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Grow Lightly Art Group
Last year a small group of people met every fortnight to talk about painting, mostly sketching and water colours. Those of us starting out again with our art learnt about how to get going and then, as time went on we had a few tips for each other. The main aim was to do art regularly and then talk about it.
So we are looking at a 2021 group, meeting fortnightly in the Hub, with the aim of helping each other become more regular with our art and sharing ideas. The times of meeting would be decided the first time we get together and also how we will structure each session. If we meet and draw in the Hub we will be paying a regular amount to help pay Hub expenses. If this is a new event for you, you would get first go but otherwise it's first come first in. If interested reply to me at info@growlightly.com.au and I will get back to you.
Gil
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A message from Landcare Victoria
Here is an important chance to share your views on the management of pests, weeds and diseases.
What do you think about Victoria’s biosecurity system? Agriculture
Victoria is seeking feedback from all Victorians who play a part in protecting our agricultural industry from pests, weeds, disease and other threats.
All Landcare and Coastcare members and staff are invited to respond.
Taking part in the survey lets you have your say on issues ranging from potential biosecurity threats and impacts, to where you like to get your information from and what could be improved.
The survey will take approximately 15 minutes.
Help shape the future of biosecurity in Victoria.
Please take the survey here.
Survey closes 11 February 2021.
Note - Wallis Social Research is conducting this confidential survey on behalf of Agriculture Victoria. Your participation is voluntary, and greatly valued. Your personal responses will not be passed on to Agriculture Victoria or any other party in a way that could identify you. Survey responses will be aggregated together such that individual responses cannot be identified.
If you require any further information about the survey you can call Wallis Social Research on 1800 113 444. |
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Tell us your story!
This request was in last week's newsletter - but the lack of response suggests that you didn't read it. Well, here's another chance ...
Hearing about other people's experiences of growing and eating organically is always inspiring and we badly need to hear about yours. Please send us a short piece whenever you think of something you would like to share. Tell us what you're proud of, about something you've learnt, how you feel about vegie gardening; share your favourite recipe ... with a photo if you can manage it. Needn't be flash - in fact it's probably better if it isn't. Don't worry - we'll correct your spelling.
If you'd like to discuss some possibilities email your phone number to info@growlightly.com.au and Meredith will ring you. Or just send us an email.
It's that time of the year - please share your favourite zucchini recipe with us all.
For the last few weeks, possibly influenced by Covid, we've been focussing on our own gardens. Jolly good, too. But here is a link to an Australian Story about the bigger picture. So much to be learnt from Charles Massey. Set aside half an hour to watch it with your kids.
https://www.abc.net.au/austory/breaking-new-ground/12697330
And here's the garlic guru, Penny Woodward, on harvesting and storing garlic.
https://www.sgaonline.org.au/harvesting-and-storing-garlic/
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Queensland arrowroot unfurling.
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(It's not originally from Queensland.)
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Unfurling
It’s peak growing time. I have pumpkins growing through fences, climbing beans up trees, zucchini keeping company with baby rockmelons. Out of most growing points, most new shoots, emerge small, perfectly shaped leaves which rapidly reach full size.
However, there’s also the unfurling. New leaves that start off like a rolled up umbrella. It’s fascinating me. Most of the plants that grow this way come from rainforests.
Here are the ones I'm watching. Check out last week's newsletter, too, for Sandra's photos.
In the (unheated) plastic greenhouse:
- Ginger (doesn’t unfurl that much as the leaves are narrow and fine) – from maritime South-east Asia
- Turmeric – from tropical south Asia
- Galangal – from tropical Asia
Outside
- Taro – from the Bay of Bengal region of South-east Asia
Glass house
- Monstera deliciosa or fruit salad plant – from tropical southern Mexico. Mine started with leaves without holes or lobes, but as it matures the new leaves become lobed and fenestrate (I’ve found out that that’s how you describe the holes). As the leaf bud grows and slowly unfurls you can see that the fenestration is there already; like the game I played a long, long time ago with folded paper and scissors.
The bathroom
- Peace lily – from the tropical rainforests of Colombia and Venezuela. You can't eat this one – but its unfurling is beautiful, like a slow dance, and right in the middle the first white flower is emerging. Food for the soul.
