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May 2011 |
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OGAWA
e-newsletter is published at the beginning of each
month except January. For enquiries please contact
enews_editor@ogawa.org.au.
OGAWA
Inc. PO Box 1512. Booragoon WA 6954 |
Hi Everyone,
I would like to start off by saying, I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE, this rain. It is pouring outside as I write. Autumn is finally here and my babies (Seedlings) are all looking perky and green and beautiful.
On a sad note, I am sure you are all aware of the passing of Wayne Brock. Wayne was a renowned Biodynamic grower in the Muchea area and passed away last month. I would like send on behalf of OGAWA our condolences to Margaret and her family. It is a sad loss. RIP Brocky.
On a lighter note, Steve Marsh’s benefit concert was on last month as well. I believe they raised $15,000 and it was a night to remember. Rewa and her fellow volunteers need to be congratulated on a job well done. I am sure Janet will say more in her report below.
Our “Trust Organic Festival” was a huge success this year. The reports from Subiaco Farmers Market organisers were very positive saying that the crowds were much higher than normal and a lot of stalls sold out of stock. A big thank you goes to Andre Leu from OFA (Organic Federation of W.A.) for coming over again this year and speaking on our panel discussions. What Andre doesn't know about Organics isn't worth knowing. Thanks to Anne and Charles for manning our information stall. A big thank you also goes to Brenda for all her work on the day and for the bits and pieces she did before the festival.
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My last huge thank you goes to my partner in crime Jude Blereau. Without Jude’s help we would not have our “Trust Organic Festival” and all of you Certified Organic business wouldn’t have this opportunity to spread the word about what to truly trust when you chose to buy Organic. As people are becoming more aware of eating organically I can see our Festival growing every year.
This brings me to an important announcement. The committee this year has decided to change our Patron. We would sincerely like to thank Josh Byrne for being our Patron for all these years. We feel there are many people out there that also do a great job for the organic industry and we would like to do our bit in thanking them. This year we chose Jude Blereau. She was tickled pink and accepted the position – with a little tear.
If you love your herbal teas or are into your dried herbs take a look at my web page for all my new products. I have taken over running an on-line herbal business for the next 12 months while my friend takes a well-earned holiday. Louise Plant is a Master Herbalist and has made up some wonderful herbal teas that not only taste good but are good for you and they are locally made. If you like making your own concoctions I have a wide range of dried herbs available as well.
That’s about it for this month. Looking forward to the cooler months and getting dirty. Until next month, take it easy.
Regards
www.thegreenhouseorganic.com
Leesa Caldwell |
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Jude Blereau is a natural foods chef, author, food coach, cooking teacher and real food activist who has been involved with the organic and wholefoods industry for more than 18 years.
In 1997, Jude co-founded The Earth Market, a much loved wholefood store and café in Perth, Western Australia. In 2001 founded the Whole Food Cooking.
Her focus is on helping people learn about good food - what it truly is, where to get it, how to use it - and to give them the tools and information they need to make healthy eating a part of their everyday lives.
Jude is a passionate advocate for sustainable farming practices and good food for everybody. She is participates in a number of groups and networks that promote those goals. Jude is a member of Chefs Collaborative, a network of chefs and restaurateurs who work together to promote sustainable farming and fishing, humane animal husbandry and local artisanal cuisine. They encourage the community to make food choices that emphasize delicious, locally grown, seasonally fresh, and whole or minimally processed ingredients that are good for us, for local farming communities, and for the planet.
Jude is also active in the Organic Federation of Australia, and sits on the OFA (Organic Federation of Australia) Board, and OFA Consumer Council.
Jude released her first cookbook Wholefood ... heal, nourish, delight in March 2006, and her second Coming Home To Eat ... Wholefood for the Family in March 2008. Wholefood for Children – Nourishing Young Children with Whole and Organic Foods, will be released 1st March 2010. She writes for a number of magazines including Spice and Nova.
www.wholefoodcooking.com.au
jude@wholefoodcooking.com.au |
Jude Blereau new patron for OGAWA |
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| The Organic Association of Western Australia holds meetings in suburban and regional locations. Below is a list of some of our groups. Please contact the coordinator or e– mail Leesa for more information. |
| FREMANTLE |
OGA
Freo next meeting:
| when: |
28th May 11am |
| where: |
White Gum Valley |
| price: |
members free $5 non members |
| speaker: |
Josh Byrne |
| topic: |
Garden visit - bookings only
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Visit to Josh Byrne garden in May
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Message from May-Ring |
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We had an interesting meeting with Tim Lawrence. It was fascinating to hear how Tim made it from being a cap driver to running a successful mulch business. MulchNet.com has become Australia's most innovative & energy efficient delivery system using renewable & sustainable resources. Tim encouraged us all not to throw out our garden waste, but to keep them and use it as mulch. This way we do not deplete our soils of nutrient and additionally we keep our soils cool and moist during our hot summer. Tim gave a demo on a small mulcher which is powerful enough to cope with normal garden clippings and pruning. For more details on the mulcher just contact me.
