Camden Festival Talks Program

Presented by Major Sponsor Inspire Energy

Want to ace spring in your garden? Come along and hear local experts talk about everything from to bee keeping at the inaugural Camden Garden Fes- tival.

Time/date: 9.30am – 2.30pm, Saturday 22nd September, 2018 Location: The main room, Upstairs at Fred’s, 100 Argyle Street, Camden. Price: $10 per talk.

9.30am – 10.30am – THE VITAL IMPORTANCE OF BEES

Come and learn about bee keeping and taste local honey

Caroline Clatworthy, President of Macarthur Beekeepers Association Incorporated, will explain the vital role of bees in the pollination of fruit and vegetables, talk about the com- plex social structures inside a bee hive and help you get started if you would like to host a hive or start your own.

10.30am – 11.30am – ORGANIC FARMING PRINCIPLES

Have you ever wanted to buy acreage and start a farm? Lizzie did it! Come and hear her story.

Lizzie Buscaino from Piccolo Farm a spray-free farming operation near Thirlmere, will share her journey into organic farming, the benefits and challenges of life on the land and how you can apply organic farming principles at home in your own gar- den. 11.30am – 12.30pm – GARDEN DESIGN BASICS

Are you planning to build a new garden or redesign an existing one? Narelle can help!

Narelle Happ from A Garden for Life is a and horticulturalist who spe- cialises in native garden and permaculture design. She will explain the basics of garden design, from understanding aspect (where the sun comes from), figuring out where to place the beds, improving your soil and selection.

12.30pm – 1.30pm – DREAM & GARDENS AS THERAPY

Gardens are so much more than a beautiful addition to society. They can provide valuable therapy. Listen Roman’s amazing plans for a Five Senses Garden in Rhodes Park.

Roman Deguchi from Inner West Neighbour Aid (pictured above) is a passionate advocate for the need to create inclusive gardens and green spaces for people with , men- tal illness, and the elderly. Roman believes that garden projects that are inclusive mean all members of the community can benefit and enjoy them.

His dream of a truly inclusive public garden is about to come true in the form of The 5 Senses Garden in Rhodes Park. This innovative green community space will feature five key elements: an edible harvest garden, a sensory garden, communal workshop and eating area, accessible playground and a nature play garden.

Come along and hear how Roman got this project off the ground in partnership with the local council and community, and what it will look like.

1.30 – 2.30pm – EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT SOIL HEALTH AND IM- PROVEMENT

Come along and meet C91.3FM expert Angie Thomas and learn about the most important part of gardening success. There will be an opportunity to ask general gardening questions as well.

Angie Thomas from Yates and Garden Me Happy is a Consultant who will ex- plain the critical importance of understanding the soil type in your garden, explain how to test it (it’s really easy with a testing kit), explain what the soil type and pH means in terms of what to plant, and finally, give you the lowdown on how to improve lousy soil. Garden- ing begins and ends with soil health – it’s the MOST important thing. Get this right and the rest is easy!

Tickets are available online at www.camdengardenfestival.com