ABC Organic Gardener Magazine January - February 2018

Charles Massy Charles gained a Bachelor of Science (Zoology, Human Ecology) before taking over the family farm at age 22 where he adopted accepted industrial agriculture and grazing practices. But as time went on, he became increasingly alarmed at the ongoing land degradation he could see all around him and began a journey of discovery and transformation towards regenerative agriculture – outlined in his latest book Call of the Reed Warbler . Charles was awarded an Order of Australia Medal for his service as Chair and Director of a number of research organisations and statutory wool boards. See his story page 37. Jessamy Miller Jessamy has been Organic Gardener’s poultry expert for a number of years but contributes entertaining and informative articles on all aspects of sustainable living. She grew up on a…

Summer can be a tough time to garden and tend crops. The extreme heat in many regions means extra effort keeping plants watered and sheltered, while gardeners need to avoid the hottest parts of the day. Wild storms bring their own challenges with flash flooding, wind and hail. Despite these challenges, there are some productive crops that will make it worthwhile and do well in the heat. This issue our main growing features look at cucumbers for pickling as well as heat-tolerant lettuces. Peter Cundall takes a stroll through the orchard spotting pest and disease problems and outlining solutions. At some point though, perhaps after hail has wiped out a lovely vegie or fruit crop, or wildlife has decimated newly planted seedlings, gardeners wonder if the expense and effort is all worth…

Our horticultural editor Penny Woodward asked readers via social media to tell us how climate change was affecting their gardens and what measures they were taking to overcome issues. Penny says climate change is not only affecting our farmers, but also gardeners. Weather is more unpredictable and more extreme, from huge downpours of rain or no rain at all, to record heat or even unexpected chills. “I’m raising some beds a bit further, being more careful to protect the soil with mulches and creating simple frames above the beds so that I can quickly throw over fabric to protect from rain, sun or frost,” writes Penny. “On the positive side, I’ve recently been able to produce bananas for the first time in my temperate garden.” I have lived on my property (just…

INSECTICIDES FOUND IN HONEY WORLDWIDE Each year, honeybees provide the world with a billion kilograms of honey filled with immune-boosting goodness. Alas, researchers from Switzerland have found toxic insecticides are also present. Honey from six continents was tested and, on average, 75 per cent of the samples were found to be laced with at least one of the neuro-active insecticides known as neonicotinoids – or neonics. Researchers stressed that the samples were below the maximum-residue level authorised for human consumption – nevertheless, they are there. For bees the story is not so good. Neonics poison nerves and prevent the neuro-transmitter acetylcholine from enabling neurons to communicate with each other and with muscle tissue. At less than two-dozen parts per billion, neonics cause bees to lose their minds and shake to death. Apart from…

ART IN THE GARDEN Featuring 50 art installations from established and up-and-coming artists, Eden Unearthed is now on at Eden Gardens in Macquarie Park, Sydney. The exhibition features a diverse range of works, located over nearly 3 acres of gardens, which contain over 25,000 plants, a creek, rose and perennial beds, and much more. Look for Selina Springett and Alessandro Berini’s Dance of the Native Honey Bee, which has live streaming vision of native bees. According to Eden Unearthed curator Meredith Kirton “it’s an immersive installation with sound and wonderful honeycomb cocooning.” WHEN: Until end February 2018 WHERE: Eden Gardens, 307 Lane Cove Road, Macquarie Park, Sydney COST: Free entry DETAILS: 02 9491 9900; edengardens.com.au JOE’S GARDEN Visit Joe’s Connected Garden – five interconnected houses and yards showing off organic vegies, fruit trees, chooks, ducks, permaculture ideas and more.…

Organic bambinos BamBee Organic was born in the sewing room of Kirstie Kirley in country Victoria in a bid to provide little people with handmade organic clothing that is good for them and the planet. All garments are made using GOTScertified organic cotton and the range includes shorts, rompers and dresses for newborns to five year olds. For more info and to see the full range go to bambee.com.au Bag a basket Shop or harvest in style with these super-cute wheeled Luggy Baskets from Olli Ella. They come in both adult and child sizes and all are hand-woven from rattan under Fair Trade conditions. The smaller basket measures 20cm x 30cm x 55cm tall and is available in natural, white, pink, blue and yellow for $75; the Big Luggy Basket is 38cm wide…