AUSTRALIA DAY BIG BREAKFAST
A great big thank you to all the Cove residents who participated in the Big Breakfast. The group now has some new members and made a profit of around $160, which will go towards next season’s planting. Many residents who bought breakfast also made a cash donation. The Community Garden Network really appreciates your support and look forward to more exciting projects and events for 2013.
How about a spot of 'tap throwing'? No thongs for this young lady!
GETTING READY FOR THE NEW SEASON
The garden has survived its first season with some good results. The initial planting was very successful, considering it was largely experimental, with a variety of planting techniques being trialled. So far it has produced a good crop of beans, cucumbers, herbs, salad greens, pumpkin and rock melons.
Preparation is well under way for next season. A list of crops for Autumn/Winter has been compiled and the first seeds have been sown ready for planting out.
Plans are also going ahead for a labyrinth walk to be located in open bush land to the west of the hall. Kerryan Griffin is heading up this project and hopes that it will become a space for members and visitors to relax, meditate or just enjoy the peace of a beautiful bush setting. The first step is to clear weeds from the site, which will take place as soon as the weather cools down a bit.
DEMONSTRATION OF COMPOST TEA FOR GARDENS
On Wednesday March 6, commencing 8.00am Shane Martin will give a demonstration on how to prepare a compost tea. Shane will also be offering garden members and Cove residents the opportunity to have their garden sprayed.
Compost tea is made from biodynamic preparations including worm juice, molasses, manures, herbs and minerals. Plants treated with this mixture are more resilient to drought and insects, are stronger and generally taste better. Gardens and farms are usually sprayed in autumn and spring.
Shane has a special offer for Cove residents of between $30 to $50 (depending on garden size). If you would like to take up this offer, you will need to book by phoning 0421 228 499 by February 28.
The Garden Network is now a member of the Diggers Club, which specialise in heritage plants and seeds. Next buy will be in March.
If you would like to take advantage of our discount, check their website http://www.diggers.com.au/ and phone Philippa Coltart with your order, 497 3117 or email webcriteria@gmail.com
Trees in Newcastle is a community organisation with a 21 year history of biodiversity conservation in the lower Hunter region. They specialise in growing and supplying native plants, bush regeneration, volunteer engagement and environmental education. www.treesinnewcastle.org.au/
For community groups like the garden network, they offer a special discount for purchases of $40 or more, making the cost per plant around $2.75. We are looking at purchasing some native food plants and trees for the garden and would also like to pass these savings on to Cove residents, so please let Philippa know if you would like to be part of the buying group.
GARDEN DAYS
You are welcome to join us on any Wednesdays 8am to 10am. General meetings, which may also include a work day, are first Saturday of the month, from 10am.
