Calendar of once-off events

A two-session workshop, with the two sessions being on the 23rd and 24th February, each 10am-4pm.

Facilitator: Donna Livermore. 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.

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.

Brewers Feast is a boutique craft beer and food festival, made by beer and food lovers for beer and food lovers. It will feature around 20 breweries (including cider, wine, fresh juice and homemade lemonade as well as beer). There will also be food and live music.

Throughout the day, there will be craft beer education classes, exploring the tastes and flavours of beer pairing with food, cheese, confectionery and other foods. Enjoy free samples while learning more about your beer.

What you will learn:

• Taste your way through fruit beers from The 3 Ravens under the expert guidance of one of their brewery team and a cheese expert from Harper & Blohm.
• See behind the scenes of a fully functioning craft brewery.
• Learn The 3 Ravens approach to fruit beers.

What you will get:

• Brewery tour.
• Lunch.
• Guided tasting of all varieties of fruit beer.

From wine grapes, to apricot, blueberries, strawberries and pears, The 3 Ravens love adding some fruit to enhance their brews.

Learn how to be creative with veggies and more adaptable in the kitchen so you can save money and reduce food waste. Presented by Open Table.

Bookings essential.

Learn Kat Lavers’ tips for harvesting and saving seeds ready for the years to come. Also, explore Kat’s garden.

Entry via laneway off Burt Street.

Facilitator: Marina Bistrin. Learn all the secrets of weed composting. Weeds are nutrient-dense and many can be easily cold composted without re-growing. Many households cannot easily amass enough material to create a hot compost; instead, you can build up a slow compost with small amounts of food and garden waste, using additions saved from landfill, such as coffee husks and grounds.

Also, participate in a veggie swap.

Brewers Feast is a boutique craft beer and food festival, made by beer and food lovers for beer and food lovers. It will feature around 20 breweries (including cider, wine, fresh juice and homemade lemonade as well as beer). There will also be food and live music.

Throughout the day, there will be craft beer education classes, exploring the tastes and flavours of beer pairing with food, cheese, confectionery and other foods. Enjoy free samples while learning more about your beer.

Learn how to create healthy, practical, everyday vegan dishes that look as good as they taste.

Learn Kat Lavers’ tips and tricks for preserving with a focus on fruit. Also, explore Kat’s garden and walk-in pantry.

Entry via laneway off Burt Street.

Sample the seasonal flavours of the heritage apple collection at an apple tasting afternoon at 5pm. Around 15 varieties will be available for tasting. An orchard tour is included.

All funds received go toward the maintenance and expansion of the collection.

Every Monday for 9 weeks. Book by phone (9433 3744).

This 9-week hands-on course is ideal for people considering a career in horticulture. No prior experience is necessary.

Working as a team with fellow participants, you will gain a broad overview and practical, hands-on experience such topics as:

• Introduction to plant recognition.
• Propagation.
• Planting.
• Soil properties.
• Environmentally sustainable work practices.
• Career pathways/further study in the horticulture industry.

You will spend a lot of time outdoors (getting your hands dirty!), along with some time in the classroom learning basic theory and exploring study pathways.

The course will be run by Justin Calverley, a horticultural expert with twenty years’ experience. Inter alia, Justin is a lead trainer in adult education at CERES.

For families with children aged 2-4.

Learn about the life of plants, animals, and their interactions with the environment, cultivating wonder and wisdom from nature play. The activities will vary with the seasons, incorporating sensory play with seeds, leaves, crafts and music, as well as the micro world of mini beasts and soil. Led by Sofia Sabbagh.

Pay at the event.

You will learn to make curry puffs and spring rolls. Participants are required to bring their own chopping board or pastry mat, rolling pin and 10cm round cookie cutter.

For children aged 5-13.

Learn about the life of plants, animals, and their interactions with the environment, cultivating wonder and wisdom from nature play. The activities will vary with the seasons, incorporating seed saving, planting, weeding, transplanting, herbal remedies, paint making, puppet making, finding grubs, climbing trees, making shelters, tying knots, spotlighting, bird watching, sensory play, singing and fire-side story telling. Led by Sofia Sabbagh.

Pay at the event.

This workshop will guide you through the basics including soil and plant nutrition, pest control, traditional and no-dig veggies patches, and easy herbs and veggies to ensure first time success. Discover low- or no-cost organic methods and how to growing pots for renters and people with courtyards or balconies.

