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Bilpin Garden Clubs first meet of the year drew record numbers with gardening guru Costa Georgiadis on hand to assist with plant judging and offering his insights into creating holistic garden ecosystems. Costa’s trademark humour, excitement and connection to community were at their shining best. Best known as host of the ABCs popular show Gardening Australia and as a passionate advocate for environmental sustainability, Costa seamlessly connected with people of all ages. Junior gardeners felt right at home with his down-to-earth manner and sense of fun.
Bilpin local and Young Australian Gardener of the Year, James Hood, nearly stole the show in his extended interview with Costa. James is a cool as a cucumber behind the microphone and delighted the expectant crowd with his anecdotes about blossoming from rookie gardener to national award winner. His love of gardening was seeded by his grandparents who needed help tending their plants. They taught him to propagate, starting with “almost indestructible” bromeliads, developing his confidence and enjoyment at seeing things grow, he then started selling plants at local markets. James’s natural entrepreneurial skills germinated as readily as his expanding plant collection. He clearly remembers his first sale and has meticulously recorded every transaction since. He now produces seedlings for commercial growers of edible greens.
Not wanting to put all his eggs in one basket, James has expanded into free range egg production. Using a chicken tractor, his movable coop allows the hens’ access to fresh grass while they provide free fertilizer, soil cultivation and weed control. He has plans to expand this operation, assisted by his younger siblings who are “on the payroll”. Pretty impressive for a 13-year-old! James’ advice to young gardeners is “don’t worry if some plants die” just keep it fun!
Costa spoke about attracting pollinators to your garden as the basis of a healthy ecosystem. Flowering plants attract insect pollinators (bees, bugs and flies) which in turn, attract the small birds that eat them. By creating layers in a garden, from the ground up, you can create habitat for birds, butterflies and lizards. Even set aside areas that are not “people friendly” with spikey plants such as hakeas to provide a safe haven for small birds. He suggested that when you see birds in your garden, take note of what’s attracting them, “unpack what is bringing the wildlife to your garden”.
Bilpin Garden Club meets monthly and new members are always welcome. They have curated an impressive seed bank from unusual vegetables and flowering plants. Members are able to take part in plant swaps, competitions, buy discounted organic fertilizers and be part of a friendly community that is always willing to share their knowledge and help those wanting to learn. The group includes experts on propagation, fabric dyeing using plants, harvesting your produce, and you may bump into a garden guru or two. All enquiries to admin@bilpingardenclub.org.au
For those intrigued by body building veggies, biggest is best when it comes to zucchini comps, with the winning entry a whopping 3.2 kg! Contestants were given 3 seeds to cultivate and nurture late last year in time for the judging on Saturday.