Our next meeting will be a field day. I have organised a visit to Josh Byrne’s garden in White Gum Valley on 28th May between 11 and 12 in the morning. The number is limited to 30 so please let me know if you are interested. Entry will be free for members, non-members $ 5.00.
Darryl from Chittering has an Organic Market Garden for lease. The garden is established within a 5 acre area and has room for expansion. It has
- Licensed bore
- Automatic reticulation
- Overhead sprinklers
- Colorbond shed
- Has been certified organic for 8 years
For any information regarding the lease please contact Darryl on 9571 8080 or 0410 324 295
Kind regards
May-Ring and Margaret
ogafreo@yahoo.com.au
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| ROLEYSTONE |
OGA
Roleystone next meeting:
| when: |
11th May @ 7,30pm |
| where: |
Roleystone Family Centre |
| price: |
members free $3 non members |
| speaker: |
Chris Oliver |
| topic: |
Drought Resistant Edible and Ornamental Plants |
Chris Oliver |
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Message from Lisa |
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Hi Everyone,
We had a very informative meeting last month on Beekeeping! Below is some more info on beekeeping that Jerry has forwarded. As mentioned he is not only a bee keeper but alsoy does bee and wasp removal. Also, if you have 10+ acres and are interested in having Jerry place some of his hives on your property he can be contacted on 0412 157 258. Someone asked the question on whether Malathion splashed on the leaves of his fruit trees would affect his bees. The short answer was yes, chemicals are a no-no for bees. There are various alternatives to using chemicals for fruit fly, have a look at http://www.abc.net.au/catalyst/stories/s727059.htm
References on beekeeping
1. The hive and the honey bee Dadant publication. http://www.dadant.com/
2. Wikipedia free encyclopaedia on the Internet.
3. Fat bees Skinny bees (can be found on the web) https://rirdc.infoservices.com.au/downloads/05-054.pdf
A manual on honey bee nutrition for beekeepers, providing information on the known essential chemical requirements of honey bees including the components of nectar and pollen
4.www.agric.wa.gov.au ( go to livestock , honey bees, general info on keeping honey bees services , products and fees. |
Selecting, Planting and Caring for Drought Resistant Edible and Ornamental Plants
As the long hot weather is coming to an end, many of us are either seeing our plants dying or looking pretty sad! The May meeting of the Roleystone Organic Growers group will help you to prevent this in the future. Horticulturist Chris Oliver will discuss how to select, plant and care for drought resistant edible and ornamental plants. He will talk about plant selection, when and how to plant, how much water the plants need through the summer, soil for planting, pests and diseases to watch for and fire resistant mulches.
Chris has over 33 years of teaching experience at TAFE, a degree in Botany and a diploma in Horticulture, and is very keen to share his knowledge with others.
The meeting is on Wednesday 11th May at 7.30pm in the Roleystone Family Centre, 19 Wygonda Rd, Roleystone. Entry $3 Members free. Enquiries to Lisa 9399 2312 porter4@aapt.net.au
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| MUNDARING |
OGA
Mundaring next meeting:
| when: |
2
(second Tuesday of the
month) 7nd 7.30.pm |
| where: |
Bugle Tree Creek
Communication Centre,
Stoneville Road Mundaring |
| price: |
$3 |
| speaker: |
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| topic: |
Minerals and Fertilisers |
Green Manure Crops |
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Message from Ralph Darlington |
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Hello everyone,
Another month has nearly gone by, and we are still in the grip of a summer weather pattern. The only change is the cool mornings and the changing angle of the Sun. I hope that you are all able to get some winter seedlings into the ground and keep them alive.
Our last meeting was a great one. Our member Danielle Pearson took us on a journey into the area of making our own cosmetic ‘lotions and potions’. It was a timely reminder of how far our personal care products on the shelves of Supermarkets and Pharmacies, have been adulterated with so many chemicals that compromise our health. Danielle demonstrated some simple recipes and mixtures that can replace so many compromised cosmetics. These were made not only for the female user, but also for us ‘blokes’. They felt great on our skin and with a little essential oils, smelled great also. Danielle feels that: “ if you can’t eat it, then don’t use it”.
