Beans, Beans, Beans! The Art of Growing Abundant Crops with Observation and Creativity. With Jennie Ramage | Thurs 16th October, 6.00pm-7.00pm | Newlands

Beans! Come and learn with long-time food grower and garden-creative Jennie Ramage who has been using observation and creativity for years to learn the art of growing abundant crops of beans. Last summer Jennie was picking an average of 400g beans daily for 3 weeks!

This workshop will show how careful observation can help in learning to grow crops well; where and when to plant; how to prepare soil with compost, worm castings, mulch, and balancing soil pH; and how to build support structures for dwarf and climbing varieties.

Jennie will share her hints for how watering and picking can grant a bumper crop, as well as that best ways to use a bumper crop.

Cuttings and Propagating Indigenous Plants with Laurel Coad from Nangak Tamboree Indigenous Nursery | Fri 17th October, 11.30am-1.30pm | Newlands
 

Learn how to propagate indigenous plants in the NECCHi Newlands garden with Laurel from Nangak Tamboree Nursery (La Trobe University). She will demonstrate various plant propagation techniques and discuss resources, treatments and tips to help you propagate plants in your own garden. Participants will also have the opportunity ask questions and seek problem-solving tips. 

Nurseries that specialise in indigenous plants are currently working to capacity to meet huge demand. Propagating these plants is a great skill to have to help increase local habitat!

Tickets $17

Raising Rarity: Endangered Plants & Sowing the Seeds of Wonder with Tash Van Velzen & seed ecologist Dr Meg Hirst, Royal Botanical Gardens Victoria | Fri 24th October, 10.30am - 12pm | Newlands
 

Raising Rarity (RBGV) helps community to grow and care for a threatened plant that occurs (or did so historically) within proximity to their location. 

Learn about botany, how to grow and monitor plant health and help care for endangered plants! 

Given our proximity to Hidden Creek, we will be looking at Swamp Everlasting Xerochrysum palustre (pictured). A relatively large, yellow-flowered native daisy growing in seasonal or permanent wetland habitats. We are aiming to plant a test bed for the community to monitor and learn about. There are only about 35 wild populations of Swamp Everlasting left in south-eastern Australia! 

Tash Van Velzen is a horticulturalist and facilitates outreach for Raising Rarity RBGV. 

Dr Meg Hirst is a plant ecologist with specialist experience in ex situ seed banking and plant conservation through her work with the Victorian Conservation Seedbank at Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria. Meg holds a PhD in plant ecology from the University of Melbourne and is a teacher and researcher with experience in growing, tending and studying plants in both scientific, public gardens and experimental settings.

Tickets $10

Taller de Flores: Paper Sculpture Workshop with Artist Lizette Vieyra | Fri 24th October, 10.30am - 12pm | Newlands

Join artist and NECCHi community member Lizette Vieyra for this one-of-a-kind workshop to learn how to sculpt and shape recycled materials into a usable vase.

Lizette will guide us through the various techniques for paper sculpture, and show how to transform recycled materials into these gorgeous vessels. Explore different forms and decorative techniques over this two-and-a-half hour workshop, and leave with your very own work of art!

This is a family-friendly event. All abilities welcome - no prior experience required.

Paper pulp sculpture is a sustainable and accessible art practice that transform simple materials into unique handmade pieces. This introductory workshop invites participants to experience the joy of shaping and decorating a small vase. 

Tickets $17