News

Recently, while viewing a post, I was overcome with excitement as I spotted a Central Coast publication… a poster of detailed fungi photos of our local area. Immediately, I contacted the author, John Dani and was treated to the most wonderful conversation.

Every plot of land, whether a sweeping rural acreage or a modest suburban backyard, is a patchwork of distinct atmospheric zones called microclimates. In these small pockets, factors like temperature, humidity, wind exposure, and sunlight deviate from the regional baseline. 

In March, during our holidays in China, we visited the famous irrigation system at Dujiangyan in Sichuan province.
After more than 2 millennia, it still functions as the primary water source for a modern metropolis of 20 million people.

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I continued my research on ancient grains and breads this month and came across a recipe for Bappir/ Bapier. It dates from 2402 BC, Lagash. It is a 5000-year-old Sumerian bread recipe using barley grain.

At the Permaculture Festival of Workshops gathering, I was fortunate to be asked to give a talk on fabrics, stitching, and mending. For many years, I have saved tiny scraps of fabric that others may find less than useful.

What goes through your mind when you spot some unfamiliar weeds in your garden? Do you have an instinct to eradicate, or do you take a breath and wonder where these all fit and what useful outcome you may be able to create?

It’s common during permaculture courses for some students to become a bit frustrated with the loose nature of the permaculture model.

It’s entirely appropriate that this lovely book was gifted to me by a friend. There’s so much about the gift economy here. It’s a lighthearted, jaunty read (lots of “dear reader….”) in a genre where things can often feel a bit serious and shaming.