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Many schools are benefiting from the natural learning environment provided by the introduction of a school garden. In a joint project involving Growing Communities, Brisbane’s Northey Street City Farm and Health Promotion Queensland, many of Queensland’s local State schools are being encouraged to foster learning environments emphasizing gardening, healthy food choices and outdoor activity. Critical to the success of these projects is the involvement of as many community participants as possible. Each school aims to involve staff, students, P&C, as well as numerous other groups from the broader community. Children participating in school gardening projects enjoy hands on learning, physical activity, fresh air and clean food...

A good selection of perennials provides an ongoing framework for the organic flower garden. Perennials are plants which flourish, then die back before re-establishing themselves in a seasonal cycle which should continue for at least several years. They can almost be considered permanent in cooler climates which provide favourable growing conditions. On account of this longevity, it is worthwhile preparing their ground thoroughly prior to planting. Most perennials benefit from well aerated soils which contain substantial quantities of thoroughly broken down organic materials such as compost, manure, and leaf mould. Healthy juveniles are generally available as potted plants from organic nurseries and plant wholesalers. In temperate climates these...

From historical times to present, writers and artists have always sought inspiration amidst the strength and majesty of living trees. They comfort the soul, and quietly offer their reassurance during difficult times. An American Indian proverb describes them as our silent brothers, sharing the sacred journey of life. Whether chosen for their flowers, fruit, or foliage, trees are accurately described as framework plants. In this capacity they influence the visual and aesthetic characteristics of their surrounding environment. Above all, trees provide the sense of permanence which characterises an established organic garden. Once established, many varieties of tree are low maintenance and provide an additional dimension to gardens, particularly...

Even the most conservative estimates suggest that approximately thirty percent of marketable vegetable produce is lost each year due to poor handling and storage in the period following harvest. On a global scale this represents a significant quantity of food, enough to support very large populations such as China or India’s. In line with a general emphasis on sustainability, organic vegetable production should be dedicated to minimizing waste and inefficiencies associated with inadequate storage procedures. Anyone who’s old enough might recall extreme shortages of fresh fruit and vegetables in Britain during the Second World War. Some popular historians attribute this to the breakdown of agriculture caused by labor and equipment...

When I commenced my apprenticeship, there was a strict emphasis on vegetables, fruit, and ornamental trees. Despite my early enthusiasm for flowers, shrubs, and lawns, I was advised to concentrate on the vegetables. I still recall the words of the Head Gardener at the time. “Learn to grow a decent vegetable and you’ll have earned the respect of your trade”. Very outdated I suppose, but wait, there’s more. On the third Saturday of each month a formal dinner was held. We were given the weekend’s leave but the Friday beforehand was dedicated to finishing touches on the grounds in addition to a selective harvesting of seasonal produce. We literally filled the kitchens with an assortment of our best vegetables. They were carefully...