Newsletter - March/ April 2020
We are in deep autumn now and preparing for winter.
Things to do in the garden over deep autumn...
💦 Capture the rain!
Well, I think it's safe to say we've had a whole lot of rain over the last week...with more on the way! How's your rainwater tank looking? Ours is pretty much full!! Maybe a sign we need another one...
If you don't have a rainwater tank, have you thought about getting one? The City of Holdfast Bay has subsidies for rainwater tanks as well as compost bays (plus more). Check it out.
Otherwise, what about making a swale or rain garden to prevent precious water run-off? Read more about rain gardens here.
🌱 Start working on soil improvement
This means getting things ready for the next couple of seasons by adding more organic matter - compost - or planting green manure crops such as peas of broad beans. Read about green manure here (I think this article is aimed more on an agricultural level, but still carries relevance on a smaller scale).
🌿 Think about what you can plant next!
Now is a great time to plant natives. You can plant native ground covers (help stop weeds) or plant native edibles (if they are from the region they will thrive and give great returns) and increase native biodiversity.
You can look forward to planing deciduous trees in winter and then evergreens, like citrus and subtropicals in spring.
Get in quick to plant your peas and take your time planting out brassicas (broccoli, cauliflower, bok choy).
Anywho - here is what has been happening a the garden…
PLANT DELIVERY... toot toot 🚗🌿
We held a plant sale a few Saturdays ago and decided to bring the plant sale to your homes! Together we raised $198.00! The committee group will be meeting to discuss what to do with these funds. At this stage, I think the funds will go towards our budget for upgrading the sensory garden.
Do you have any other ideas? We'll keep you posted.
We will be holding another plant sale in a few months time. Have any requests?
COMPOST BAYS
Our compost bays are pretty much finished! We have three bays - stay tuned for a good photo...! - and each bay has a sign on the front.
You can go visit the compost bays when you have lots of plant matter that needs to be...composted!
The first two bays (on the right) are to be left alone until we fill up the bay on the left.
Big thank you to Beau, Robert and Luke for finishing off this big project.
We are also looking for people to help keep the compost healthy. Think you can help? Let us know! (You don't need to be a composting guru to help, just willing to give a bit of time and give things a go!)
WORM FARM
Last weekend Beau and Luke began to build our worm farm...they had it finished in just two days! Now we will get some wonderful worms, courtesy of Gloria (a member who will be helping to look after the system!)
WHY HAVE A WORM FARM?
Like a compost system, Worm farming can help you have a thriving garden while reducing your waste and improving your soil. Using a worm farm helps reduce household waste, as you can use it to process food scraps and other organic materials rather than send them to landfill.
Thinking about the negatives of sending organic matter in your general rubbish bin...
In 2016-17 around 6.7 million tonnes of organic waste was sent to landfill and included food waste, biosolids, green waste and timber. When organic waste decomposes in landfills, it produces landfill gas which consists of about 55% methane = NOT GOOD!
HOW IT WILL WORK
We are going to keep our worm friends protected under a roof and ask you to make sure no one sneaks a peek under the roof! Worms are particularly sensitive and will be looked after by a small team of people. We won't be accepting food scraps at this time, however, will consider expanding our waste collection in the future.
Want to help look after our worm friends and learn more about composting? Get in touch!
Well, I think that's just about it for now. Always sing out if you have any ideas or feedback.
Hopefully see you at the garden soon.
Alex - Chairperson
North Brighton Communtiy Garden
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