Next month we will be looks at various minerals and fertilisers, and revisiting ‘green manure’ for the winter garden.
Best wishes,
Ralph Darlington
darlington@bigpond.com
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| GWELUP |
OGA
Gwelup next meeting:
| when: |
meeting last Saturday of month |
| where: |
phone for details 0466633275 |
| price: |
$3 |
| speaker: |
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| topic: |
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the food forest |
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Message from Charles |
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No report from Charles and Gwelup this month.
The Food Forest – Creating self-sustaining food systems by Terra Perma Design
With current fears for food security, water scarcity, time deficient families it’s a great time
for everyone to look into more natural and organic solutions. A Food Forest is one of the
more interesting and natural food production ideas providing a range of slow sustainable
released products. As easily as these can be established in your own back yard, they
can more significantly change the face of degenerated farmlands and create new kinds
of human and animal habitat. Their inherent success based on the very ecological
principles that freely create forests on earth.
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To understand the benefits of a food forest one needs o understand the building blocks
of this 'forest garden'. When nature transforms grass land or barren land into more
productive system, like in organic gardening the building block of this increasingly
productive system is the production and recycling of carbon or plant matter.
Establishment of this system can be achieved through the basic and natural process
of plant succession. Initial pioneering support species, like fast growing nitrogen fixing
legumes and dynamic mineral accumulators, are established as the initial planting. These
establish and build soil structure, provide shade and biomass for the higher value and
later planted food production tree species. These higher value plants naturally germinate
and grow under a canopy of support trees.
Species selected as support trees are important in providing stability to the system, their
early dominance of the site provides a fast carbon pathway for soil improvement, and the
accumulation and fixation of important nutrient elements. This will feed, shelter and nurture
the longer term more sophisticated productive forest system. These are not fruit trees but
wood and insect and animal food sources.
A food forest can thus be accurately described as a designed organic polyculture of multi-use
perennial plants. It is a an ecologically inspired type of agriculture which in its fullest expression,
provides not only food, but a wide range of medicinal plants, building materials, and fuel, is
self-fertile, organic and dynamically stable, and requires very little on going manual intervention
as it matures.
A simple model of this concept is a fruit tree orchard. Larger nut trees and smaller fruit trees,
rampant sweet potatoes (living mulch), with some green manure (rye) for slashing or the
chickens to eat, and the addition of comfrey for extra nutrient accumulating. While this system
is missing many elements, and benefits of the layers found in a carefully designed forest (see picture),
it is starting to build up plant and food yield diversity (that poly-culture or many-crops we
mentioned earlier).
In the following issues we will briefly discuss the Forest Layers, with suitable Perth
capable species to allow you to start your own. This is one of the many topics Terra Perma Design
will cover in more detail on the upcoming Permaculture Design Certificate in June/July.
For more details please contact us at ndesign@arach.net.au or see http://terrapermaperth.blogspot.com/
NEXT MEETING
Still to be confirmed. Contact Charles for the details. charles@permaculturewest.org.au or 0466633275 |
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| BROOME |
OGA
Broome next meeting:
| when: |
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| where: |
12 Mile Café |
| price: |
members free $3 non members |
| speaker: |
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| topic: |
Make your own Organic Pesticides. |
All things Tomato meeting |
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Message from Tan Fowler |
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All things tomato!
The meeting was well attended this month for Alan’s talk on tomatoes (Thanks Alan!).
He started with how best to raise the seedlings, a foam box with potting mix and 5mm of seed raising mix on top. This gives their roots plenty of room and leads to strong healthy seedlings. The best varieties for Broome are the cherry, tropic and roma tomatoes.
When you plant the seedlings out make sure they have lots of room, about a metre (some people recommend up to 1 ½ metres) and give them a good watering with liquid seaweed. Bury the seedlings up to their first true leaves for quick strong root growth.
The pros and cons of taking the laterals out and tying up were discussed. Alan is leaving 5 laterals each with its own pole and then removing any further laterals.
When it comes to feeding prepare the ground well with old cow manure and compost. Horse manure and straw should be avoided as it absorbs the water drawing it away from the roots. It was at this point that Alan says “whatever the question the answer is COMPOST!”. He recommends liquid seaweed every couple of weeks and a closed fistful of potassium sulphate especially when flowering and fruiting. Don’t put pelletised chicken manure as this leads to lots of leaf growth not fruit.
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Lastly never grow your tomatoes in the same place for more than one year otherwise nematodes and other pests/diseases can be a problem, rotate, rotate and rotate! Jason added that nematodes are tiny worms about 2-5mm long. You can try to control them by using molasses on the ground.
Thanks to those who brought seeds in to swap.
