FARM YARNS Spring 2012
We would like to acknowledge generous support from the following organisations:
The Collingwood Children’s Farm are proud to acknowledge the Wurundjeri of the Kulin Federation as the traditional owners of the Abbotsford Precinct Heritage Farmlands, the land we respect, care for and farm on behalf of all Victorians. The Farm thanks all Wurundjeri Elders past and present, for their guardianship of these lands.
Farm Patron - Mrs Elizabeth Chernov, Government House
2011-12 Committee of Management Cheryl Cameron (Treas.)
Mikyla Hart
Netta McArthur (Pres.)
Helen Semmler (Sec.)
Lachlan Fitch
Pip Hay
Lily O’Neill
Greg Sparks (V.Pres.)
Jane Ogilvie
Richard Ginsburg
Cr Amanda Stone
Alex Walker (Farm Manager) Farm Yarns is a quarterly publication from the Collingwood Children’s Farm (CCF). The CCF, a not-for-profit, educational small-holding city farm was established in 1979 as a “country experience for city folk”. The Farm is sited on the Abbotsford Precinct Heritage Farmlands, the oldest continually farmed land in Victoria (since 1836). The CCF is guided by a Committee of Management, elected annually. Front Cover photo - Biddy the Dairy Shorthorn with day-old calf Daphne; Heather the Ayrshire looking on with interest Rear Cover photo - Wattle blooms next to the ménage signal that Spring is on its way (images by Andrew Phillips)
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Farm Manager
Alex Walker
Managers Report Rain and a bit more rain! Winter has been rea-
Annie Edney’s amazing Fire Sculptures) and
sonably generous so far, the APHF paddocks
old favourites (like the children’s Lantern Pa-
are looking green and many young visitors
rade). To all the Farm Staff, Committee of
have delighted in splashing and jumping
Management and Young Farmer parent volun-
about in puddles found around the Farm.
teers who worked extremely hard to make the
Speaking both as a parent and grandparent, it
evening such an enjoyable occasion, a very big
is always heartening to see children simply
(and much appreciated) thank you.
being children at the Farm, having fun and experiencing the outdoors - feeling the Seasons
NAIDOC (the National Aboriginal and Torres
instead of sitting inside and playing Xbox.
Strait Islanders Day Observance Committee) Day was held (as part of NAIDOC week) at
The other great thing about visiting the Farm
the Farm on Thursday 5th July. Thanks to the
in Winter/Spring is that we are often a bit less
Victorian Aboriginal Housing Board and City
busy than in the warmer months. So rug up
of Yarra for their continued support of this im-
well, put on the gumboots and come down -
portant celebration. We are always proud to
all the animals will be very happy to see you!
recognise the Wurundjeri of the Kulin Federation as the traditional owners of APHF, and
Speaking of the Seasons, it’s almost time for
celebrate both their relationship and that of all
lambing and kidding to begin at the Farm for
Aboriginal people with the land - wherever it
2012. Keep an ear open for the sounds of bleat-
is located across Australia. Our many NAI-
ing across the paddocks - and also mooing, as
DOC visitors enjoyed a wide variety of activi-
Biddy, our new Dairy Shorthorn cow is due to
ties such as boomerang painting, damper mak-
give birth at any moment.
ing, Aboriginal dance and crafts.
This year’s Solstice Bonfire was a great success,
As Farm Manager it was an honour to repre-
with exciting new elements to enjoy (such as
sent your Farm at the re-opening celebrations
Below: A gaggle of (our Chinese Grey) goosenecks!
of the Good Shepherd Chapel (in St Heliers Street, opposite the carpark) on 24th June. On this day in 1863, the first four nuns of the Good Shepherd Sisters arrived in Melbourne. Having founded the Abbotsford Convent, amongst the very first items they were donated was a milking cow and stool! To this day, all our farm visitors can continue to experience what it is to milk a cow - on the same farmlands the Sisters farmed for 112 years. The celebrations were an engaging, inclusive and
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multi-denominational sharing of the Sisters’
dees), the Farm is a much-appreciated oppor-
past and ongoing relationship with the local
tunity to experience a little of the country in
community. I would encourage all Farm visi-
the city. Cleaning chicken pens, feeding the
tors to pause and enjoy the newly-restored and
animals, milking the cow and grooming the
accessible Good Shepherd Chapel, its Interpre-
horses are but a few of the many farm chores
tative Centre and contemplative spaces.
