- Succulents
- Spray Your Garden The Natural Way
- Soils
- Roses for Sub-Tropical Areas – Part 1
- RHS Chelsea Flower Show – 2024
- Propagation
- Palms
- Organic Workshop
- Natural Dyeing
- Native Plants for Home Gardens on Alstonville Plateau
- Native Animals
- Integrated Pest Management (IPM)
- Indoor Plants
- Health and Safety in the Garden – August 2024
- Growing vegetables
- Gardening Pearls of Wisdom June 2024
- Floristry
- Feature Foliage
- Cycad
- Compost or Worm Wee Tea Recipe
- Bromeliad
- Big Scrub Rainforest Plants for Home Gardens
- Aromatherapy
- A Master Class in Pruning – Phil Dudman May 2024
The guest speaker for August was, Susan Fitzpatrick, whose garden we visited in Alstonvale where she has carried out rainforest regeneration. Susan is a weed warrior and volunteers at the Lismore Rainforest Botanic Gardens.
Susan talked to us about safe work practices in the garden to prevent accidents. Susan stressed the need for protective clothing, correct tools, awareness of insects and animals and be prepared and aware.
Protect yourself with long sleeved shirts and pants, hat, sunscreen, boots and gloves. Carry a phone if away from the house. Carry water on a hot day.
Be aware of your own abilities. Get help if the task is too big or beyond your abilities. Be careful when lifting – bend you knees. Instead of pushing and pulling consider a lever instead.
To prevent muscle strain take regular breaks
Tools – carry safely and store safely. Leave is safe place. Use correct tool for the job. Ensure safety guards are on. Read instructions for all mechanical tools. Keep cords out of the way. Hoses can be a trip hazard
Mowers – ride on and hand mowers can slip on steep ground
Ladders – have someone with you. Don’t overreach
Garden aids – fertilizers, pest and disease controls – keep out of reach of children. Don’t store in containers with food labels. Organic fertilisers, pesticides can still be toxic.
Potting mix – wear gloves and mask when handling – fine particulates and potential to catch Legionnaires Disease.
If digging check for services underground
Plant placement – keep spiky plants away from paths.
Some plants are poisonous – Euphorbias, Cunjevoi, fungi, Daffodils, Angels Trumpet, Arum Lily.
Some plants are irritants – respiratory and skin contact – Native Hibiscus, Grevilleas, Oleander, Hydrangea, Rye Grass, wattle, Privet, Ginger, Jonquils
Check before buying
Animals and insects – beware of red back spider hiding in cool dark places. Snakes are scared of us so keep your distance. Snakes are protected animals
Birds – magpies and plovers swoop when nesting and with chicks
Know what to do in case of an accident. Keep up to date with first aid courses.
Keep tetanus immunization up to date.