ABC Organic Gardener Magazine Issue 132 - Autumn 2022

Going under big time I’m writing from the epicentre of a first world humanitarian crisis caused by climate change. It will be some weeks past by the time you read this, and the crisis may have spread and deepened. The immediate flooding in our region may have gone, but the trauma and struggle will continue. I live in Northern NSW, not far from Lismore, among the many towns, villages and communities in a widespread region, including Byron Bay, Ballina, and Murwillumbah – devastated by flood. That’s not to mention Brisbane, Queensland (where this picture was taken) and now the whole coast of NSW is being affected. If you are not impacted, you no doubt have read all about it, but I’ll summarise. At this moment, few roads are open, many bridges damaged and unpassable, no…

BASIL Any clues for a fungicide to treat fungal outbreaks in basil. We had thriving window boxes full of it and now the fungus has spread and destroyed the lot. Don Ingram, Mount Pleasant (QLD) Hi Don, It might just have been over watering (or too much rain) with a cold snap. But I suspect it may be Basil Downy Mildew, Peronospora belbahrii, that is destroying basil crops overseas but has only recently (a few years ago) been found in Australia. It affects all basils (Ocimum species) but some of the non-sweet basils like purple or variegated forms can be more resistant to this disease. There is no cure for this fungal disease although a few products have been licensed in Australia against it, but none is organic. There is one copper based spray…

As producer of Radio National’s Awaye!, Rudi Bremer relishes the opportunity to share her love of Indigenous languages, performing arts and literature. She talks to OG about her connection to country. I’m a Gamilaroi woman, connected to Pilliga in north-west NSW. My ngambaa (mum) grew up on the mission there, raised by her mother, aunts, and grandfather. Gamilaroi country is geographically very large, with varied terrain. But the little patch my family calls home is red-dirt country, and other than the Warrumbungles in the distance, it’s incredibly flat. One of my favourite things about Gamilaroi country is the gunagala (sky). Pilliga has the most beautiful sunsets, and on a clear night you have a blanket of stars. WHAT IS THE NO.1 ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUE YOU ARE PASSIONATE ABOUT? Land rights. In order to address the…

NSW ABC RADIO SYDNEY SATURDAY 9AM ABC RADIO CENTRAL COAST SATURDAY 9AM ABC CENTRAL WEST SATURDAY 8.30AM ABC ILLAWARRA SATURDAY 8.30AM ABC MID NORTH COAST & ABC COFFS COAST SATURDAY 9.30AM, THURSDAY 9.30AM ABC NEWCASTLE SATURDAY 8.30AM ABC NEW ENGLAND NORTH WEST SATURDAY 8.30AM THURSDAY 9.30AM ABC NORTH COAST SATURDAY 8.30AM ABC RIVERINA TUESDAY 9.35AM SATURDAY 8.30AM ABC SOUTH EAST WEDNESDAY 10AM SATURDAY 9AM ABC WESTERN PLAINS THURSDAY 9.35AM, FORTNIGHTLY SATURDAY 8.30AM WA ABC RADIO PERTH, ABC GREAT SOUTHERN, ABC SOUTH WEST, ABC GOLDFIELDS ESPERANCE ABC KIMBERLEY, ABC PILBARA, ABC MIDWEST AND WHEATBELT TUESDAY 2.15PM SATURDAY 9.05AM NT ABC DARWIN & ABC KATHERINE SATURDAY 9AM ABC ALICE SPRINGS & ABC TENNANT CREEK SATURDAY 8.30AM QLD ABC RADIO BRISBANE SATURDAY 6AM ABC GOLD COAST SATURDAY 9AM ABC SUNSHINE COAST THURSDAY 10.30AM SATURDAY 8.30AM ABC SOUTHERN QUEENSLAND SATURDAY 9AM ABC NORTH QUEENSLAND FRIDAY 10AM ABC TROPICAL NORTH, ABC CAPRICORNIA, ABC WIDE BAY, ABC NORTH WEST QLD, ABC WESTERN QLD FRIDAY 10AM ABC FAR NORTH FRIDAY 10AM SATURDAY 8.30AM SA ABC RADIO ADELAIDE, ABC NORTH & WEST, ABC EYRE PENINSULA, ABC…

LATEST INTERNATIONAL CLIMATE CHANGE REPORT The sixth and latest Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) assessment report, which was released February 28, has an important message: the impact of climate change is accelerating, causing irreversible damage. “The report is very clear: any further delay in global action will miss the brief and closing window to secure a liveable future,” says the Climate Council’s director of research, Dr Simon Bradshaw. The recent unprecedented rainfall and flooding in Queensland and NSW are just one example of the devastating impact, as seen in this picture taken in the outer Brisbane suburb of Milton by ABC News photographer, Michael Lloyd. “These events will only get worse if we don’t act now to reduce emissions,” says Professor Will Steffen, who has worked on previous IPCC reports. While it’s often hard…

LET’S TALK ABOUT NATIVE BEES Considering the importance of the 1,700 or so species of native bees here in Australia, it’s no wonder that taking the time to share knowledge about these proficient pollinators is high on the agenda for members of the Australian Native Bee Association Inc. They are inviting beekeepers, farmers, educators, industry leaders and researchers to the 3rd Australian Native Bee Conference to encourage an exchange of ideas and information. Topics will be discussed that will help increase understanding and unlock the potential of our native bees, a valuable but underutilised natural resource. DATE: June 11–12 LOCATION: Rosehill Garden Racecourse, Sydney DETAILS: anba.org.au/anba-conference/ AUSTRALIAN BUSHFOODS CONFERENCE The Australian Institute of Horticulture (AIH) is co-host of the Australian Bushfoods Conference, which will be held late May in North Maclean in Queensland. The conference theme…