that make this programme a positive and engaging way for children to make new friends,
It was pleasing to host a visit to the Farm by
build responsibility, develop confidence and
Peter Tuohey, newly-elected President of the
enjoy learning to work with others. We run the programme three times a year, all booked online at www.trybooking.com. The Farm Cafe renovations are continuing, with things really starting to progress. The centre of the Farm has experienced occasional disruption with the building works, so as we seek to continually improve the infrastructure and experience for all our visitors, I want to thank everyone for their patience. Nadine and Marco will continue to do their excellent job of providing good coffee (for the parents) and
Above: The old Farm Café gets ready for its rebuild
tasty treats (for the kids) at the Coffee Cart unVictorian Farmers Federation (VFF). Peter, a 5
th
til the Farm Cafe reopens.
generation grain, wool and lamb farmer from Pyramid Hill in Northern Victoria, generously
We have a great working partnership with
took several hours from his busy schedule to
Bunnings Warehouse; they now host their an-
tour and appreciate the many ways the Farm
nual statewide training day at the Farm in the
supports Victorian farmers (eg public educa-
middle of August. This allows Bunnings staff
tion, our Farmers Market, etc). The Farm are
to try out all types of power and gardening
Small Holding members of the VFF, and very
tools (plus we get to see what we might need
grateful for the ongoing support and interest
as well for the Farm).
they have shown in the unique farming experience we provide for the local and wider com-
As Farm Manager it is always an interesting
munity. Visit the VFF at www.vff.org.au.
and engaging challenge to work for and represent your farm at many different levels. One
For all our July school holiday programme
amazing moment has presented itself in our
participants (some of whom are regular atten-
invitation to speak at the 11th European Federa-
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tion of City Farms (EFCF) annual conference in September. In all likelihood I will be on a plane to Germany as you read this! Apart from sharing what we do (and how we do it) on a world -stage level, it is the potential to bring back new ideas and opportunities for the Farm that is one of the most exciting possible outcomes that accompanies this honour. The EFCF conference will be held in Lübeck, Northern Germany and more details can be found at www.cityfarms.org. On behalf of the Farm I would like acknowledge the sudden passing of, and loss to our community of Erwin Claus. Erwin, the alwayssmiling, warm-hearted and generous partner of Sue Love (herself a wonderful supporter of the Farm, serving on the Committee and making tussie-mussies at our market stall for many years) will be deeply missed. Both our thoughts of support, and respect for Erwin go out to Sue and his family.
Above: Bridget feeding last year’s lambs - keep an eye out for this Season’s new arrivals!
Left, below: Nadine and Marco have kept good coffee and tasty focaccia’s flowing during Farm Café renovations
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3 PHOTOS 1-2 What to build now we’ve torn it down? Cafe works continue ... 3 Yummy Winter vegetables from garden plotter Mikyla 4 Jean-Pierre looking stylish 5 Family Day tractor fun 6 The new service area of the Farm Cafe takes shape. Watch this space!
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Bridget Bainbridge/ Nick Karavokiros
Farm News Team Leaders Report The last year has been very busy, with an everincreasing amount of activity happening around the Farm. Twelve months ago, the Farm was just finishing the last buildings on our mammoth building project; and now we find ourselves building again, this time refurbishing the cafe. And at the same time the bike track is being overhauled by the Council! The Farm is looking very different today. The Farm is feeling very different, with a buzz of activity and a real sense of purpose in the air, that only a few years ago I can remember wishing we had. Fundamentally though, the Farm is quintessentially the same, a community within a community, an extended family or village, call it what you will, for many of our volunteers, Below: Happy 21st birthday Zac! (altered image)
workers, members and others. A chance and place to renew, refresh and reinvent yourself. The Three R’s. With Spring just around the corner and all the animal work that that entails, we are awaiting the arrival of our first lambs, and also the arrival of Biddy’s calf. The new calf has been longwaited for, as its arrival will mean that Heather (who has been milking for 16 months now) can have a break! Nick has been busily pruning all the fruit and olive trees across the Farm and has nearly finished. The next job is to clean out, paint, and get working the Incubator Shed and incubator for the next season’s chicks. We have found a latent talent in Tuesday volunteer Roger, who it turns out is an excellent signwriter. Beautiful new signs are going up all over the Farm, both on the paddocks and farm buildings. The new Volunteer Room is also up and running in the new Machinery Shed, with light and space aplenty. A very pleasant change from the dark and cramped room in the Barn. The new animal shelter in the Witches Garden is finished thanks to Nick and the Year 9 Sophia Mundi kids. Also the fences in the poultry pens are now completed, so fresh greens can be easily grown for the chooks to access themselves. The horses have nearly all gone on holidays, except Zac, who is turning 21 this year. He is waiting for the August Family Day as he will be celebrating his birthday at the Farm with cake and adoration from his many fans. All horses born in the Southern Hemisphere celebrate their birthday on the 1st of August.
