JERRY Coleby-Williams of ABC Gardening Australia fame is bringing his green thumbs to the Southern Downs to discuss innovative house and gardening ideas at two sustainable living workshops next month.
Southern Downs Regional Council community services manager Sheila Stebbings said the council was delighted to host the seminars and was keen to support environmentally sustainable practices, lifelong learning and a healthy, active Southern Downs.
“We will hold two events – Integration of House and Garden for Sustainable Living Workshops, one at Warwick Town Hall on 13 March from 5.30pm to 8.30pm and then another workshop at Stanthorpe Civic Centre on 14 March from 10am to 1pm,” Ms Stebbings said.
“Jerry Coleby-Williams, who many will know and watch regularly on the ABC’s Gardening Australia, will discuss a number of topics including the 21st century cottage garden and creating and maintaining a sustainable house and garden.
“Jerry’s expertise and enthusiasm for these topics is infectious and we hope many people are inspired by his innovative strategies.”
Mr Coleby-Williams said he looked forward to coming to the Southern Downs and strongly believed there were many local people already creating sustainable homes and gardens.
“I’m hoping my visit can build on what people are already doing and also get people to share ideas and thoughts,” the television personality said.
“With cottage gardens these days we find people have more of an emphasis on integrating biodiversity management, pest and disease control and horticulture.
“I’ll be talking about how plant and animal allies will help you to put traditional, seasonal, organic food on the table.
“I’ll also be talking about my own experiences and how I have worked to build a model, affordable sustainable house and garden.
“I’ll also address how my house, garden and household have become integrated and interdependent, and survived the extremes of drought and flood,” he said.
Registration is free, however bookings are requested for catering purposes by 10 March.
Anyone who wants to book a place can phone the council’s community development officer Gwen Jones on 1300 MY SDRC (1300 697 372) or email gwen.jones@sdrc.qld.gov.au with their name, contact number and workshop date/venue.
