Leaf, Root & Fruit Pty Ltd.

Timing of garden related events is critical to successful gardening. We develop an understanding of how seasonality moderates your garden through the influence of:

• Weather and rainfall
  
• Pests and diseases
  
• Flowering and fruiting patterns
• Deciduous trees such as fruit trees
• Spring ephemeral bulbs

This workshop provides the knowledge to plan the timing of planting, watering, pruning and pest control. We look at different methods of record keeping and how to use the information you capture, to be a better gardener. Look to nature for clues as to what to do and when to do it. Discover the secrets to growing that elusive Christmas tomato.

Topics covered:

• Local and Annual Weather Patterns of Victoria
• Seasonal Influences in the Garden
• Planning your Vegetable Patch Planting and Other Garden Activities
• Nature Based Indicators and Indigenous Calendars
• Gardening Diaries and Other Records

The class involves a combination of theory in a classroom setting, demonstrations and hands-on practical activities including:

• A tour of my 6-acre property to observe and discuss seasonal influences
• Sowing tomato seeds for spring planting
• Demonstration of my record keeping processes and how I use this data to become more efficient producers

By the end of the class you will have a greater understanding of the importance and influence of seasonality in the garden. You will have the skills and practical knowledge to start recording your observations and know how to use them to improve your gardening success.

Another great session - already bought my rain gauge…thought I was making observations in my garden but this was very comprehensive …enjoyed it as usual

Carol C.

Workshop Participant

What to Bring:

• Enthusiasm for learning
  
• Your lunch
  
• Water bottle
  
• Notebook and pen
  
• Closed toed, practical shoes (consider bringing gumboots)
  
• Appropriate Clothing as Kyneton can be cold and wet in winter

"Lots of ah-ha moments. I particularly enjoy the scientific framework that informs the workshops. Digestible and relevant information that is easy to apply in the home garden.”

Lynne F.

Workshop participant

About the facilitator

I’m Duncan Cocking and I’ve been growing fruit and vegetables since I was four years old. I support others to grow food and reconnect with nature through my business Leaf, Root & Fruit. I'm passionate about reconnecting you to nature via gardening. I write about growing food and living sustainably. I'm a cool-temperate gardener and permaculture educator with 10 years of experience hosting workshops.

“Fabulous workshop. You know your material so well and are able to deliver it in easily digestible form. I learned things I didn’t realise I needed to know. I loved having the science explained to counter some of the gardening folklore I’ve accepted without questioning…”

Wendy P.

About the facilities

In 2019 my young family and I moved from Melbourne to make a tree change to Kyneton, a small town 80 km north-west of the city in Victoria, Australia. Since then, I have been busy developing a permaculture-inspired garden ecosystem.

The property has an onsite classroom, with heating supplied by a wood burner. A split system acts as a back-up source of heating and cooling. The light filled, colourful classroom is kitted out with a large screen for running presentations (I promise that these presentations are almost entirely pictures and rarely contain words). The classroom has basic tea and coffee making facilities, ample car parking and a dedicated toilet.

My demonstration orchard contained within a netted enclosure provides opportunities for workshop participants to explore all aspects of growing fruit trees, and contains many examples of espaliered trees. I have designed and planted an extensive berry patch, market garden beds and edible forest gardens. The kitchen garden demonstrates food growing in a more typical backyard setting. 

Participants from all over the state attend our workshops. I look forward to hosting you at this exciting event.