). 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.
When: Friday, 9th November, 6.15-8.15pm.
Where: Diamond Creek.
Cost: $50.
Bookings: by email.
Further information: LFC calendar entry.

Talking tomatoes – know, sow, grow, feast!

What: Karen Sutherland, from Edible Eden Design, will teach you how to select, grow and use the best and tastiest tomatoes for Melbourne’s climate.
When: Saturday, 10th November, 2-4pm.
Where: North Fitzroy Library.
Cost: free.
Bookings: EventBrite.
Further information: LFC calendar entry.

Farmer to table dinner

What: The dinner comprises share-style courses which highlight 3 ethical local producers. The evening will include a panel Q&A with the three producers. Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages will be available to purchase at the bar.
When: Saturday, 10th November, 7-10pm.
Where: CERES.
Cost: $65.
Further information: LFC calendar entry.

Join the development of the Newton Street Community Garden

What: Darebin City Council, in partnership with 3000acres and Span Community House, invite you to take part in designing the Newton Street Community Garden. This project aims to transform an underutilised piece of land into a great community space – where you’ll be welcomed to share your knowledge, develop new skills and meet new people. They invite you, the community, to join them for afternoon tea and to provide input into the design of the garden. This includes contributing to the look and feel of the garden, what will be planted and the design of a sign.
When: Thursday, 15th November, 4.30-6pm.
Where: East Preston Community Centre.
Cost: free.
Bookings: just turn up.
Further information: LFC calendar entry.

Summer veggie garden success!

What: They will talk through the tips and tricks to plant your patch and keep it thriving through the warmer months, including advice about individual crops such as tomatoes, eggplants, cucumbers, zucchinis and more. To help solidify your knowledge, you will take a walk around the community garden to identify crops that are thriving, and those that are struggling to learn more about common problems. This workshop is aimed at those just starting their veggie patch or who have been gardening for a year or two.
When: Saturday, 17th November, 10-11.30am.
Where: Lygon Street Community Garden.
Cost: free.
Bookings: EventBrite.
Further information: LFC calendar entry.

Sylvester Hive presents Buzz & Dig – native bee workshop

What: This workshop will help you identify native bees and understand their nesting behaviour. Find out why insect biodiversity is so important and how you can encourage native bees to your garden.
Bring a plate to share.
When: Thursday, 22nd November, 6-8.30pm.
Where: Sylvester Hive Community Garden, Preston.
Cost: free.
Bookings: EventBrite.
Further information: LFC calendar entry.

Cook Indian by the creek

What: Menu: Diwali special of three courses – aloo tikki (potato, peas and daal); chicken/paneer jalfrezi; and a surprise sweet.
When: Saturday, 24th November, 4-7pm.
Where: Diamond Creek.
Cost: $99.
Bookings: by email.
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: asparagus, ham & brie tart; baked gnocchi; and Christmas petite fours.
When: Thursday 29th November and Friday 30th November, both 7-9pm.
Where: Gourmet Living, Templestowe.
Cost: $42.
Bookings: EventBrite (Thursday, Friday).
Further information: LFC calendar entry (Thursday, Friday).

Cook Indian by the creek

What: Menu: malai kofta (soft balls of mashed potato and paneer).
When: Friday, 30th November, 6.15-7.45pm.
Where: Diamond Creek.
Cost: $45.
Bookings: by email.
Further information: LFC calendar entry.

Christmas gingerbread house demonstration

What: Irene, from the Victorian Cake Decorating Society, will teach you how to create and assemble a traditional gingerbread house, decorated with piped Royal icing and candy. Recipes will be supplied.
When: Saturday, 1st December, midday-1.30pm.
Where: Balwyn Library.
Cost: free.
Bookings: EventBrite.
Further information: LFC calendar entry.

Festive inspired cooking master class

What: Menu: mint harissa prawns; chicken rice salad; and raspberry jam cheesecake tart.
When: Thursday 6th December and Friday 7th December, both 7-9pm.
Where: Gourmet Living, Templestowe.
Cost: $42.
Bookings: EventBrite (Thursday, Friday).
Further information: LFC calendar entry (Thursday, Friday).

Festive inspired cooking master class

What: Menu: bruschetta; roast pork loin; and Christmas pudding ice cream.
When: Thursday 13th December and Friday 14th December, both 7-9pm.
Where: Gourmet Living, Templestowe.
Cost: $42.
Bookings: EventBrite (Thursday, Friday).
Further information: LFC calendar entry (Thursday, Friday).

Summary of upcoming events

Over the next week
Over the next month

View the complete calendar of upcoming events.