04 November 2012
06 October 2012
SWAP UPDATE
As you may have heard the SWAP has been put on hold.
The Garden members recognise the importance of this great
community event and are endeavouring to organise resources to get this going
again and while a number of members have already put their hand up to help, this
probably won’t be practical until early 2013 due to various other commitments.
So please stay tuned for updates.
If you want to see the SWAP to continue & you are
willing to help please register your interest on facebook or via email.
I’d like to publicly acknowledge John & Karyn … the
instigators & organisers of the SWAP up to this point. They managed to create and successfully run a
real grass roots, fun, community & social event.
It’s unfortunate that they cannot continue being involved,
but we understand that the growing demand on their time by their business has
made it impractical.
For those who don’t know, John & Karyn run a “Fresh Cane Juice” stall at many of the Sydney and Illawarra markets.
So next time you are at a market track them down, say g’day! & try their juice.
On behalf of everyone that have enjoyed the SWAP I would like to
say a big "Thank you" to John & Karyn .
13 September 2012
Sorry No Fruit & Veg SWAP until further notice.
Hi all you swapers - Sorry to say that the FRUIT & VEG SWAP has been postponed until further notice.
John & Karyn have been doing a wonderful job organising this over the last few years but due to other commitments etc they are having to step away from running the SWAP.
So I just want to say a really big THANK YOU to John & Karyn...
Hopefully some others will step in to fill the gap.
We need at least 2 other people along with me - willing to
Turn up, Set up & Pack up
Plus meet & greet, have lots of conversations and share a few coffees and cakes
every 3rd Sunday.
John & Karyn have been doing a wonderful job organising this over the last few years but due to other commitments etc they are having to step away from running the SWAP.
So I just want to say a really big THANK YOU to John & Karyn...
Hopefully some others will step in to fill the gap.
We need at least 2 other people along with me - willing to
Turn up, Set up & Pack up
Plus meet & greet, have lots of conversations and share a few coffees and cakes
every 3rd Sunday.
12 August 2012
beware Legumes in progress!
 |
| 21/512 |
 |
| 21/5/12 |
 | |
| peas at the back broad beans in front bed 4/6/12 |
 |
| Broadbeens poking through front bed 10/6/12 |
 |
| 10/6/12 |
 |
| Broad beans at the front & the first few flowers on the peas 16/6/12 |
 |
| close up of broad beans |
 |
| 23/6 |
 |
| 4/7 |
 |
| 13/7/12 |
 |
| 14/7 |
03 August 2012
Working Bee 5th August All welcome.
Hi All.. We had a great turn out last month.
We got a lot of work done. So "Thanks"
to everyone that turned up & helped out.
It was a very pleasant day & great to catch up with all the regulars & to meet lots of new people. As usual we had excellent lunch care of The Garden & all the wonderful & various food people brought along.
So we hope you can all make it again this coming Sunday.
And to anyone that hasn't been for a while.... or any one that hasn't been before
don't be shy. We would love to see at the garden again.
We plan to have the coffee machine operating again - so bring some spare change along with you if you would like a coffee.
Greg. (maddog)
We got a lot of work done. So "Thanks"
to everyone that turned up & helped out.
It was a very pleasant day & great to catch up with all the regulars & to meet lots of new people. As usual we had excellent lunch care of The Garden & all the wonderful & various food people brought along.
So we hope you can all make it again this coming Sunday.
And to anyone that hasn't been for a while.... or any one that hasn't been before
don't be shy. We would love to see at the garden again.
We plan to have the coffee machine operating again - so bring some spare change along with you if you would like a coffee.
Greg. (maddog)
07 July 2012
NO SWAP in JULY or AUGUST
Hi just letting you know the WASTE NOT Fruit & Veg SWAP
will NOT be on during JULY & AUGUST
The swap crew are having a bit of a break over the cooler months.
So the next swap will be in September..
will NOT be on during JULY & AUGUST
The swap crew are having a bit of a break over the cooler months.
So the next swap will be in September..
14 June 2012
Waste Not Fruit & Veg SWAP Sunday 17 June
Waste Not Fruit & Veg SWAP this Sunday 17 June
at THE GARDEN 9 til Noon
Bring your surplus fruit, vegetables, seeds, seedling, books & magazines to swap or share with others while you enjoy organic coffee at our outdoor cafe.
at THE GARDEN 9 til Noon
Bring your surplus fruit, vegetables, seeds, seedling, books & magazines to swap or share with others while you enjoy organic coffee at our outdoor cafe.
