Have you any seeds that you could donate?
The Bumblebee Foundation is a local, volunteer organisation that guides and facilities the development of food security systems. They have recently partnered with two food co-operatives to help farmers in Malawi and, as part of this, they would like to send them some vegetable seeds to begin their gardens and, eventually, to have the seeds that they need to produce their own seed bank. They want organic (certified or equivalent) seeds only. If you can potentially provide some seeds, please contact Pauline Crosbie by phone (9751 2635), email or post (PO Box 263, Olinda, 3788).
The events calendar is now searchable by local authority
Someone has suggested that, with so many events now in the website calendar, it needs better ways of searching it. As discussed in the ‘filtering’ section on the website help page, the calendar has long been searchable/filterable by suburb (using locations), type of event (using categories) and key words (using a Google-like search box). In addition, the location field has now been enhanced to include local authorities. So, for example, if you are just interested in events in Manningham or Yarra Ranges, you would select these two locations and the calendar would only show the events in these two local authority areas.
Some Darebin project updates
Last week, I had the pleasure of attending a ‘Sustainable Food Leaders Forum’ in Darebin. Its main purpose was to update people on the progress of various local projects, including:
- The Farmer Incubator Pop-up Garlic project.
- DIVRS Grafting the Urban Orchard project.
- Melbourne Water’s Our Space Your Place program.
- The forthcoming Darebin Food Security and Nutrition Action Plan.
One satisfied customer
Judy Green, from the Warrandyte Community Garden has written in: “Just to let you know that we have received a load of soil and compost from The Green Centre as a result of your piece in the newsletter so thank you for that.”
Another satisfied customer
Chris Kent, who won our ‘most in need of new boots’ prize last month, has now received his new boots, courtesy of Blundstones. He has written in: “The winning boots have arrived – thank you. I chose a pair with good ankle support and with zips for quick on/off. They felt comfortable from the start.” Have a look at the before and after pictures. As you can see, we also gave him some fluorescent green bamboo socks, just to make sure that he makes an impression wherever he goes.
How cool is this(?)
Colossal is an amazing art site which often has interesting pictures of food. They even have a section devoted to food. Here is one of their recent photos of 98 different unprocessed foods each cut into 1 inch cubes (obviously you will only see it properly if you actually click the thumbnail).
New events
Worm farms
What: Caring for your worm farm and how to use the vermicast and worm wee. Free but RSVPs would be appreciated.
When: Monday, 30th May, 11.30am-1.30pm.
Where: Richmond.
Cost: free.
Enquiries: Finbar Neighbourhood House by phone (9428 7668) or email.
Further information: LFC calendar entry.
How to make compost & set up a worm farm
What: In this 3 1/2 hour workshop, learn how to recycle household and garden waste (including dog poo!) by setting up a worm farm and a backyard compost system. Also learn about plants that can help the soil. This workshop will suit learners wanting to recycle household and garden organic waste in order improve soils. It is not suitable for young children. Please wear sturdy shoes and dress for the outdoors as part of the workshop will be hands-on around the farm. The tutor Dianne Gordon is a member of the environmental education team at Edendale. She has been growing food without chemicals for many years. The secret to her food growing success has been largely due to natural soil improvement. She has also mastered the ‘art’ of dog poo worm farming!
When: Saturday, 4th June, 1-4.30pm.
Where: Edendale.
Cost: free.
Enquiries/RSVPs: Edendale by phone (9433 3711) or email.
Further information/bookings: Edendale website.
Low-maintenance edible gardens
What: Learn how to set up an edible garden that will look great and taste great with minimal effort. Free but RSVPs would be appreciated.
When: Saturday, 11th June, 11am-midday.
Where: Fitzroy.
Cost: free.
Enquiries/RSVPs: Pippa French by email.
Further information: LFC calendar entry.
How to prepare your garden for spring
What: Free but RSVPs would be appreciated.
When: Monday, 20th June, 11.30am-1.30pm.
Where: Richmond.
Cost: free.
Enquiries/RSVPs: Finbar Neighbourhood House by phone (9428 7668) or email.
Further information: LFC calendar entry.
Cooking with winter vegetables – Italian style
What: Chef Sandra del Greco will share some of her delicious Italian recipes for creating tasty dishes from the many vegetables that are available in winter. Tasting samples and recipe sheets provided. Sandra runs an Italian cookery school in Richmond and also grows a variety of her own vegetables in her plot at the Burnley Backyard. Go along and get some new ideas to brighten up your winter cooking.
When: Wednesday, 22nd June, 6-8pm.
Where: Richmond.
Cost: free.
Bookings: Eventbrite.
Further information: LFC calendar entry.
Summary of upcoming events
Over the next week
- Making food fun – ideas for healthy lunchboxes: Thursday, 19th May, 4-5pm.
- Raising healthy seedlings from seeds and cuttings: Tuesday, 24th May, 11am-midday.
- Heide’s kitchen garden: Wednesday, 25th May, 11am-midday.
- Waste free, smarter living: Wednesday, 25th May, 7-9pm.
- Organic pest control: Wednesday, 25th May, 7-9pm.