Cardinia Environment Coalition (CEC) is helping local residents to grow healthier gardens thanks to a free workshop presented by Dr Mary Cole.
Dr Cole is a passionate soil microbiologist, mycologist (fungi), plant pathologist and founder of AGPATH Pty Ltd – an agriculture pathology, biological farming service.
Dr Cole gave a presentation on composting and how to make the perfect soils for gardening and food production.
Compost was the key and Dr Cole shared an example of desert sands with a garden bed made from compost – alive with food plants and vegetables.
The presentation then moved on to discuss fungi and how to tell the differences between the deadly and the delicious.
CEC volunteer coordinator Kobi Van Raay said the workshop had a good turn out.
“Dr Cole is a wonderful speaker and everyone enjoyed themselves,“ Kobi said.
The event was held at the CEC Indigenous Plant Nursery in Pakenham with the nursery open for retail sales.
Normally only open on Fridays, it was a good opportunity for those who are unable to get there during normal open hours to purchase plants.
CEC plans to hold more weekend events in the future in the nursery education rooms.
