Something funny is also happening in my SFG. I added mushroom compost to the mix from the local farm and all week I have had the soil errupt with mushrooms! An added bonus! I have no idea how long it will last but the kids think it is so much fun to burrow into the little mounds to find the "marshmallows" as my daughter calls them.

Hi, Shane,

I am one of those who read your blogs with interest. I love to hear what others are doing, and it is a big encouragement to keep trying!

I have a few blogs, too, so you can find out about me there as well. Lately I have spent more time on the internet researching Peak Oil and reading peoples' blogs than in my garden (oops!) but I keep checking in with the relocalize site to keep local.

In Kenilworth, members of our community are organising a local food festival for next Easter. It is still in the planning stages but I am on the organising committee so I will keep everyone up to date with details. I hope this raises community awareness and forms links between growers and consumers locally as well as developing business opportunities for all concerned. I would like it to continue into a growers market of some sort, or a farmers co-op or something.

I have been doing water quality checks with the Mary River Catchment Co-ordinating Committee down on my river for the last year, also. That's been interesting and I am getting a grant through them next year for bank regeneration so that will keep us busy for a while. I hope to plant some bush tucker foods among it so it has survival value as well ;)

I have been inspiring my daughters to grow veges at their houses and start with a few hens. Up to date they have left it all to me to grow the veges and the eggs. I said if peak oil changed our economy then they would all need to grow something, even if it was different and we swapped! They are getting the idea.

Anyway, read my blogs. I am always happy to discuss issues. I put the little ones to bed and then hit the computor!