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From Italian Orti to Australian Biosecurity: My Search for Edible Plant Diversity
To write this article, I set myself three missions in this city:
1. To visit a community garden, observe the diversity of edible plant species, and learn about Italian approaches to growing food.
2. To visit vendors of seeds for edible plants.
3. To observe and practise vegetable gardening in my friend's orto.
Designing with the Grain: A Guide to Permaculture Site and Sector Analysis
Before putting a single spade in the ground or planting a solitary tree, every resilient permaculture design begins with observation. Site and sector analysis is the foundational exercise that transforms a piece of land from a blank canvas into an interconnected, energy-efficient ecosystem.
A potted history of Vegetables
Recently, I read a World War II ration recipe that included grated carrot in a fruit cake. This led me to delve further into the history of vegetables and all manner of uses. I learnt of sweet potato brownies, beetroot chocolate cake and various vegetable breads. I do love reading, so I continued, which led me to buy a beautiful volume called Vegetables: A Biography by Evelyn Bloch-Dano.
Winter Gardening – The Significance of Sheet Mulching and Green Manure
What comes to your mind when you think of winter gardening?
Perhaps lush brassicas such as cabbage, kale, broccoli, and even Brussels sprouts growing vigorously and abundantly? Well, if you have an organic vegetable patch full of thriving winter crops right now, you are one of the lucky ones—and you deserve my envy!
Permaculture Principle one: observe and interact… Fungi and the feastival
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.
Microclimates
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.
2,200 year-old irrigation system still operating in Dujiangyan
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.
The Star of the Protein SHOW
My meat-loving son moved back in last year. Before the family meal is ready, he often asks, “Any protein?” So, I’ve decided to do some research on “any protein.” I intend to find plant-based proteins that match/outperform animal proteins in terms of nutrient content and health benefits, to encourage him to incorporate more plant-based protein into his diet.
Bappir/ Bapier
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.
A Stitch in Time Saves Nine…or Sew I Was Reminded Yesterday
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.