04 June 2012
The Garden is hosting a presentation & discussion about Earthships
Rachel Goldlust will talking about the revolutionary & sustainable building system known as Earthship Biotecture
DATE: Tuesday 19th June 6pm for a 6.30pm Start
LOCATION: Corrimal Community Center in the Lilly Pilly Room next to the Library
15 Short Street Corrimal.
ENTRY FEE: $5
Coffee, tea & cakes etc will also be on offer for a small donation.
LIMITED SEATING - So booking required !
You can book via our facebook page:
www.facebook.com/TheGardenNorthGong
or send an email to:
thegardennorthgong1@gmail.com
DATE: Tuesday 19th June 6pm for a 6.30pm Start
LOCATION: Corrimal Community Center in the Lilly Pilly Room next to the Library
15 Short Street Corrimal.
ENTRY FEE: $5
Coffee, tea & cakes etc will also be on offer for a small donation.
LIMITED SEATING - So booking required !
You can book via our facebook page:
www.facebook.com/TheGardenNorthGong
or send an email to:
thegardennorthgong1@gmail.com
02 June 2012
18 May 2012
New Life
Hi All,
My first comment on the blog....bit nervous.....
Shirley (Stop Coal Seam Gas Legendary Shirley) and I planted seeds on Tuesday after chasing chooks with Doug - cheeky girl was crouched down in the furtherest eastern corner. We planted coriander, garlic chives, rocket, beetroot, cauliflower, climbing snow peas and cos lettuce. We used all new seeds as our last planting trialled out of date seeds from the little shed, but out of date was true to its words. Following Ange's advice, will plant some of these seeds early next week according to the biodynamic cycle. I expect these seedlings to be stronger.
We put all of the Tuesday plantings on top of the soil/compost bins to try to catch a bit of sun and will move them today into the mandala space on the rickety table to ensure more warmth.
On Tuesdays, we enjoy the company of some Mums and their little ones (from the PCYC) who are always very excited to chat to the chooks, admire their home and seek out the plump pumpkins, among other things. Last Tuesday they took great delight in sweeping the beautiful mosaics. It's become a very special place for them.
In the Nursery, I put a poem on the moon by William Blake to inspire us. Also in plastic sleeves on a rafter, are some photocopies on some basics of biodynamics - please feel free to borrow. I'm in the process of learning too.
Share the goodness.
Sue
My first comment on the blog....bit nervous.....
Shirley (Stop Coal Seam Gas Legendary Shirley) and I planted seeds on Tuesday after chasing chooks with Doug - cheeky girl was crouched down in the furtherest eastern corner. We planted coriander, garlic chives, rocket, beetroot, cauliflower, climbing snow peas and cos lettuce. We used all new seeds as our last planting trialled out of date seeds from the little shed, but out of date was true to its words. Following Ange's advice, will plant some of these seeds early next week according to the biodynamic cycle. I expect these seedlings to be stronger.
We put all of the Tuesday plantings on top of the soil/compost bins to try to catch a bit of sun and will move them today into the mandala space on the rickety table to ensure more warmth.
On Tuesdays, we enjoy the company of some Mums and their little ones (from the PCYC) who are always very excited to chat to the chooks, admire their home and seek out the plump pumpkins, among other things. Last Tuesday they took great delight in sweeping the beautiful mosaics. It's become a very special place for them.
In the Nursery, I put a poem on the moon by William Blake to inspire us. Also in plastic sleeves on a rafter, are some photocopies on some basics of biodynamics - please feel free to borrow. I'm in the process of learning too.
Share the goodness.
Sue
2oth of May Autumn WASTE NOT! SWAP 9am till Noon
Early Autumn Greetings,
The weather looks fine so Waste Not! Swap will be happening this Sunday for 9am-12pm down at the Garden.
We will be doing the usual fruit, veg, plant, seed swapping and coffee consuming. I'm bringing a few potted cardamon gingers so if you are into interesting smelling plants, don't arrive too late!
See you there.
John
--
John Marsh
Waste Not! Fruit and Veg Swap
The weather looks fine so Waste Not! Swap will be happening this Sunday for 9am-12pm down at the Garden.
We will be doing the usual fruit, veg, plant, seed swapping and coffee consuming. I'm bringing a few potted cardamon gingers so if you are into interesting smelling plants, don't arrive too late!
See you there.
