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Free waterwise and environmentally sustainable gardening program for the prosLandscape gardeners, horticulturalists, nursery staff and gardening industry suppliers in West Gippsland are invited to attend a free TAFE-accredited training program in October, on waterwise and environmentally sustainable gardening. By Latrobe City Council - 16th September 2005 - Back to News Presented by Sustainable Gardening Australia, the Our Water Our Future Green Gardeners program will provide practical advice and information about better gardening options. The program will cover topics including water conservation, non-invasive plants, low chemical use, reduced stormwater pollution, greater use of indigenous plants and natural soil improvement.
All presenters are qualified trainers with years of practical experience in the gardening and nursery industries. The program recognises the important role landscapers and nursery staff have in providing good advice on waterwise and sustainable gardening practices to the community.
Professional gardeners who complete the Our Water Our Future Green Gardeners course will be registered on the Green Gardeners website (www.greengardeners.com.au). This will enable residents to easily find professional gardeners and suppliers, which are committed to water conservation and sustainable gardening.
Latrobe City Mayor, Councillor Bruce Lougheed, said water was becoming a scarcer and more valuable commodity, posing a significant challenge for home and municipal gardeners.
"There is general consensus that Gippsland’s climate is changing and that we will face dryer years in the future. As such, planning gardens that will use less water and using water in more sustainable ways are logical steps that we need to consider," Cr Lougheed said.
"Training those in the garden and landscaping industry to embrace and promote sustainable water use in their own projects or those of their clients, will pay dividends in years to come," Cr Lougheed said.
The Victorian Government’s Stormwater and Urban Water Conservation Fund and the West Gippsland Catchment Management Authority have combined to fund the Our Water Our Future Green Gardeners program being made available locally.
The training program will be held over two nights on the 18 and 25 October from 6.30-9.30pm at the civic precinct in Kay Street, Traralgon. Participants are required to attend both nights in order to receive certification. Places are limited, so bookings are essential.
To register for the Our Water Our Future Green Gardeners training program contact Sustainable Gardening Australia on (03) 9850 8165 or diana@sgaonline.org.au.
Source: www.gippsland.com Published by: news@gippsland.com
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