Next meeting : Make your own Organic Pesticides.
fusionherbs@westnet.com.au
Venue: 12 Mile Cafe
Address: Lot 20 Yamashita Rd, 12 Mile, Broome |
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Fresh Produce report:
With Pink Ladies just starting, we now have all the major varieties of apple and they are at their crunchy, new season best. Local Persimmon are in good supply and are a sweet treat. Just make sure you check the variety as it is only Fuyu (sometimes called Fuji) that can be eaten firm. The rest must be eaten when they are at their gooey, delicious best. The Carnarvon Avocado season is just starting, so we should have a good supply of them for the next few months.
Greens are more reliable now after a patchy few months. Silverbeet in particular is doing really well. Local Broccoli is also looking really good at the moment – and it’s nice and cheap! Tasmanian Potatoes are filling out the local selection with lots of varieties available, just in time for warming winter stews.
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Fruit and Veg at Organic on Charles
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Regards,
Lyndon McMath
Shop 7, 299 Charles Street
North Perth WA 6006
p: (08) 9227 7755 f: (08) 9227 7711
www.organiconcharles.com.au |
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| Gardening report from Linda Mitchener from The Green Life Soil Co. |
As I am writing this, it is TRYING to rain outside – just a few teasing light showers so far, but lets hope it’s the start of plenty more!
About time too, as so many people are struggling with water repellency in their gardens. If you do use a wetting agent, remember to use an environmentally friendly product so soil life and structure is not damaged.
In the garden, it’s time to get busy & time to get planting all those lovely winter vegies. One of those is Broad Beans. It always amazes me how many people claim they don’t like them – I always think this is a shame; they must have been introduced to those massive, tough things you find in the shops, not tasty, tender home grown beans.
Broad Beans will take some months from now until the beans reach maturity (my mum always said it doesn't matter when they start to flower; you will only get beans begin to set in September). The bushes will reach at least a metre in height. Plant them thickly so they will provide some support to each other; and they may require a few stakes as the bushes do tend to be blown over in strong winds.
Very young broad beans can be eaten pods and all, just like french beans. Also, growing tips and young leaves can be steamed and eaten, with a mild spinach like flavour.
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Broad Beans
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Once the beans are mature, they need to be shelled. When young their individual, inner skins are tender and fine to eat. When older, the inner skins tend to be tough, so removing this is advisable, even if tedious!
Steamed, tossed in a little bit of garlic, and served with butter, salt and pepper they are delicious! And if you have more than you can eat, I have had them oven dried and lightly salted. (I haven’t made these myself, but they have a delicious, nutty flavour.) And of course, you can save your own seed to grow more again next winter!
Plant the seeds where you had tomatoes growing – as a nitrogen fixing plant they help soil fertility and according to Jackie French also help remove the soil borne wilt virus. Add some potash to the soil, this strengthens the plant and helps prevent brown leaf spot disease on the beans.
So I hope I have convinced you to give them a try! Seeds and seedlings are now available.
Cheers,
Linda Mitchener
The Green Life Soil Co |
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| STEVE MARSH BENEFIT CONCERT A HUGE SUCCESS |
The recent fundraising concert for organic farmer Steve Marsh at the Fly By Night in Fremantle on Saturday (16th April) proved a huge success, with nearly 400 people cramming into the venue, raising over $14,000 for Steve’s fighting fund.
Steve Marsh lost the organic certification on 70 per cent of his land, and the market for his product, when genetically modified (GM) canola blew in over the fence from his neighbour’s paddock. Under the current law the only way that Steve can recoup his losses is to sue his GM growing neighbour, who is being supported by GM giant Monsanto.
Steve was called up to the stage and explained that the legal action he was undertaking against his neighbour was not on behalf of just him and his family but on behalf of all organic and non-GM farmers in Western Australia. We were delighted that Steve and Sue were able to attend the concert.
A fantastic array of both International and Western Australian performers rallyed round to support Steve by performing at the concert. Performers included Emily Barker (UK), Dilip and the Davs (Fremantle), Selk Hastings (Fremantle), Jacob from Dream State Circus (Fremantle), The Majik Trolls (Nannup), Lydian’sTilt (Bridgetown), Dom Coyote (UK) and Tribalive (South Fremantle) and Dunumba (Perth).
In addition to the concert, there was a silent auction, sale of merchandise and many petitions signed off. An organic meal, cooked by Bee Winfield from Merrie Bee Organic Farm, was served from an approved on-site. The ingredients for the meal were generously donated by many organic growers and retailers in support of Steve.
