Celebrations and sadness
It’s been a time of highs and lows for the team at Permablitz decentral lately. Of course, the big news is the passing of the permaculture great Bill Mollison. To say the man was influential is dramatically understating the sheer influence he has had on earth-carers, environmentalists and organic gardeners the world over. The world is poorer for his loss, but his impact will forever be felt. If you can, plant a tree for him this weekend.
On a cheerier note, we’ve been learning of new places across the globe blitzing for the first time – Chiang Mai in Thaiand, Sheng Shui in Hong Kong and Anchorage in Alaska have all joined the blitzing revolution and we couldn’t be more excited for them. We’re getting ready to celebrate ten years of Permablitzing, and we’re even going to be joined by the team from the very first blitz – this is going to be epic! To celebrate this momentous occasion, our song of the month is Poison Garden by The Orbweavers – and you can see them play it live at the party!
Permablitz News
Vale Bill Mollison
The world’s permaculture community is currently in mourning, for one of the true pioneers of our time passed away last week in Hobart, Tasmania. Bill Mollison was best known as one of the co-creators of permaculture, solidified with the release of his and David Holmgren’s tome Permaculture One. There will undoubtedly be a great deal written about the man in the coming weeks, and it would be churlish of me to attempt to encapsulate the importance of his work in a single newsletter. However it is a testament to the strength of his ideas, and his commitment to his ethics that the permaculture principles that he espoused have become so firmly embraced by so many worldwide. He will be truly missed, but his legacy will continue forever.
Read David Holmgren’s farewell to Bill Mollison here
Permablitz Turns Ten!
It’s really happening. Now that Permablitz has been eating the suburbs for ten years, we’re having a party to celebrate – and as someone who has been an important part of our journey, we’d love it if you could join us!
Join us for an afternoon in the sun as we thank the founders, the hosts, the designers, the educators, the Collective members from both then and now, those that inspired us – and of course the volunteers that make it all possible.
There’ll be heaps of workshops, The Orbweavers will be playing live, there’ll be games (chicken bingo! CHICKEN BINGO!!) and even pizza for lunch.
From Garden to Globe
Permablitz and Permaculture Out West present… A free screening of “INHABIT” followed by a Q&A discussion with guest speakers Duncan Cocking (Leaf, Root & Fruit), Kat Lavers (Permablitz, Cultivating Community) and John McKenzie (Permafund). Whether you’re new to permaculture or already familiar, come explore how this ecological design framework can be used to respond to local and global challenges from issues of food and water to economy, governance and even culture.
Permablitz Revisited – Fawkner 4 years later
In September 2012 thirty or so volunteers descended upon Leah’s back yard and transformed it based on her own design, so we were keen to find out what worked and what didn’t.
See how Leah's garden has evolved!
Permablitz Revisited – Eltham 4 years later
SAMSUNG CAMERA PICTURES
How long does the enthusiasm last? Judging by Renée and Antony’s garden, it simply blends into your life. After their December 2012 permablitz, this garden has continued to shine!
Alaska’s first ever permablitz – in Anchorage!
Hooray for the first Alaskan Permablitz - the first of many!
The Alaska Permaculture crew recently put on their very first permablitz – with hugelkultur beds, sheet mulching, keyhole bed, food forest – and salmon for lunch!
Permablitz #185 – Frankston
The volunteers were a great mix of folk from as far away as U.S.A and Japan, and as close as Frankston and Langwarrin. An interest in d-i-t (together) food growing and building resilience was the common glue that had brought us all together!
Check out all the photos and full recap here!
Permablitz #187 – Hampton Park
On a day that had forecast heavy rains, the sun shined over Jeremy and Bianca’s home in Hampton Park, ready for a day of transformative action!
Hero of the Month
Lemon Balm
Lemon Balm
The green leaves of lemon balm have the scent of lemon with a hint of mint, with leaves that look like oversized mint—no surprise, since lemon balm is part of the mint family!
Create your own herbal tea by cutting a few stems of lemon balm (plus any other appealing herbs), putting them in a pitcher, pour boiling water over them, and allow them to steep for about 15 minutes. Niiiiiiiice…
Read more about growing and using lemon balm here!
A Herb For Thought
Calendula / Marigold
Fields of calendula – what’s not to love?
Naomi returns with her latest Herb For Thought, this month focusing on Calendula – also known as the lovely marigold!
Calendula flowers are like warming, energising suns. A plant of riveting historical roots, it helps wounds to heal faster, and the flowers themselves provides a sense of being uplifted and energised with warmth.
Learn all about this under-rated herb in our latest Herb For Thought
Bits and Pieces
Would you like the opportunity to work in an organic farm?
Farms are the food-bowls of the world, and more people are thinking of starting farms of their own. But wanting a farm and gaining experience working and living in one are very different things! If you want to learn more, click here!
Make some kraut! Fermenting with Hermann
Fermenting with Hermann
Our very own Hermann has just done another video with the team from Palate, and it focuses on his amazing fermenting skills with sauerkraut – check it out!
Wanna live in an already-blitzed house?
so.. much… digging!
Alastair hosted Permablitz #45 way back in 2008 (Preston West Blitz). The property is now available for rental and he’s looking to get tenants that are permie-informed or at least have green thumbs. Sounds like something for you? Find out more!
In the Garden
Pumpkins!
It’s pumpkin-planting time! And corn! And cucumbers! And zucchini! It’s just a great time to be in the garden – there’s so much that can be done. You can even start thinking about planting out your tomatoes…
Seeds you can plant in October include:
- Amaranth
- Angelica
- Asparagus
- Asparagus Pea
- Beetroot
- Borage
- Burdock
- Cape Gooseberry
- Carrot
- Celeriac
- Celery
- Chicory
- Chinese Cabbage
- Chives
- Climbing beans
- Coriander
- Cucumber
- Daikon
- Dill
- Dwarf beans
- Fennel
- French Tarragon
- Globe Artichokes
- Horseradish
- Jerusalem Artichokes
- Lemon Balm
- Lettuce
- Marrow
- Mustard greens
- NZ Spinach (Warrigal Greens)
- Okra
- Oregano
- Parsley
- Parsnip
- Potato
- Pumpkin
- Radish
- Rhubarb
- Rocket
- Rockmelon
- Rosella
- Rosemary
- Sage
- Salsify
- Silverbeet
- Spinach
- Spring Onions
- Summer savory
- Sunflower
- Sweet Corn
- Sweet Marjoram
- Turnip
- Yacon
- Yam/Oca
Remember: some seeds do better starting off in punnets, some in pots and some in the ground. To get the best from your seedlings be sure to check the best methods first!
From all at Permablitz Melbourne decentral – see you at the party!!
