
By Wendy Christensen
LOCAL nursery and hardware stores have been inundated recently with many people spending their isolation time gardening. But without proper soil preparation or the correct sun to shade ratio, a lot of money can be wasted on seeds and seedlings that were never given the chance to thrive.
PICAL can help solve your gardening frustrations with some expert advice and a free introductory horticulture short course beginning in May. New tutor Rick Coleman has over 30 years of permaculture design and teaching experience. Internationally recognised, Rick has worked as an educator and consultant for a range of organisations both locally and overseas, including RMIT, World Vision Australia and Community Aid Abroad (Oxfam).
LOCAL nursery and hardware stores have been inundated recently with many people spending their isolation time gardening. But without proper soil preparation or the correct sun to shade ratio, a lot of money can be wasted on seeds and seedlings that were never given the chance to thrive.
PICAL can help solve your gardening frustrations with some expert advice and a free introductory horticulture short course beginning in May. New tutor Rick Coleman has over 30 years of permaculture design and teaching experience. Internationally recognised, Rick has worked as an educator and consultant for a range of organisations both locally and overseas, including RMIT, World Vision Australia and Community Aid Abroad (Oxfam).
Rick has already begun refurbishing the PICAL community garden with the help of some dedicated volunteers. The team have been designing new garden beds working with the forces of nature and taking into consideration soil type, weather exposure, slope gradients and already established plants.
The course starts on Thursday May 14, when you can join Rick and learn how to maximise your own home garden to save money, feed your family or maybe even generate an income.
Students will also be given access to online resources that Rick has gathered from his years of teaching and travel. As a recognised pre-accredited introductory course, students are well equipped to go onto a career in horticulture or further study.
The course runs for seven consecutive Thursdays from 10am to 1pm in the PICAL community garden with strict adherence to all social distancing guidelines.
Rick is a passionate communicator who delivers his wide breadth of knowledge with a sense of humour and enthusiasm.
Places are limited. Register by phoning PICAL reception 5952 1131 during office hours or online at www.trybooking.com/616420
The course starts on Thursday May 14, when you can join Rick and learn how to maximise your own home garden to save money, feed your family or maybe even generate an income.
Students will also be given access to online resources that Rick has gathered from his years of teaching and travel. As a recognised pre-accredited introductory course, students are well equipped to go onto a career in horticulture or further study.
The course runs for seven consecutive Thursdays from 10am to 1pm in the PICAL community garden with strict adherence to all social distancing guidelines.
Rick is a passionate communicator who delivers his wide breadth of knowledge with a sense of humour and enthusiasm.
Places are limited. Register by phoning PICAL reception 5952 1131 during office hours or online at www.trybooking.com/616420