Bellingen Environment Centre Spring Plant Fair Stall Pics

After all that seedpacking and labelling we send into our community thousands of saved seeds suitable for our local climate because the seeds come from locally grown plants. It is always a pleasure to work on our Seedsavers stall becuase we are working with fellow seedsavers who share our passion for growing food locally.

We has a busy day with lots of interest in our seeds and plants. We aren't trying to make a profit, just cover our costs and spread our seeds and plants because we believe that growing food locally with heritage seeds benefits us and the planet.

We had many seed varieties and perennials edible plants as well.

Member Debbie demonstrates folding a paper pot. See video on previous post.

Member Nick was there, in the gazebo alongside, to talk about permaculture principles.

We will visit Nick's garden soon.

Jude & Michel Fanton, founders of Seedsavers Network present at Bellingen's Northbank Community Garden

The excellent organisation by Irene and David and the very knowledgeable Fantons was much appreciated by the forty people from Bellingen Seedsavers, who attended the workshop.

Many thanks to Steve Smith and his team at Northbank Community Garden who hosted the workshop and worked hard to set up the workshop area.

Photographs below and many more at
http://tbeventspics.blogspot.com.au/2014/10/bellingen-seedsavers-fantons-workshop.html

Plenty of seed savers attended

Jude talks of plant families.

Bellingen Seedsavers were at the March 8th Plant Fair

Excerpt from Irene's mail out to members about our stall at the Bellingen Autumn Plant Fair on March 8.

"I was very happy at the level of enthusiasm of so many people who came to the stall.   They asked lots of questions, acquired well over 300 packets of seeds and much plant material  - then went away smiling. We have another 24 people to add to the 340 already on our mailing list.  Best of all - two people who came to the stall actually brought us seeds.

Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge, time, plants and friendship.

The March Newsletter will be with you shortly."

Seed Savers Visit to Bellingen North Bank Community Garden in August

Midday temperatures hovered around 20 degrees centigrade as we enjoyed another perfect late winter day on our visit to the North Bank Community Garden. This garden has four directors and operates on a voluntary basis. Volunteers help grow the vegetables and fruit and also share the produce. This community garden also hosts a 'for profit' seedling supply business. The garden has planted public gardens and fruit trees around Bellingen and is involved with the sharing of locally grown food. It is auspicing another community garden at Valla and another proposed garden at Brierfield.

 (Click on any photo to enlarge.)


Kohl Rabi is being harvested in the garden. This plant will soon be ready for harvesting.

 This bed of lettuces is waiting to be thinned.

A plentiful harvest of bottle gourds is drying in the open.

New beds are being carved into the rich soil. Loads of stable manure are being trucked in. Many of the gardens are designed in this free flowing design.

A huge tatsoi awaiting harvest.

One of the last cauliflowers is almost ready for picking.

The seedling production area is supplying local businesses as far west as Dorrigo. It therefore grows a range of seedlings, some suited to frosty areas and some suited to the lowland heat and humidity.

 Jess (left) is one of the directors and operates the seedling supply business.

New solar panels, courtesy of Bellingen Solar, have been erected in the ever-growing garden. The garden has plans to landscape the riverbank and extend the orchard.

 Is this a bed of leeks?

Members were able to collect rooted sections of Lemon Grass. Some of us had been sold Citronella Grass by nurseries. The Citronella grass is unsuitable for eating and can become weedy.

The community pizza oven and barbecue is well used.

 An arch of split and bound bamboo frames the view.

Mustard has self seeded around the garden, here growing under the ginger. The 'chooks' welcome the green feed produced by the garden.

The 'seed savers' gather to share seeds, ideas and food.  We shared many seeds. New seeds added to the seed collection included Thai Egg Tomato, climbing beans, Pie Melon and Linseed. We also shared seedlings of Irene's Bok Choy and Drumstick Tree (Moringa oleifera) cuttings.

Carol enjoys a local pecan nut. The platter has Carambola and citrus grown by David.

Bellingen Seed Savers Visit to Jason's Plot at Valery on 2nd June

Despite the miserable weather a small intrepid band of Seed Savers enjoyed a very interesting afternoon on the verandah, discussing the challenges and advantages of the block, the aspect, the terrain and the design possibilities.  Jason and Toni talked of their goals and dreams for their property.  We shared afternoon tea throughout the afternoon as we looked out over the fruit trees.  

Beryl who is a champion preserve maker. left happily clutching a large bag of Davidson Plums which were gathered in anticipation of very tasty jam

The old orchard has a lot of potential

What plant is this?  It grows very tall on the hillside.  We recognised it as a weed but no-one could identify it.