Free garden workshops to help save our rivers

14/9/03
Free gardening workshops will be held throughout the metropolitan area to provide information on eco-friendly garden designs, Environment Minister Judy Edwards announced today.
Dr Edwards, who launched the Great Gardens program at the annual Swan-Canning Cleanup Program Community Forum in Forrest Place, said the need to educate the community on healthy gardening practices had been highlighted by the recent algal bloom and associated fish kills in the Swan and Canning Rivers.
"This new initiative, which will start next week, will provide people with the information and practical skills necessary to have a great garden at the same time as reducing nutrient losses from their gardens," she said.
"Perth has a range of different soil types that suit different plants and require varying levels of fertiliser and water.
"These three-hour workshops will help people understand the different soil types and how to get the most out of them.
"They will also offer advice on dealing with pests and diseases effectively, attracting birds and wildlife and improving the beauty and value of properties."
Dr Edwards said the State Government-funded workshops would provide a range of environmental, social and economic principles, offering easy to understand, practical and convenient advice on creating sustainable gardens.

The Great Gardens program is a Swan-Canning Cleanup Program initiative, delivered in partnership with the Nursery and Garden Industry Association and the Water Corporation.

The workshops are being supported by local councils who are providing venues and developing demonstration gardens. Great Gardens workshops will be held from mid-September to November in Fremantle, Melville, Bayswater, Gosnells, Kalamunda, South Perth, Leederville, Armadale, Wanneroo, Mundaring and Subiaco.
People can register on line at http://www.greatgardens.info or by calling the Great Gardens hotline on 9335 6856.
Further information on how the community can help the Swan and Canning Rivers is available by contacting the Swan River Trust on 9278 0400 or visiting the website at http://www.wrc.wa.gov.au/srt
Minister's office: 9220 5050