The concert was organised by a coalition of organic farmers and consumers supported by a group of wonderful performers and volunteers plus a supportive and generous audience on the night. |
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Steve Marsh
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| The action will not stop here however. We intend to keep further support for Steve running through other avenues – a comedy night is being arranged at Fremantle Town Hall in September. Details of this will be available on the Steve Marsh Benefit Fund website (www.stevemarshbenefitfund.com.au). We also have a quantity of “Stand up to Monsanto” t/shirts available for sale (details also on the website).
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1st May Lockridge Community Garden's next workshop on Sunday May 1st is going to be awesome!
Being National Permaculture Day you can take Monday off as a new public holiday that Julia Gillard won't be announcing! You will need to because we are going all out with a jam packed full day of events, demonstration of a wicking bed, yummy food, talks - Bonnie the Ice-Queen Wykman will present Winter in the Vegie garden (brrr!) and in Tod 's talk he'll answer the question "What is Permaculture?" (not the bad hair-do fashion in the 80's), activities for kids and even some walking open garden tours of our Permablitzed homes. Action starts at 10.30 am. Or for more info on our day checkout http://permaculturewest.org.au/news/national-permaculture-day
7th May - Mosman Park Fair - St. Luke's Anglican Church, Mosman Park
22nd May - Agriculture and Environment festival - Swan Hill Farm, Northam (for more information contact jane.elise.ferro@gmail.com) |
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For Sale
ORGANIC FARM 49 ha Private sale
BORDERS NATIONAL PARK & Tourist Drive, North facing, 3 dams w/Large contour drains (incl a 6000 yard dam),6 paddocks, New colourbond shed w/ underground power & Septic tank. Mixed timber tree plantation, Fenced off (el) orchard area. All wandoo strainers (no CCA pine) 3 Organic Neighbours $ 498000,Porongurup
For more details and photos call Ph 98 531123 or email peterbamboo@activ8.net.au
Australia could lead with world's cheapest renewable energy
Australia has the potential to produce some of the world's cheapest renewable energy, meeting all its energy demands by 2050, in line with the release of a major new study by WWF.
The Energy Report, which breaks new ground with its global study of total energy needs, including transport and energy availability, found that the world's entire energy needs could be filled cleanly, renewably and economically within just 40 years.
"If we continue to rely on fossil fuels, we face a future of increasing anxieties over energy costs, energy security and climate change impacts," WWF Director General Jim Leape said. "We are offering an alternative scenario - far more promising and entirely achievable.
"The report shows that in four decades we can have a world of vibrant economies and societies powered entirely by clean, cheap and renewable energy and with a vastly improved quality of life.
"But the report is more than a scenario - it's a call for action. However, we must start now."
The two-part report contains detailed analysis and a scenario by respected energy consultancy Ecofys, as well as analysis by WWF. It shows that by 2050, the world's power, transport, industrial and domestic energy needs could all be met - with only isolated residual use of fossil and nuclear fuels - boosting energy security and reducing pollution and catastrophic climate change.
Article in Greenpages Magazine
Law of the Bugs: International Treaty on nature’s Rights
Bolivia will this month table a draft United Nations treaty giving “Mother Earth” the same rights as humans — having just passed a domestic law that does the same for bugs, trees and all other natural things in the South American country.
The bid aims to have the UN recognize the Earth as a living entity that humans have sought to “dominate and exploit” — to the point that the “well-being and existence of many beings” is now threatened. The wording may yet evolve, but the general structure is meant to mirror Bolivia’s Law of the Rights of Mother Earth, which Bolivian President Evo Morales enacted in January.
We’re not saying, for example, you cannot eat meat because you know you are going to go against the rights of a cow,” he said. “But when human activity develops at a certain scale that you (cause to) disappear a species, then you are really altering the vital cycles of nature or of Mother Earth. Of course, you need a mine to extract iron or zinc, but there are limits.”
It also says that “Mother Earth has the right to exist, to persist and to continue the vital cycles, structures, functions and processes that sustain all human beings.
Edited Story from postmedia news |
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OGAWA Member Discount Scheme - Supporting
businesses that promote organic food and farming
WA organic food and farming businesses offering discounts to members
of OGAWA continues to grow. We thank these participating businesses
for supporting the OGAWA and encourage all members to tell your
friends about these great organic products and services available.
Click this link for the list of participating organic businesses.
The MDS is only available to current OGAWA members as shown
by a valid membership card.
OGAWA Member Discount Scheme – Ask for your
member discount from these participating businesses.
Simply
display your member discount card with some ID to verify your
OGAWA membership.
Membership Renewals Download
Ordinary Membership Forms $30
Download
Commercial Membership Application $60 |
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