FROM humble beginnings in Fremantle five years ago, the team of intrepid gardeners behind Great Gardens is back to celebrate their anniversary where they began, with a day of free workshops at Fremantle Town Hall on December 2.

The team, lead by Chris Ferreira, is as passionate as ever about gardening for sustainability and today travels the state, from Exmouth to Esperance with support from organisations like the Water Corporation, The Swan River Trust and Synergy teaching people how to use less or use more wisely those organisations precious resources.

Chris describes the Fremantle workshop as a free mega sustainability event with workshops and displays. A highlight will be a lively demonstration on how to turn a sandy, baron plot into a thriving native garden. 11am to 1pm features the Great Gardens workshop, 2 to 4pm Great Food Gardens, 5 to 7pm Inhouse Water Efficiency and 7pm to 9pm Energy Efficiency.

“We’ve been running for five years and in that time estimate we’ve had 30,000 people through our workshops making it the largest program of its kind in Australia but we know we’ve still got a long way to go,” Chris says.

“Australia is one of the highest producers of greenhouse emissions on the planet and despite being one of the driest continents we still consume huge amounts of water in our homes and gardens especially through water guzzling lawns and poorly designed and adapted gardens.

“But we believe that we can change profoundly people’s attitudes by large education programs with the ultimate aim of bringing about a significant shift in the way we think about, use and value our natural resources. 

“We teach people that with clever design, soil improvement, species selection and mulching you can have a beautiful and sustainable garden that uses a fraction of the water, nutrients and energy of the traditional landscape.”

To book or for more information contact the Great Gardens hotline on 1300 369 833.

Photo shows City of Fremantle’s Giles Pickard with Great Gardens’ Chris Ferreira back where it all began at Fremantle Town Hall for the December 2 workshop.      

Press release prepared by Kerry Faulkner, Media Officer, City of Fremantle, 9482 9827.