This winter, we have been focusing on fruit trees on the farm, including cleaning up the many banana trees scattered around and uncovering smothered trees on our western bank that desperately need more sunlight. This work has been possible thanks to some new casual staff (fresh out of our work experience program) and an increased number of volunteers of late. There has also been a push to tidy up our front entrance and add some new plantings. Despite very muddy conditions recently, these areas are now looking great!
It’s been slow growing with the cold weather, but many veg, like lettuce, bok choy and cauliflower, have thrived this winter. With the season starting to turn, we’re excited to start planting warmer weather crops, like English spinach, basil and tomatoes, which will be going in the ground soon!
Thanks to a generous donation, we currently have a bush regeneration team working at the farm, primarily removing weeds and planting appropriate native species along the creek lines. This work is incredibly valuable because the creeks and surrounding land at the heart of the farm are a remnant of the Berkeley Brush, a local sub-tropical rainforest community now recognised as an Endangered Ecological Community. Typical of urban creeks, weed invasion is a huge issue here and we have been very excited to receive some professional help!
We have two new bottle-fed lambs, Dodge and Seb, that delighted our farm playgroups over the school holidays. They will be joining our resident herd as they get older along with our other sheep and goats to help control weeds around the farm.
With the opening of our Friendship Garden just below the main farm hub and Children’s Garden, we now have a welcoming area for people in the community who are interested in growing and sharing fresh food. Email enquiries@green-connect.com.au if you’re interested in getting involved.
Emily Henderson
Green Connect Farm Manager