The group got together for our monthly meeting this afternoon, and we had a great time learning about how Michael keeps his garden green during the summer months even with the scorching temperatures we have here in Melton. He has a fantastic irrigation system set up that is all fed by rainwater and the bi-weekly mains water we are allowed whilst on water restrictions.
Just last Saturday his garden featured on Vasili’s Garden which airs on the community Channel 31. It used to be shown on SBS.
Here is the write up about what Vasili thought about Michael’s garden; and here is the 25 minute episode which was very entertaining and the entire family got involved.
Here are some photos taken by Kim during the workshop.
Some of the members listening intently to Michael,
 The proud gardener! |  Green everywhere. |
 The runner bean bed. |  The broad beans are still going. |
How to stop birds from digging up you cucumbers and keep the soil moist at the same time.
 Sunflowers against the west wall. They were about 5 foot high. |  More ways to keep the birds from digging up your plants. |
And finally a way to keep the cabbage moths off of your cabbages any time of the year. A simple frame with mosquito netting. It hides the shape of the plants, and stops the moths from laying eggs on the leaves.
His irrigation set up was all set up to work from low pressure rainwater that was gravity feed from smaller tanks set higher up on the property that he filled from his main tank. His garden is an inspiration to anyone who wants to grow food in a dry area, as the west of Melbourne has now become, and all the member took away a swag of ideas on how to implement this type of garden into their own veggie patch.
From all the member, a big thank you to Michael and Carolyn for letting us into their home and showing us around there green oasis. You were great hosts.
Guess what? It is now raining for the first time in a month! There will be full tanks for everyone tomorrow!
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