Ngulingah Nursery

Spring is Awesome. Spring Means Warmth.

Basically, it’s a midpoint, and an indicator we are heading towards warmer weather and longer days “The equinox is when we have equal amounts of daylight and nighttime, ”.

After that, we will be seeing more daylight than nighttime, and it will start warming up. SIMILARLY, WHILE EVERYONE WILL NO DOUBT GET EXCITED ABOUT SUMMER ON DECEMBER 1, THE SEASON DOESN’T REALLY KICK IN UNTIL THE SUMMER SOLSTICE ON DECEMBER 22.

When does the summer solstice occur in Australia? Summer and Winter Solstice. The summer solstice occurs once a year in December when the Sun's track across the Australian sky reaches its highest point. It is the day that has the most daylight hours of any in the year. The summer solstice usually occurs on 22 December but can occur between 21 and 23 December.

This obviously begs the question ― why do we still count seasons as starting on the first of the month when there is all this equinox and solstice activity happening later on? “Because Australia is a continent, we tend to stick to the first of the month" .

“There aren’t really defining seasons for an entire continent. Especially being more tropical in the north, it doesn’t carry as much significance in that respect. “It is a bit easier to remember, as well. ” So all in all, yes... it’s spring, so Instagram away. But keep in mind the equinox is still a little while away, so don’t pack away that coat just yet.

Ngulingah Nursery is a social enterprise of Ngulingah Local Aboriginal Land Council, focusing on the preservation and production of Bushfood and medicine plants, including some that are unique. As well as the propagation and sale of local endemic plants.

Ngulingah Nursery | Facebook www.ngulingah.org.au

Lismore

The Great Spring Garden

The Lismore Community Garden is a joint project of Rainbow Region Community Farms Inc and the Northern Rivers Social Development Council.

We have received funding from the Commonwealth Dept. of Health and Ageing to establish a community garden in Lismore, for the benefit of all Lismore residents. Lismore City Council is supporting the garden through provision of the land.

LCG is a friendly, social place and each Saturday there is a shared lunch using produce from the garden. There is always a lot to do at the garden and everyone in the community is welcome to become involved.

Volunteers can help out in a variety of ways, including: Planting, watering, weeding, maintaining, and harvesting fruit and vegetables grown in a variety of small garden plots, using organic principles and water-conserving methods. Helping out with general garden maintenance, including mowing, whipper snipping, and keeping the native borders and grounds looking neat and tidy. Helping in the nursery with sowing seeds and nurturing seedlings for the garden as well as saving seeds from our crops. Getting involved in the various construction projects (currently building a skillion roof and new garden beds) as the garden develops. From time to time, we conduct demonstrations and workshops about sustainable gardening techniques and healthy eating, as well as more social events such as solstice celebrations.

LCG is also developing garden plots that can be rented on an annual basis by both individuals (such as those without their own garden) and community groups to provide activities for their people.

Lismore Vegie and Herb Gardeners Network FACEBOOK Public group 3.1K members

This group for those of us interested in growing food and herbs or people who simply love food and natural medicine etc.

Its for people who want to trade or share seed, cuttings, advice, recipes, and excess produce talk about urban planning and community gardens - guerilla gardening, food security, permaculture, perma blitz, energy exchange and barter - compost, pests or even if you want to post pics of your gardens or plants that you know and love. Basically a healthy exchange of information and shared resources/grass roots technology to help our community become more resilient in a food security sense, and to inspire people to get in there and grow stuff ! Welcome and enjoy ! JOIN US ON FACEBOOK

Ph: 6622 1568 contact@rrcf.org.au www.rrcf.org.au

Locally grown plants and locally owned

At Lismore Garden Centre, you will find everything you need to create the garden of your dreams. We have a complete range of seeds and plants for you to choose from. With our experienced gardening team, we will help you find the right plants for your soil and the Northern Rivers’ environment.

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Lismore Garden Centre TRADING HOURS Mon-Fri 9-5 and Saturday 9-2 NOW OPEN Sundays 10-2 67 Union Street, Lismore (02) 6621 7305

Brachychiton bidwillii Little Kurrajong and Fiery Skimmer Dragonfly Photo by Phil Jarman

A volunteer organisation establishing and maintaining a botanic garden in Lismore NSW, specialising in native plants, mostly rainforest, which naturally grow within a 200km radius of the city - a great place to walk, see the wildlife or just be.

Davidsonia jerseyana Davidson's Plum in flower These Gardens are a wonderful place to visit with big colourful information signs, individual tree labels, paths, seats, picnic areas and of course a superb collection of local rainforest and other local native plants. It is a great place to take visitors, and for kids to explore.

The COOL CUBBY near the first car park and SOLAR CLOCK in Sensory Garden are great favourites. A very new feature is the little walkway and lookout in PALM GULLY at the western end of the Gardens, just beyond the Nursery.

The HOOP PINE FOREST, at the eastern end, is a lovely cool shady place to walk. The paths, unsealed but well graded, take you up to a stony LABYRINTH at the top and the newly installed BIG OLD CHURCH BELL, a little further along the ridge.

Friends of Lismore Rainforest Botanic Gardens Inc (FLRBG)

We are open: Monday - Friday 7.30 am to 3.30 pm, Saturday and Sunday 9 am - 4 pm (may change due to Covid restrictions)

VOLUNTEER WORK DAYS AT THE GARDENS

are held every Wednesday morning from 8 am to 11 am and on the last Sunday of each month from 9 am to 11 am

Viola banksii Native Violet Photo by Marie Matthew

FLRBG is a non-profit group of volunteers working in conjunction with the Lismore City Council to establish, develop and maintain the Lismore Rainforest Botanic Gardens. The Friends were officially formed in December 1998 but the dream of establishing a Botanic Garden in the Lismore area had been around since 1988. The Gardens opened officially in June 2013.

313 Wyrallah Rd, East Lismore NSW 2480 www.facebook.com/FLRBG 02 6629 1435 | 0450 596 705

Mobile Caterers - Spring is Perfect for Picnics

High Teas for all occasions Corporate Catering Gourmet Picnics for couples or groups. Princess Parties that wow your Princess, or teen… We are a mobile High Tea service. High Teas are great for Morning Teas, afternoon teas, lunch and light dinners, even breakfast. High Teas can replace a meal. Not just for the ladies, men enjoy our service as well.

High Tea Service can be used for Wedding Receptions, Bridal Showers, Baby Showers, Birthdays, Wakes, Little Princess Parties, corporate morning teas and the list goes on. Fundraising events are our speciality, really enjoy theming the event. Our packages include Fine China, Linen, Silverware, Table Centres, Gourmet Food and Boutique Tea. We set the tables, we serve and we clean up. All you need to do is supply the tables, chairs, guests and alcohol if you desire.

Gourmet Picnics - Wedding Receptions, Company Picnics, or a romantic Picnic to pop the question. Picnic packages start from just $20 per head. Picnics with the old fashioned picnic baskets, or set up Buffet Style with Decor. Adult packages start from $25 per head and go up to $50 per head for our delux package. Children's parties start from $16 per head and go up to $20 per head. Corporate morning teas will be quoted separately, depending on the requirements. Catering only option available. Morning tea Packages start from $5.50 per head.

74 Trinity Dr Lismore, NSW, Australia 2480 0423 775 921 info@hightealadies.com.au www.hightealadies.com.au

Australian natives and proteas are grown fresh on our local farm. Unique gemstone jewellery, beautiful wood products, native themed gift lines and cards.