PRODUCTIVE LEARNING TOWARDS REDUCING
FOOTPRINT - April 14, 2011
Respected permaculture designer and organic gardener Miles Durand returns to Rapids Landing this month to host a second series of workshops on productive gardens.
The workshops held late last year gained public interest as people sought to arm themselves with information on creating a productive and sustainable environment in their own backyard.
Miles has used the Rapids Landing Sales Office to demonstrate how urban lots can be equally productive to large blocks and has already established a thriving landscape with 25 different vines and fruit trees.
This round of workshops will cover topics on how to get the best out of a small space, with a focus on planting for winter crops such as herbs, vegetables and fruit trees, and making the most of the trellis/esplair. Organic pest and disease controls will also be addressed.
Miles is set on getting the message across that big is not always best.
“This aspiration for more land is one of the most destructive things we can do and, instead, we should be learning to become more productive with a smaller footprint”, said Mr Durand.
“It is a terrible and dangerous misperception to suggest that acreage lots in themselves preserve the natural surroundings. Living in an environment such as Rapids Landing can be far more environmentally friendly than large-lot living. We really need to change our attitude towards high density living if we are serious about sustainable living – particularly in Augusta/Margaret River region where there is still so much to protect,” he said.
The scheduled workshop dates are: Friday 29 April, Saturday 7 May and Saturday 14 May. Expressions are also being taken for Friday, 6 May. The Productive Garden Workshops are free of charge thanks to Rapids Landing but spaces are limited.
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