John
--
John Marsh
Waste Not! Fruit and Veg Swap
16 May 2012
13 May 2012
08 May 2012
Pics of May Garden Gathering...
 |
| High Level discussions ........ .:-} |
 |
| Wilma & Ange prepare lunch |
 |
| The Girls have been hard at it! |
 |
| North West corner get the cardboard treatment before Mulch arrives |
 |
| Sue makes sure the guys are doing it right |
 |
| Home grown Soil! |
 |
02 May 2012
Monthly Garden Gathering Sunday 6th May
Hi all
There's lots on this weekend but there will be a few of us at The Garden to have a bit of fun, do some gardening and of course and to share some food and conversation over lunch.
We kick off at 10am and go till we feel like we have had enough - normally around 2pm
But feel free to just come spend whatever time you can to help out or just drop in to say hi or share some lunch with us.
There's lots on this weekend but there will be a few of us at The Garden to have a bit of fun, do some gardening and of course and to share some food and conversation over lunch.
We kick off at 10am and go till we feel like we have had enough - normally around 2pm
But feel free to just come spend whatever time you can to help out or just drop in to say hi or share some lunch with us.
02 April 2012
Pics from Jan 2012 one of our Tuesday evenings at the garden
Hows this for a good use of community space
Gardening, Martial Arts & Rugby league all happening at once at the PCYC.
Gardening, Martial Arts & Rugby league all happening at once at the PCYC.
 |
| There was lots of rain in January so it was good to finally get a chance to do some gardening. |
 |
| After working in the garden we share out the food. |
Pics from the April 1st Garden Gathering
The weather was perfect and we had a small but productive crew on hand to:
Clean out the chook house,
Prune the wind break to let some autumn / winter sunlight into the food forest
Clear the grass that was overtaking out sand and grave heap
Watering the garden and nursery
Clear & rebuild some some beds ready for planting.
Clean out the chook house,
Prune the wind break to let some autumn / winter sunlight into the food forest
Clear the grass that was overtaking out sand and grave heap
Watering the garden and nursery
Clear & rebuild some some beds ready for planting.
 |
| part of the winbreak trimed to let winterlight onto the coffee and citrus |
 |
| Kids of all ages helping out |
 | ||
| adding water and molasses to the no dig beds |
 |
| And as usual a great Lunch ! |
27 March 2012
Next Garden Gathering Sunday April 1st !
No fooling........... it's really on !
So put on your gardening gear, pack something yummy to share for lunch and join the crew down at the garden - from 10am Sunday the 1st of April.
So put on your gardening gear, pack something yummy to share for lunch and join the crew down at the garden - from 10am Sunday the 1st of April.
18 March 2012
The Sun is Out & the SWAP is on
Waste Not fruit & vegi Swap is on today at the Garden from 9 till 12
31 January 2012
30 January 2012
Name these plants
 |
| 2 |
 |
| 3 |
 |
| 4 |
 |
| 5 |
 |
| 6 |
 |
| 7 |
 |
| 8 |
 |
| 9 |
 |
| 10 |
2 Feverfew (anacetum parthenium)
A small perennial shrub, feverfew grows to around 80cm tall. It has green, much divided leaves (though a golden-leafed form does exist.) Flowers are small with yellow centres and there is an attractive double-flowered form.
Choose a semi-shaded location that is well-drained. While the plant is a perennial, it is often grown as an annual because it self-seeds so readily. In the Garden we have not found it to do this, but rather propagating it from root and stem has proved successful. Plant seed in autumn or in spring. Cut established plants down in autumn and they will reshoot in spring.
Feverfew is an old medicinal plant, used to treat fevers, arthritis, migraines and menstruation problems. The flowers can be steeped in hot water to make an insecticidal tea that can be safely sprayed on garden plants and vegetables. Like pyrethrum, it can affect good insects such as bees, so use in the evening.
3 Cork oak (Quercus suber)
Can grow 20 meters, and is an evergreen. The thick and knobbly dark grey bark which covers it is the portion known as “cork.” It is a sustainable and renewable timber product. Cork oak has been produced commerically for component of life jackets, fishing nets and insulation equipment as well as its traditional role as corks in bottles. Cork oaks were planted around early district properties and corks dangling from the brims of the hats of jackaroos and swagmen typify the outback Australian.
4 Amaranth
There are around 60 species of amaranthus, including weeds, leaf vegetables, grain crops and ornamentals. Many have large, colourful leaves and tassel-like flower spikes. Jackie French thinks amaranthus is the most spectacularly beautiful and useful plant that you'll ever find in the vegetable garden.
