Are you like me, enamoured by the beauty and diversity of our natural world?! Our majestic trees for example. The myriad of colours in the autumn
leaves, the shade that trees provide in summer, as well as creating micro climates around our homes. There is a resurgence in growing trees for: ~ Locking up or sequesting carbon into the soil ~ As trees are the lungs of the earth, they mop up carbon dioxide, while oxygenating the air we breathe ~ Sheltering birds and animals habitat ~ Providing leaf litter in creating organic humus and top soil ~ Reducing soil erosion, gullying and, salinity prevention ~ Flowers that supply bees with nectar and pollen for honey production These trees also act as wind breaks, and provide the structure, or framework to our parks and gardens.
For those people who can remember their grandparents’ gardens in the country, the fragrances of roses, apple or cherry blossom in the spring, picking
strawberries or other berries, peas, tomatoes and digging potatoes, are deliciously evocative.You may be musing about the limited space around your
home, time constraints owing to work life, home and family committments. Yes, all these things have to be factored in, but did you know that even light,
or menial gardening is a great work out, not only does it increase your heart rate, but also your metabolic rate. The physical activities of gardening
maintains muscular skeletal strength, notwithstanding the power of good the fresh air provides. Threfore, the creative pleasures of growing, harvesting
and eating your produce combine to keep you healthy, physically, psychologically and emotionally.
I have always grown salad vegetables eg; amaranth (Greek spinach), herbs, strawberries, carrots, beetroot, asian greens, shallots tomatoes, potatoes
interplanted amongst other indigenous plants, exotic and flowering shrubs and perennials. Organic practices incorporate a balance of manures and good
composted soils, companion planting and crop rotation to ensure healthy and viable soil for your garden beds. Even when space is limited, pots, large tubs, polystyrene boxes are sufficient to cultivate easy to grow vegetables or herbs. There are many communities, garnered with the approval of local councils and authorities, which are addressing climate change and organic food
production, by developing otherwise wasted tracts of land into productive gardens. Fruit tree species, herbs, vegetable and flower gardens are cultivated
around Community Centres/ Houses, public parks, nature strips out front of homes, as well as neighbourhoods adopting a site then growing and sharing
the produce. Local Community Gardens, and Garden Clubs provide people with inspiration, motivation, sharing tips, seeds, cuttings, seedlings, swapping
produce and of course .. friendship. In recent years, there has been valid circumspection surrounding Genetically Modified food plants, for human and animal consumption. There are still too many unknown side effects to G.M produce, and a ground swell of allergic reactions to a whole range of chemical fertilizers,
herbicides, and environmental pollutants. While the tabloids continue the ‘gloom and doom’ regarding the push for carbon reductions, green house gas
emissions, and the effects of global warming, there are many ways we as individuals can help. I believe that is not only the seasoned gardeners of today, but
the next generation of gardeners who will insist on good environmental decisions going forward. Decisions pertaining to issues such as: ~ Landcare and
forest regeneration ~ rain water and storm water harvesting, storage and management ~ smarter water allocations for use on parklands, public and private
gardens ~ wetland developement ~ green spaces within urban areas focussing on sustainable drought tolerant plant life.
Organic gardening begins at ground level with rich, composted soil. Create compost using organic materials including leaf litter and twigs combined with
fruit and vegetable scraps, shredded newspaper, egg shells, tea/ coffee fines, grass clippings (without seeds). For soil conditioners include, lucern hay,
straw, coconut fibre or peat moss. These materials aid in soil moisture retention. Ensure that that the organic materials are cut into small pieces, with cardboard and paper shredded thinly, placed into a compost bin or heap with a layer
of garden soil or bagged compost soil bought from a garden store, a sprinkling of dolomite or lime adding calcium and “sweetening” the soil. Compost also
requires moisture to assist in the decomposition and aerobic bacterial process, and encourages garden worms. Regularily turn with a garden fork or
rotate the bin to oxygenate the composting materials so as to avoid the odour of methane gas, but ensure the compost remains moist. I use a plastic PVC
tube higher than the compost level and drilled large holes along the tube, and push it down the middle of the compost bin as a means of drawing oxygen
to the soil. Compost should be ready to use in the garden when it resembles moist, crumbly soil with an earthy aroma… Now you can start the process of building a healthy organic compost as a medium for growing the most flavoursome vegetables, in particular the
productive heirloom varieties, or anything your heart desires, while simultaneously creating a better environment …