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.
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 -...
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...
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...
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...
Supporting the change to electric vehicles
Replacing petrol or diesel vehicles with electric vehicles would lead to a significant drop in carbon emissions and local pollution. Australia-wide, transport was responsible for 18% of carbon emissions in 2020. Burning gasoline and diesel also produces a range of...
Net for success!
We are repeating this article written in November 2021 because, now more than ever before, it is urgent to net to protect fruit and vegetables from Queensland Fruit Fly. Without the right kind of net, properly secured at ground level, you can expect your harvest to be...
A rare flash of copper wings
A rare flash of copper wings The Eltham Copper Butterfly (Paralucia pyrodiscus lucida) is an endangered species that occurs only in Victoria. It is only known in four areas in the state, one being Eltham, Montmorency and Greensborough. The small and pretty adult...
Good news about waste – yes truly!
Next year we will see major changes to how we handle waste and single-use plastics in Victoria. First, a Container Deposit Scheme (CDS) will be launched – allowing people to get 10c for returning drink cans, bottles and cartons to local deposit locations points. The...
Herbs and spices for Christmas
Whether you are a meat eater, a vegetarian or a vegan, herbs and spices can play an important role in creating tasty and healthy festive food. From stuffing to plum pudding, they add flavour and uniqueness to any dish. Herbs Let's focus firstly on herbs. Use them...
An Urban Food Strategy in Practice
Last month I discussed the Banyule Urban Food Strategy which is currently being developed by Banyule City Council, with Sustain - the Australian Food Network employed as the consultants. What might the Strategy look like in practice? It is essential that any strategy...
Why Wild May Works – Queensland Fruit Fly Prevention
Preventing Queensland Fruit Fly destroying your fruit and vegies Wild May works because 'teenage' male Queensland Fruit Flies (QFF) cannot produce the pheromone needed to attract females without first taking it in from an outside source. Wild May and a few flowers -...
Tracking your seeds
Have you ever planted some seeds, or seedlings you've produced yourself, only to wonder later what the variety was or even what you've planted? Was it a pumpkin, zucchini, cucumber or squash, for example? Here are some tips to keep track of your plantings and to keep...
Book review: Nothing New, A history of Second-hand, by Robyn Annear*
Looking for a good book to read over the summer? Or a gift for the sustainably conscious friend or family member? Don't go past Robyn Annear's 'Nothing New, A History of Second-Hand'. This fascinating book provides a history of second - hand, especially clothing,...
Banyule Urban Food Strategy
Ensuring our food future I think most of us take access to healthy, nutritious food for granted. We might be surprised to know that this is not the case for significant numbers of families in Banyule. In my interview with Kate Farrelly of BANSIC (Banyule Support and...
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.