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Plant News Spring in the garden The rains came and came and all the trees, plants and soil that had struggled in the drought years are taking great advantage of being properly re-hydrated.
Toni Phillips ter to make sweet drinks, and we can also grind the seeds to use as/with flour.
One of the problems of so much rain is that it does encourage fungal problems, so make sure that plants afflicted by this have good air flow around them and the soil is not mulched, as this is a wonderful habitat for the fungal spores to multiply and spread. Plants for animals Biddy our new Dairy Shorthorn loves wattle, especially the flowers that she can just eat straight from the tree. Traditionally the local Wurundjeri people soaked the flowers in wa-
Above: Biddy taking advantage of the Cannas designed to enhance her walk to the milking area Below: Biddy our new Dairy Shorthorn lovingly eating the wattle flowers
Above: Biddy munching on fresh wattle flowers
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And plants us humans can eat Flowers are designed by nature to be attractive in the literal sense: to attract pollinators, insects, animals and us (bi-peds). Colour, perfume, shape and flavour are all effective ways for flowers to lure, excite and enhance life. Flowers can be eaten fresh alone or in salads and desserts. Candied flowers were the original lollies. Flowers can be marinated in vinegar to enhance dressings, or in oil for cooking and massage. You can eat flowers, drink flowers and also bathe in flowers.
Common Poisonous Flowers The following is a list of the most common poisonous flowers, though there are many, many, more. If you are not certain that a flower is edible then check before you experiment. All members of the nightshade family, this includes potato, tomato, capsicum and eggplant. Anenome (wind flower), Buttercup, Calla Lily, Daffodil, Delphinium, Foxglove, Gelsemium (yellow jasmine), Horse Chestnut, Iris, Ivy, Jonquil, Laburnum, Lantana, Larkspur, Lily of the Valley, Lobelia, Morning Glory, Oleander, Pittosporum, Rhododendron, Sweet pea, Spurge (euphorbias), Tobacco, Wisteria. Don’t eat flowers from the florist or nursery as they will be sprayed with pesticides and particularly flowers grown for the florist trade also often have quite a lot of fungicides also. Flowers growing along the side of the road or railway line are often sprayed with herbicides. It is the same rule as for eating weeds, or any food gathering, only collect from areas that you know are safe. Never assume because something looks good it is safe. Below: Rhubarb leaves and flowers, never safe to eat
Above: Borage (Borago officinalis) flowers - safe for humans to eat
Safe Edible Flowers These are just some of the most common and delicious flowers to eat: Angelica, Borage, Buckwheat, Brassicas (the cabbage family, especially rocket which is delicious), Calendula, Cucumber, Chicory, Chives, Clover, Day Lily, Dianthus, Dianella, Dill, Elderberry, English Daisy, Fennel, Hibiscus, Horseradish, Hyacinth, Garlic Chive, Linden, Lilac, Oregano, Primula, Roses, Thyme, Violas, Violet and Zucchini.
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Above: Sev and Nick busy pruning the apricots
Below: Corporate volunteers from ANZ working hard weeding out the Quince Orchard
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Community Gardens News
Toni Phillips
Plotter profile - Bill Vangel Trajcevski Bill is one of the few remaining original plotters from 1979. Bill is from Macedonia originally but is now very much from Abbotsford, some think he spends most time at the Plots. Even though he is very quiet and shy, Bill is one of the best-known plotters as he unobtrusively introduces himself to new plotters and offers assistance. Bill is famous at the Farm for growing great crops of chilis, peppers, leeks and wonderful Armenian cucumbers.
Above: Bill up close with his Armenian cucumbers
month from 1.30pm to 4pm. Alternatively, if you wish you can help at Farm Events instead of Working Bees, but must notify us first to organise which events. Below: A busy bee at the working bee!
Above: Bill and his productive plot
Seed Swap at the Working Bee Some plants produce, grow and survive much better than others, you may have noticed that; eg Thani’s beans are better than yours, and your lettuce is better than Angelo’s. So why don’t we all share and swap what we have, that is a great idea! Bring all your best seeds to share to the next Garden Plots working bee which is as always the 4th Saturday of the
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Access to the Plots Some of the plots have corrugated iron, tin or wire on their boundary fences that could potentially present risk of injury, especially for other plotters, the public and tours of school children.
A plot with history and great future When Coyla Hegarty’s name finally came up for a plot, it was the week she retired from work. Having moved to the area after her children had finished school, Coyla didn’t know many people in this area.
