II was excited to see this living wreath on Design Sponge this week. It looks pretty easy according to the tutorial but I’m going to amend a current wreath I have rather than buy any materials. I’m making one of these tonight. It’s a great way to reuse garden cuttings from the last few days and looks great!

I’m loving these DIY centrepieces using fruit and veg. They are  definitely recyclable as they can be eaten on boxing day!

from Craftzine

Another great installment from the Sustainable Gardeners Alliance on gardening in rental property, including an awesome guide to a DIY rain water bin…

www.sgaonline.org.au/info_renters2.html

Coping with a scorched garden
JIM FOGARTY

Gardens have fried this summer but they can be healed, says Jim Fogarty.

The extreme hot weather has played havoc with gardens, leaving them badly burned. Combine this with water restrictions and you can’t help but wonder if we are creating a bigger problem for ourselves.

Giving up is an easy answer, but green gardens are the only way we can cool our cities. And contrary to belief, there are several things you can do to help your garden survive the worst of summer.

(more…)

Another great article from the Sustainable Gardeners Alliance, this time on “The Renters Guide to Sustainable Gardening”
www.sgaonline.org.au/info_renters.html

We talk a lot at Green Renters about the benefits of growing your own veggies. I’m lucky to have Melbourne Cup Day off work as it’s a public holiday in Melbourne so I’m planning spending at least some of the day in the garden.

Before the festivities begin, you might like to pop down to a local nursery (or bigger places like Bunnings which are always open) to pick yourself up some seedlings.

Great things to plant right now:

• Silverbeet
• Parsley
• Spring Onions
• Chives
• Chillies
• Radishes

Lettuces  (they needn’t take up much space, you can see these ones are planted in a bowl then placed in a sunny spot. Just pick the leaves as needed)

Asian Greens

Here’s a great resource explaining the differences in asian greens.

Tomatoes

These tumbler tomatoes are a great example of ‘planting up’

Spring gardening is great fun and before you know it you’ll be adding herbs to your own risottos and pastas, fresh mint in your beverages, freshly picked salad….great stuff!

I’m a big fan of Gardening Australia. I love learning about plants I’ve never even seen before, let alone attempted to grow. Jerry provides great insight into how to create a workable organic garden (I know we were doing ok up until the snail infestation!). I also like the step by step projects suitable even for the blackest thumb, all presented in a factual interesting format without the condescension of some television presenters.

The ABC Gardening Expo is a great chance to learn and enjoy all things gardening. Lots of things to buy, people to talk to and information to gather.

I really like the idea of the  Ask It, Solve It Stage – An informal, intimate Q&A panel format featuring ABC TV’s Gardening Australia presenters as well as other industry experts talking on specific plant care and answering all gardening related questions.

As as far as workshops go, we’d be particularly interested in attending Sally Wise’s workshops on making your own jams and preserves from garden produce.

When: October 2-4, 2009
Where: Caulfield Racecourse
Time: 10:00am – 4:30pm daily