4 September 2024 | Learning the art of fruit tree pruning and planting was the theme for a recent workshop at Freesia Gardens in Kingston.
Landcare Tasmania project officer Sonja Ralph demonstrating best practice pruning techniques for fruit trees to be planted at Freesia Gardens. Photo credit: Dawn Green.
On a crisp, sunny winter's day, participants gathered at Freesia Gardens for an interactive session which involved shared decision making and the satisfaction of getting out into the gardens and planting approximately 15 fruit trees around the site. Roland from the Algona Reserve Landcare group and the Kingborough Landcare Network, and Kelly from Allen's Rivulet and Sandfly Landcare group joined the workshop to share their knowledge and help with the planting activities.
Sonja led a discussion on fruit tree pruning techniques and then worked with participants to get their opinions on where to cut each of the trees' branches and roots. Avid local gardener Di was a fabulous source of knowledge when deciding on best locations to plant the trees around the grounds.
This workshop forms part of Landcare Tasmania's Connecting Communities with Landcare project which aims to improve tenant well-being and connection through growing food and connecting with nature. At the heart of this program is connection and sustainability for tenant communities.
Landcare Tasmania is delivering a series of nature-based and food-growing workshops to the Freesia Gardens community, based on their interests and needs which resulted from a roundtable session conducted in September last year.
"What I get out of these workshops is I find harmony. Where there is harmony in a community, it is really lovely. I like seeing smiling faces, I like seeing people talking nicely to each other. To me it makes this place pleasant to live in." - Dragan
"The workshop was excellent. Sonja was very instructive and very patient with us. I think it's an excellent idea and brings people together.
It gives a positive vibe." - Danielle
Landcare Tasmania is undertaking the Connecting Communities with Landcare project in partnership with Centacare Evolve Housing. The project is funded by the Department for Social Services as part of the Strong and Resilient Communities Activity - Inclusive Communities grants program.
