A Word from the Sustainable Agriculture Facilitator (December 2024)
On November 9th, the Hutchinson family’s garden was transformed into a hub of knowledge and inspiration for the “Creating Sustainable Country Gardens” workshop in Hillston.
Hosted by Sarah Curry of Majors Mulch, attendees were treated to a comprehensive overview of sustainable gardening practices, from understanding water quality and managing salty bore water to the importance of soil testing and improvement.
The workshop emphasised practical solutions, offering insights into composting, mulching, and creating effective windbreaks. Attendees also learned how to strategically divide their gardens into climate zones for optimal water use and maintenance.
A highlight of the day was the in-depth discussion on plant selection for sustainable gardens. Sarah provided expert advice on choosing low-water-use, heat-tolerant, and drought-tolerant plants, ensuring that everyone left with the knowledge to create beautiful and resilient gardens.
The workshop also featured:
- A pop-up nursery stocked with Majors Mulch’s high-quality products, including mulch, compost, and a wide variety of hardy plants.
- A beautifully written and illustrated planting calendar to guide attendees in their gardening endeavours throughout the year.
- Informative workshop notes to serve as a handy reference for future garden planning.
To top it off, attendees enjoyed refreshments and delicious grazing platters, making the workshop a truly well-rounded and enjoyable experience.
Thank you to Sarah Curry, Majors Mulch, and Belinda Hutchinson for hosting such an informative and inspiring event. Here’s to creating sustainable country gardens that thrive for years to come!
This article was written by Jade Auldist. Jade is the Sustainable Agriculture Facilitator for the Riverina region. Her role supports farmers, industry and community groups (including Landcare Groups) to adopt new and innovative sustainable agriculture practices.
For further information on this article, please contact Jade at jade.auldist@lls.nsw.gov.au.
