A Sustainable approach

Horticulture practice at the Farm strives to encourage biodiversity and maintain an environment of sustainable farm management, following Permaculture and Landcare values and ethics. This is achieved with the involvement of members of the Farm community - volunteers, community garden plot holders, students and  occasional farm visitors. 

Sustainability is the basis of all horticultural practices on the Farm. This is maintained by only using organic methods of pest and weed control and sustainable ingredients in propagation media. Biodiversity is maintained by careful species selection of endemic or indigenous riparian corridors, heritage fruit and landscaping, and food for human and animal consumption. 

Horticultural activities provide skills in:

Growing food that is prepared and sold at the Farm during school holidays, Family Days, the Farmers Market, and other Farm events

Producing food for the animals, including the knowledge of which fodder trees, crops and weeds can be fed to which particular animals.

Propagating plants, both edible and useful ornamental, planted at the Farm and for sale.

Producing a diverse range of heritage fruit and trees.

Weed management through selected planting, and appropriate use of weeds either as food, herbal medicine, bedding, mulch or compost.

Production of compost and worm castings, which can be used on the Farm and excess sold.

Planting, care and use of indigenous plants of the area through revegetation plantings.

Planting and management of diverse areas of interest, i.e. shelterbelts, community gardens orchards and landscaping.