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Composting and wicking beds – a great day for rain!

Seila Hierk, permaculture expert and Garden Specialist at Aspendale Gardens PS, led the day with a session in constructing water-wise wicking beds. This technique involves designing garden beds so that the plants draw water up from a reservoir created underneath with some carefully situated pipe. Not only does this mean that water is delivered exactly where it is needed - at the plant roots - but of course it also minimises water waste, as the plants only draw on the reservoir as required. With a few well-selected pieces of tubing, shade-cloth and scoria, Seila showed us how a well-designed wicking bed will keep your vegetable garden thriving - and also how easy these beds are to construct once you know how! The delighted participants each took a portable wicked bed home for a head start.

That afternoon, as the clouds, rain and hail rolled in, Pete Huff led an enthralled group through the fundamentals of composting. Pete is a compost-convert who is also the Garden Specialist at Ascot Vale Primary School. Participants learnt the ins and outs of what to do (add anything that decays) and what not to do (but don't add citrus!) Pete also showed the group how to make compost tea, and explained the easiest way to construct a no-dig bed: simply place a compost pile where you'd like your new bed to be, maintain it until it's ready to plant, and build your bed on top.

Both Seila and Pete were fabulous presenters who made sure everyone was thoroughly entertained as well as educated - even the most experienced gardeners came away with some new ideas and plans. The Foundation is really proud to have such expert and engaging presenters for our new series of public workshops - it shows that great teachers make all the difference!

Pete will be presenting two more garden workshops this year, Propagating for the Spring & Summer Garden and Starting your Vegetable Garden, both on Saturday 10 September (look forward to some sunshine to bring in the new season).

And just check out our public workshops page for more sessions in both the garden and the kitchen, including a Spring Feast, Bread Making and Southern Italian Sweets.