Book by email.

A monthly (last Wednesday of the month) gathering of like-minded people who enjoy chatting about all things garden, in particular productive gardening. Set in the Heide I kitchen garden, join them for a chat and a light morning tea, including a Heide produce tasting. Facilitated by Heide gardener, Katie Grace.

Take something to share, ideally without any single-use plastic. Have a chat with others about the challenges and successes of zero waste living. There will also be a food swap on the day, so bring any excess produce from your garden or kitchen.

Do you like to grow your own herbs? Would you like to find out how you can use them for medicinal purposes? Learn from Doris Pozzi how to use medicinal herbs, most of which can be grown locally and maintained in a home garden.

What you will learn:

• How to prune to keep trees to a manageable size.
• How to prune to maximise fruit production in the coming season.
• Keeping espaliered shapes in check.

Watch and ask questions of Angelo Eliades, as he prunes both traditionally shaped trees and espaliered varieties. Convention had us pruning deciduous fruit trees in winter but now the thinking is swinging to doing it straight after fruiting, in late summer or autumn. Techniques are slightly different, so it is wise to see the pruning in action on actual trees.

Join licensed Am I Hungry facilitator and dietitian (APD) Tess Gardiner (aka The Sustainability Dietitian) for an introduction to mindful eating workshop. Learn how you can develop the effective thoughts and positive feelings necessary to make decisions about eating, physical activity, and self-care that support your optimal health. This weight-neutral, inside-out approach changes thoughts and feelings first so that changes in behaviours will last.

Menu: aloo gobi and aubergine masala.

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.

Book by email.

This class will explore traditional and contemporary recipes from the Thermomix Flavours of India cookbook and recipe chip, and will show you how to make them confidently in your Thermomix. The demonstration will include: chai masala tea or lassi; paneer; garlic paste; garam masala powder; tandoori paste; chicken korma; coriander chilli chutney; rava payasam; tarka dal; steamed white fish with tomato and Indian spices; garlic and coriander naan; and paneer makhani. All menu items will be available for tasting.

You will learn:

• How to bake the cake.
• How to make Swiss meringue buttercream.
• Tips on decorations and watercolouring.
• Tips on working with chocolate.
• Ideas of different childrens themes.

Prosecco & nibbles on arrival, bruschetta & a piece of savoury tart along with cake for dessert.

What you will learn:

• How to coagulate milk using acid and rennet.
• How to stretch and shape mozzarella.
• How to make whole milk ricotta.

What you will get:

• Recipes and the essential techniques of cheesemaking.
• A tasting of the cheeses made.
• Notes about the major steps of cheesemaking and resources for quality milk and supplies.
• A 20% discount on cheesemaking kits and equipment purchased in conjunction with the workshop.

Join Jacqueline Bender as she demystifies the art of making two of Italy’s most beloved cheeses. You will make mozzarella and ricotta from bio-dynamic milk (or organic if unavailable) to be eaten at the conclusion of the class. Ricotta will be made from whole milk (paneer style), which you will roll in home-made dukkah (chopped nuts and spices).

Participants will be limited to 8 to maintain an informal interactive format.

The garden will be open on both Saturday, 2nd March and Sunday, 3rd March.

This is the urban food garden of designer Karen Sutherland. Around 200 edible and useful plants are displayed in an ornamental setting: herbs, vegetable, vines, citrus, fruit and nut trees, South American edible species and Australian native food plants. The 13m x 35m garden also has aquaponics, rooftop bees and gardens, chickens, quails and interesting nature strip plantings.

There will be free talks by Karen on both days, at 11 am and at 2 pm, sharing the stories of the plants and passing around samples to taste and smell. There will also be sales of rare edible plants (including natives), Karen’s honey, and signed copies of Karen’s co-authored book Tomato – know sow grow feast.

The local community garden is also having a stall of food and drinks made with garden produce.

This workshop will help you to reduce food waste at home. You will cook a vegetarian lunch together and learn to save money, get creative with veggies, be more adaptable in the kitchen, and learn about the wonders of compost.

If you are not able to attend the workshop in the morning, you are welcome to share a free lunch with them afterwards at 1pm.

