Blog

Our blog features a variety of gardening and growing tips on topics such as soil biology, wicking bed construction, composting, grafting, pruning, water-saving and irrigation. Plus we regularly post recipes to help you make the most of the ‘seasonal glut’ and tips on how to live in a more sustainable way.
EV charging in multi-residential developments

EV charging in multi-residential developments

In my previous article, 'Supporting the change to electric vehicles', I discussed the possibility of including in council building regulations a requirement for new developments to include electric vehicle charging infrastructure. I have been in contact with Banyule...

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Bulleen River Red Gum to stay

Bulleen River Red Gum to stay

There’s some good news about the Bulleen River Red Gum, with confirmation from the North East Link Project team that it will no longer be felled for construction works. This is a significant win for locals who were outraged about its planned removal for the freeway...

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Turn autumn leaves into gold!

Turn autumn leaves into gold!

Recently I saw an unusual site - a Banyule City Council worker was blowing leaves from the gutter onto the nature strip. Usually, it is the other way round, I see people blowing leaves from the nature strip or their driveway into the gutter! This is a poor choice -...

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March garlic hint

March garlic hint

March is the time to prepare your beds for planting in March or April depending on garlic varieties chosen. Choose a site with full sun which is well drained. If not well drained or the soil is heavy, build a raised bed. Do not grow garlic where you have previously...

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It’s time to renew your Sustainable Macleod membership!

It’s time to renew your Sustainable Macleod membership!

That time of year has arrived - renewal time for the year 1 January - 31 December 2023. (If you enrolled after 1 October 2022 your membership continues for the whole of 2023). Sustainable Macleod membership includes membership of the Sustainable Macleod Community...

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Creating hollows for wildlife with chainsaws

Creating hollows for wildlife with chainsaws

Many of our native birds and animals rely on tree hollows for their survival. Without them they can’t find shelter to raise their young. Due to a lack of big old hollow-bearing trees, Banyule City Council have recently funded the installation of some artificial...

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What is eating my tomatoes?

What is eating my tomatoes?

If your tomatoes have large bites out of them or are half eaten, it will be rats or possums. If they have round holes that contain a calloused concave depression with solid edges, it will be the green caterpillar as seen in the photo below. If you cut open your...

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Choosing a community garden

Choosing a community garden

Recently a woman came to the Sustainable Macleod Community Garden researching our garden and others to find a garden that was a good fit for her. Not many people do this but it is essential that prospective members understand that no two community gardens are alike...

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Join Sustainable Macleod

Become a member and get access to the community garden, the tool library and our seed library. We welcome all members of the community and have regular events and workshops to enjoy.

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