Water wise workshop to help local gardens weather a dry summer

WITH a dry summer forecast and unpredictable weather conditions increasingly likely Wonthaggi gardeners are being encouraged to learn practical ways to conserve water to keep their gardens healthy through dry conditions.

A free Living Lightly Water Wise Gardening Workshop will take place on Saturday November 21 from 10am to 11.30am at the Wonthaggi Community Harvest Garden.

Delivered by Harriet Pellizzer in partnership with Bass Coast Shire Council the workshop will focus on simple, achievable ways to create productive and resilient gardens while making better use of available water.

Wonthaggi Community Harvest Garden secretary Jessica Harrison said the session would give participants practical water saving skills to protect their gardens.

"In our workshop we'll be learning about how to protect our garden from unpredictable weather events and to look after it during a possibly very hot dry summer," Ms Harrison said.

"We'll be doing mulching and learning about how to conserve the water that we have, whether it's from a tank or whether it's water that we have to pay for.

"We will also be sharing our own tips about how to look after our gardens."

The workshop will explore how small changes to gardening practices can make a significant difference to soil moisture, plant health and water efficiency.

Participants will learn about the benefits of mulch, compost and organic matter in improving soil structure and helping the ground retain moisture for longer periods.

The session will also cover plant selection and placement, including how to choose resilient varieties and group plants according to their individual watering requirements.

Smart watering techniques will be a major focus, with advice on when and how to water effectively, different ways of delivering water to plants, and practical options for capturing, directing and reusing available water around the garden.

Whether tending a productive vegetable garden, maintaining an established backyard, growing plants in pots or starting a garden for the first time, participants will be able to take away a range of ideas suited to their own circumstances.

According to Ms Harrison the aim is to demonstrate that conserving water does not mean sacrificing a healthy, attractive or productive garden. “Thoughtful planning, improved soil and more efficient watering can instead help gardens remain productive while reducing unnecessary water use.”

Ms Harrison said the workshop would also provide an opportunity for local gardeners to share their experiences and learn from one another.

The Living Lightly series is part of a broader series of workshops designed to encourage practical, sustainable approaches to everyday living. Attendance is free, but registration is essential to ensure adequate materials are available for participants and organisers can contact attendees if arrangements change due to weather.

Bookings can be made through the Bass Coast Community Action Portal at https://thecap.com.au/