Amaranthus tricolor (syn A. gangeticus, A. oleraceus)
Also known as leaf amaranth, edible amaranth or Chinese spinach. The young leaves have a sweet, tangy flavour, and cooked leaves can be added to salads, soups and stir-frys. (Note: fresh leaves should not be eaten very often, as they are high in nitrates and oxalic acid.) Young shoots are peeled, steamed and then eaten. Ornamental varieties, such as 'Joseph's Coat' and 'Flaming Fountain', are grown as bedding plants.
5. Asian mustard green
6. Asthma plant (chamaesyce hirta)
There are around 60 species of amaranthus, including weeds, leaf vegetables, grain crops and ornamentals. Many have large, colourful leaves and tassel-like flower spikes. Jackie French thinks amaranthus is the most spectacularly beautiful and useful plant that you'll ever find in the vegetable garden.
Amaranthus tricolor (syn A. gangeticus, A. oleraceus)
Also known as leaf amaranth, edible amaranth or Chinese spinach. The young leaves have a sweet, tangy flavour, and cooked leaves can be added to salads, soups and stir-frys. (Note: fresh leaves should not be eaten very often, as they are high in nitrates and oxalic acid.) Young shoots are peeled, steamed and then eaten. Ornamental varieties, such as 'Joseph's Coat' and 'Flaming Fountain', are grown as bedding plants.
5. Asian mustard green
6. Asthma plant (chamaesyce hirta)
7. Avocado
8. Wilde Betel leaf - Piper sarmentosum
9 Climbing spinach
10 Wampi Malaysian citrus
Handsome foliage evergreen tree grown for Summer ripe fruit with grape like flesh. Popular in S.E Asian gardens.
Fruit rich in vitamin C that is grown popularly in Asian back yards - originally from Thailand.
FEATURES: Large lobed, bright green foliage which is aromatic when crushed forms a tall slender tree. Sprays of white flowers become loose clusters of brownish fruit. Thin crisp skins split easily and the grape-like greenish flesh can be eaten directly seeds and all.
8. Wilde Betel leaf - Piper sarmentosum
9 Climbing spinach
10 Wampi Malaysian citrus
Handsome foliage evergreen tree grown for Summer ripe fruit with grape like flesh. Popular in S.E Asian gardens.
Fruit rich in vitamin C that is grown popularly in Asian back yards - originally from Thailand.
FEATURES: Large lobed, bright green foliage which is aromatic when crushed forms a tall slender tree. Sprays of white flowers become loose clusters of brownish fruit. Thin crisp skins split easily and the grape-like greenish flesh can be eaten directly seeds and all.
26 January 2012
Inspiration from Tasmania
Tasmania has been referred to the spiritual home of Permaculture, as it was on the slopes of Mt Wellington, overlooking Hobart, that Bill Mollison and David Holmgren were to co-create Permaculture One in the mid 1970's
The Garden's design principles were directly influenced by Bill Mollison's Permaculture: A Designers' Manual, so it was no surprise in a January visit to beautiful Tasmania, Permaculture practices were in action.
A late afternoon in the Royal Hobart Botanical Gardens...
Apple tree espalier without wire support
Weighing down of apple tree branches with sand bags
Herb roof tool shed
Woven stick edging for retaining soil in the herb bed
Microclimate: bananas growing against a north facing brickwall
Around the sleepy village of Deloraine...
Self serve roadside organics
Bee boxes in the Manuka (tea tree) forests of the Tarkine
Ancient Myrtle forest of the Julius River (temperature rainforest)
When you can draw clean water from the rivers and creeks all over the island, purchase all your seasonal fresh organic produce from roadside stalls and find tranquil, pristine natural beauty every night to camp, you just may have discovered paradise.
13 January 2012
Waste Not! Fruit and Veg Swap 15th JAN
Happy New Year!
Ring in the Green New Year by attending the 1st Waste Not! Fruit and Veg Swap of 2012: This Sunday Jan 15 from 9am-12pm at the Garden @ PCYC Wollongong.
We will be swapping the usual (and always unusual) assortment of fruit, veg, seeds, seedlings and growing info along with freshly brewed coffee and sweets.
See you there.
John
Waste Not! Fruit and Veg Swap
The Garden at PCYC Wollongong
Ring in the Green New Year by attending the 1st Waste Not! Fruit and Veg Swap of 2012: This Sunday Jan 15 from 9am-12pm at the Garden @ PCYC Wollongong.
We will be swapping the usual (and always unusual) assortment of fruit, veg, seeds, seedlings and growing info along with freshly brewed coffee and sweets.
See you there.
John
Waste Not! Fruit and Veg Swap
The Garden at PCYC Wollongong
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)