On a standard 1/4 acre residential block, Lucinda’s garden is an example of the productivity that can achieved in a small ‘urban’ space. You will see densely planted veggie gardens, mainly in above-ground container gardens such as baths (due to gum trees). There are 23 kinds of fruit trees, 14 kind of berries & vines, 11 kinds of perennial vegetables (including some water plants) and 16 types of herb. There is an orchard, compost bays, weed tea, chook shed, recycled car tyre retaining walls, water gardens, a grey water diversion system, solar hot water and solar PV.

Visitors are welcome to take a starter scoby (for kombucha) and/or some sourdough bread starter home with them.

Read more about Lucinda’s garden.

Well behaved young gardeners are welcome and free.

Nuka zuke is a famous Japanese fermented pickling technique using rice bran. In this workshop, you will make your own Nuka medium/bedding so that you can keep pickling at home for years and years!

Book by email ([email protected]).

The garden will be open on both Saturday, 2nd March and Sunday, 3rd March.

This is the urban food garden of designer Karen Sutherland. Around 200 edible and useful plants are displayed in an ornamental setting: herbs, vegetable, vines, citrus, fruit and nut trees, South American edible species and Australian native food plants. The 13m x 35m garden also has aquaponics, rooftop bees and gardens, chickens, quails and interesting nature strip plantings.

There will be free talks by Karen on both days, at 11 am and at 2 pm, sharing the stories of the plants and passing around samples to taste and smell. There will also be sales of rare edible plants (including natives), Karen’s honey, and signed copies of Karen’s co-authored book Tomato – know sow grow feast.

The local community garden is also having a stall of food and drinks made with garden produce.

Part demonstration, part hands-on workshop (and with tastings too), they will talk you through a range of preserving methods, from bottled tomatoes to preserved fruit and jams.

Book by phone (9870 2602).

Learn to make your own kombucha tea with Dayle Barnett and take home a scobi to get you started. 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.

Shio koji is a Japanese fermented seasoning made with rice koji (cooked rice that has been inoculated with the fungus Aspergillus oryzae).

Book by email ([email protected]).

What you will learn:

• How to coagulate milk using acid and rennet.
• How to stretch and shape mozzarella.
• How to make whole milk ricotta.

What you will get:

• Recipes and the essential techniques of cheesemaking.
• A tasting of the cheeses made.
• Notes about the major steps of cheesemaking and resources for quality milk and supplies.
• A 20% discount on cheesemaking kits and equipment purchased in conjunction with the workshop.

Join Jacqueline Bender as she demystifies the art of making two of Italy’s most beloved cheeses. You will make mozzarella and ricotta from bio-dynamic milk (or organic if unavailable) to be eaten at the conclusion of the class. Ricotta will be made from whole milk (paneer style), which you will roll in home-made dukkah (chopped nuts and spices).

Participants will be limited to 8 to maintain an informal interactive format.

Learn how to create healthy, practical, everyday vegan dishes that look as good as they taste.

At all meetings, doors open 7pm for a 8pm start. There will be plants for sale, raffles, door prizes and supper.

2018 topics
1 Oct 2018: olives and olive trees by David Strutt.
3 Sep 2018: caring for daffodils by Joy Quinn.
5 Feb 2018: summer vegetables by Alan Richmond.

2017 topics
6 Feb 2017: succulent swap.

2016 topics
7 Nov 2016: the local food community, with Guy Palmer.
3 Oct 2016: how to weather proof your garden.
5 Sep 2016: irises, with a speaker from The Iris Society.
1 Aug 2016: sustainable gardening.
4 Jul 2016: community gardens.
6 Jun 2016: liliums.
7 Mar 2016: geraniums and pelargoniums.

For families with children aged 2-4.

Learn about the life of plants, animals, and their interactions with the environment, cultivating wonder and wisdom from nature play. The activities will vary with the seasons, incorporating sensory play with seeds, leaves, crafts and music, as well as the micro world of mini beasts and soil. Led by Sofia Sabbagh.

Pay at the event.

For children aged 5-13.

Learn about the life of plants, animals, and their interactions with the environment, cultivating wonder and wisdom from nature play. The activities will vary with the seasons, incorporating seed saving, planting, weeding, transplanting, herbal remedies, paint making, puppet making, finding grubs, climbing trees, making shelters, tying knots, spotlighting, bird watching, sensory play, singing and fire-side story telling. Led by Sofia Sabbagh.

Pay at the event.