What should I plant in February?
You’ll find Gardening Australia’s suggestions below. ‘What should I plant’ tables make the question look pretty simple, but it isn’t really - there are so many factors determining when a plant will grow well.
Here is a more limited list from a very old vegetable growing book. I’ve checked to see which of the vegies on this list are also recommended for January planting, or for March planting. There’s no magic difference, of course, between January 31 and February 1. Or between February 28 and March 1. So I’d recommend planting those that are okay for January towards the front end of February, and those that are okay for March towards the end of the month. On that basis, of course, some are good for the whole month.
| Plant in February |
Plant in January |
Plant in March |
| Beetroot |
Yes |
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| Broccoli |
Yes |
Yes |
| Cauliflower |
Yes |
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| Kohl rabi |
Yes |
Yes |
| Leeks |
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Yes |
| Lettuce |
Yes |
Yes |
| Onions |
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Yes |
| Silver beet or chard |
Yes |
Yes |
| Spinach |
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Yes |
| White turnips |
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Yes |
| Swedes |
Yes |
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Click on any of the planting suggestions below for a snippet of extra information.
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UP TO DATE
Grow Lightly Greengrocer, 25 Commercial St Korumburra
Current opening hours
Wednesday 10.00am to 4.00 pm
Thursday 10.00am to 4.00pm
Friday 10.00am to 4.00pm
Saturday 9.00am to 1.00pm
Grow Lightly Grab
Phone your order through any time the shop is open, pay online and organise a pick-up time.
Phone: 5655 2893. Email: shop@growlightly.com.au
Weekly vegiebags
Please get your orders in early. Each week orders close 8pm Thursday.
What's in the bag?
Produce is local and seasonal, so we can't tell you exactly what's going into the bag even a couple of days ahead. We can say that there will be a range of produce, including some fruit, some vegies for cooking, and some leafy greens. Scroll up to the top for this week's details.
Apples and potatoes are also available as extras, along with eggs and a few pantry items such as preserves.
Online bulk orders
The online shop is open on Monday from 12pm until 8pm. If there are changes and you are a regular customer you will be notified. If you have questions, please email produce@growlightly.com.au .
Here is the URL for the on-line shop.
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Vegie-bag Pick-up Points
- Korumburra - weekly
Bags are available for collection from the back of the Grow Lightly Green Grocer at 25 Commercial Street, Korumburra on Sunday - between 9 and 10 am or by arrangement, via the shop during opening hours.
- Inverloch - weekly
Bags are available for collection normally after 11.30am on Sundays.
- Wonthaggi - weekly
The bags are available for collection from 11.30am on Sundays.
- Mirboo North - weekly
Bags are available for collection from midday on Sundays.
- Foster/ Fish Creek - fortnightly
Collect bags from Manna Gum Community House Sundays and Mondays.
- Phillip Island - weekly
Bags are delivered each Wednesday by courier to the island and left at The Store, Ventnor. The bag cost includes a $2 delivery fee to cover the courier.
- Leongatha - weekly
Bags are available for pick up from the Rusty Windmill at 45 McCartin Street, Leongatha on the Thursday morning after the chosen Sunday date.
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Do you have questions about growing your own?
Meredith won't know all the answers but will have fun looking for them and sharing what she finds. Send queries to info@growlightly.com.au . Pictures too, if you like and you don't mind seeing them in this newsletter.
Would you like a reminder for our weekly vegie bags?
We all get busy and sometimes forget things. If you would like a reminder when it’s time to purchase your vegie bag and you aren’t already subscribed, send an email to Saffi at vegiebags@growlightly.com.au with a subject ‘Please subscribe me to the reminder email’ and Saffi will put you on the list. There’s no commitment and you can unsubscribe at any time
Do you have surplus produce?
Email produce@growlightly.com.au to let us know what you have and when you can bring it in; and to have your name included on our suppliers list. That way Andy can keep in regular touch. Remember, small quantities are fine.
Do you have comments or suggestions about some aspect of Hub activity?
Email Christine Millane, our Hub Coordinator, at events@growlightly.com.au
If you have some spare time, or suggestions, or just want to wish us all the best, email info@growlightly.com.au and the message will be passed on to the right person.
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