As we approach the end of the year, we’re reflecting on the growth and abundance we’ve witnessed at Murnong Mummas. From successful seed germination to flourishing flowers and innovative projects, our garden has been a hub of activity and learning. We’ve continued to deepen our connection with the land and our community, celebrating the rich tapestry of Indigenous knowledge and sustainable practices. This season has been a testament to the power of perseverance, collaboration, and a deep respect for Country.
Our efforts in propagating and nurturing Meeakitch seeds have yielded remarkable results, demonstrating the power of observation and experimentation. We’ve also been delighted by the vibrant blooms of Pigface, the ease of propagating Warrigal Greens, and the success of our recycled cold frame. Each project has brought its own unique challenges and rewards, teaching us valuable lessons about resilience and resourcefulness.
Meeakitch Seed Success: A Journey of Nurturing
Building on our March efforts, we’re thrilled to report that our Meeakitch seed propagation was a resounding success. Inspired by insights from Sass and Mel, we carefully nurtured the seeds into robust tube stock. We remember the delicate process of transplanting the tiny seedlings, ensuring they had the best possible start. These plants will soon find homes within the Harcourt Organic Farming Co-op and among local community members, continuing the cycle of growth and sharing. We envision these plants thriving in their new homes, providing sustenance, habitat and connection for generations to come.
Pigface in Bloom: A Carpet of Color
As our flowering season draws to a close, the Pigface is blooming brightly, creating a carpet of vibrant color across our plot. We’ve propagated over 100 new plants from a single parent, creating a lush ground cover that supports soil structure, habitat, and pollinators. The sight of these flowers opening with the morning sun is a daily joy, a reminder of the resilience and beauty of native flora. We’ve observed how the flowers attract a variety of pollinators, from bees to butterflies, each playing a vital role in our ecosystem.
Warrigal Greens: A Gift of Abundance
Warrigal Greens continue to amaze us with their prolific seed production and ease of propagation. The abundance of seeds beneath the plants allows for effortless transplantation, providing a reliable source of greens even in uncertain weather. This foolproof process is a comfort and a testament to the resilience of indigenous plants. We’ve learned to appreciate the generosity of these plants, their ability to thrive in a variety of conditions, and their invaluable contribution to our food system.
Recycled Cold Frame: A Lesson in Resourcefulness
As we prepare for our greenhouse build, we put past wisdom to the test by creating a cold frame from recycled shower doors. This ingenious project, inspired by a tip from one of our mentors Sass, allowed us to protect our seedlings and propagations during the frostiest time of year. Salvaging and repurposing materials has proven to be a rewarding and effective approach to gardening. We’ve learned that innovation often comes from necessity, and that even the most unexpected materials can be transformed into something beautiful and functional.
Continuing Our Journey: A Path of Learning and Growth
We are immensely proud of the progress we’ve made this year. Our commitment to fostering biodiversity, enhancing soil health, and sharing Indigenous knowledge remains unwavering. We look forward to continuing our journey, building a food-secure future for our community. We’ve learned that gardening is not t just about cultivating plants, but also about cultivating relationships – with the land, with each other, and with the rich heritage of Indigenous knowledge that guides our work. We've seen how small acts of care and collaboration can yield abundant results, and we're excited to see what the next season brings. We hope that you, our community, continue to be inspired and engaged by the work we do. Thank you for being a part of our journey.
Dum/Bunjil - Wurrumuk/Dhurung are Dja Dja Wurrung for seasons on this Country. This information has been taken from a Djaara Seasonal Calendar compiled by Uncle Rick Nelson and Karl Just, with contributions from Frances Cincotta, Elaine Bayes, Damien Cook, Tanya Loos, Geoff Park, Cassia Read and Trace Balla.
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