2018 Speakers and topics
6 Feb 2018: Lydia Heap on re-creating Indigenous Panton Hill; Julie Temple on growing yam daisies.
6 Mar 2018: Michael Tanner on soils – pH and restoration.
3 Apr 2018: Paul Kirkpatrick on potagers – plus specialised tools.
1 May 2018: Robyn Harris on African violets – care and propagation.
5 Jun 2018: John and Joy Quinn on bulbs.
3 Jul 2018: Titch – Flemings on bare-rooted trees.
7 Aug 2018: Steven Wells on therapeutic gardens; AGM.
4 Sep 2018: Hazel and Al Veevers on birds in the native garden.
2 Oct 2018: Cade on beer – from hop seeds to drink.
6 Nov 2018: Pat Anderson facilitating a tomato veggie herb swap.
4 Dec 2018: Mitre 10 Diamond Creek on new garden products.

2017 Speakers and topics
7 Feb 2017: Rachel Bishop on worm farming; Chloe Thomson on the organic products that OCP have on the market.
7 Mar 2017: Bob Yeoman on growing dahlias from seed.
4 Apr 2017: Ryan Young on habitat gardening.
2 May 2017: Attila Kapitany on succulents.
6 Jun 2017: Vaughn Greenhill on landscape design – working with nature.
4 Jul 2017: Pete the Permie on berry fruits.
1 Aug 2017: Jan Morris on protective garden accessories.
5 Sep 2017: Maria Ciavarella on thrifty gardening.
3 Oct 2017: David Redfern on natives grown at Cranbourne – suited to our local area.
7 Nov 2017: Arja Toivanen on taking cuttings (hands-on propagation workshop).
5 Dec 2017: Mark Ludlow on bonsai; Christmas party.

2017 outings
23 Mar 2017: Magical mystery tour.
6 Apr 2017: Marysville garden tour.
22 May 2017: Attila Kapitany’s garden.
17 Sep 2017: Making garden ornaments day & BBQ
25-27 Oct 2017: exploring the Mansfield/ Yea/ Alexandra area.
Nov 2017: Member’s gardens (Sandra, Sue, Rosie, Arja).

2016 Speakers and topics
2 Feb 2016: Lydia Heap on frolicking frogs.
1 Mar 2016: Ryan Young on healthy soils.
5 Apr 2016: Sue Evans on healing herbs of the 1st Fleet.
3 May 2016: Ian Culbard on permaculture design and practice.
7 Jun 2016: Cheryl on miniature landscaping with succulents.
5 Jul 2016: speaker from the Clivea Society on clivea clues.
2 Aug 2016: short talks from local speakers; AGM and 11th anniversary.
6 Sep 2016: Bill Aitchison on acacias for the home garden.
4 Oct 2016: Maria Ciavarella on gardening on a shoestring.
1 Nov 2016: pelargonium and geranium show’n’share.
6 Dec 2016: Melissa Thomas on garden art; Christmas party.

2016 outings
Apr: city gardens including the RMIT roof garden and Fitzroy Gardens.
12-14 Apr: overnight outing to the Daylesford area.
May: Ceres.
Sep: Cranbourne Botanical Gardens.
Oct: Members’ gardens.

2015 Speakers and topics
3 Feb 2015: Peter Miller on mounting plants on boards.
3 Mar 2015: Ken Walker on native & exotic bees.
7 Apr 2015: Sue Aldred on native plants: why & how.
5 May 2015: Maurice Kellet on bromeliads.
2 Jun 2015: Loretta Childs on an iconic local garden.
7 Jul 2015: Local speakers on learning From gardening mistakes.
4 Aug 2015: Greg Bolderson on underground treasures / rare bulbs.
1 Sep 2015: Geoff Crowhurst on a search for old roses around Victoria’s cemeteries.
6 Oct 2015: Doris Pozzi on Nature’s supermarket.
3 Nov 2015: Richard Lee on growing & using Asian greens.
1 Dec 2015: Fun night with trivia games, DVDs & Christmas party.

Learn how your thermomix can help you provide nutritional meals for your young ones and how can you use it to look after yourself during the busy baby period. Includes recipes and food sampling.

Are you already started in beekeeping but want to know more? Maybe you are just looking to learn more about how to manage a beehive as part of your permaculture setup. This workshop will provides you with an insight into the skills and experience required to safely and effectively manipulate a beehive and carrying out general management practices. It will also provide you with a broad understanding of the history and biology of a colony of European honey bees. At the end of the course, participants will know what steps need to be taken to get started in beekeeping.