It is each plotters responsibility to remove any material from the outside of their plot that may potentially cause injury.
However, after becoming a Farm volunteer, then passionate member of the Committee of Management, she would complain with a laugh and a smile that “it would take her forever to get anywhere, as she’d ended up knowing everybody due to the Farm!”. To quote Coyla, “I didn’t just get a garden plot, I got a community”.
There must always be easy access around every plot. All Garden Plotters have pledged in writing to maintain their plot and surrounding pathways to a weed-free and safe standard. Please remember this when next looking at, and working around your plot.
Below, inset: Mikyla (another Committee member) continuing the good work started by Coyla and Ian
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Recent Farm Weddings
Above: Mash the farm cat not quite sure what to make of a Pea-hen up close (Image: Raymond Fretwell)
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Hoo’s in the neighbourhood? In our last “Farm Yarns” it was mentioned we are lucky enough have a Powerful Owl (Ninox strenua) living on the Abbotsford Precinct Heritage Farmlands (APHF). To have such an impressive bird living within the Farm’s boundaries is an exciting (but increasingly rare) privilege, as in Victoria they are classified as an endangered species with their range greatly reduced due to land-clearing and habitat loss. The Farm’s continued restoration and protection of the native environment is therefore an important ongoing part of ensuring this species’ survival. Anyone who sees a Powerful Owl up close will be amazed at their large size, expressive eyes and equally impressive talons. Exclusively carnivores, amongst their favourite prey are rabbits, roosting birds and possums. So if the local possums are keeping you up at night, you can only hope there’s one of these impressive hunters living nearby. Growing to at least 55cm high, they mate for life (for up to 30 years); breeding from April to September, they enjoy nesting in tree hollows - in which the male prepares the nest. Whilst the female is incubating and rearing their brood of 1-2 owlets, the male will provide a constant supply of food. They have a distinct and deep, double hoot “woo hoo” call. There are a variety of other owls living on the APHF, including (but not exclusively): the Tawny Frogmouth (Podargus strigoides), Southern Boobook (or Morepork) (Ninox novaeseelandiae) and Barn (Tyto alba) Owls. Although not considered at-risk species, they all form an important part of the environment, being “top predators”. Their presence is a welcome signal of a healthy ecosystem. Tawny Frogmouth’s can be hard to spot, looking like tree branches! Reference: www.birdsinbackyards.net
Top to bottom: Powerful Owl (image: T Quested, www.birdsinbackyards.net)/Australian Barn Owl (image: Fir0002, Wikapedia)/Tawny Frogmouths (image: Blueday, Wikapedia)
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Mulled Wine Recipe At the recent Solstice Bonfire, there were many positive compliments about the mulled wine, and requests for the recipe. One person commented it was “better than any German glühwein I’ve ever tasted”! Made at the Farm especially for the Bonfire, I suppose the best compliment is the fact that once again, even after making more than last year, we again ran out.
Andrew Phillips
Sorry if you didn’t get a cup! So for all who asked, please find below the recipe for mulled wine that we use every year. Have fun making your own to enjoy with friends, and please remember to consume the results responsibly. And if you would like an emailed copy, please contact reception@farm.org.au.
MULLED WINE RECIPE 4 litres of inexpensive (but not awful) red wine 3-6 oranges, sliced (leaving rind on) 2-3 large handfuls of sultanas 1-2 Star Anise 1-2 Nutmeg (whole) 4-6 Cardamon pods 15 Cloves 2-3 Cinnamon sticks 4-5 Pimento (All Spice) balls 4-5 Peppercorns 3 cups apple juice 4-6 tablespoons honey (added when wine is warm) Prepare two separate cheesecloth (or pudding) bags, one for the spices and one for the sultanas. Tie a loose knot at the top of each bag. Pour wine into large saucepan, add half the sliced oranges, and place spice and sultana bags (peg with wooden peg to side of saucepan, watch it doesn’t burn them) and slowly bring the wine to just below boiling point. Keep at this temperature for 45-60 minutes, regularly (and carefully) plunging the spice and sultana bags (like teabags). Add the honey and stir gently until dissolved. If consuming immediately, take off heat and allow to cool before serving at a slightly warmed temperature. Remove spice bag and dispose of. Remove sultana bag and pour contents into mulled wine. Add the remaining sliced oranges. Add more honey if sweeter taste required. If consuming later, take off heat and allow to cool. Remove spice bag and dispose of. Remove sultana bag and carefully squeeze to release the juice before pouring squeezed sultanas into the mulled wine. Strain out cooked orange segments and squeeze to release the juice from the flesh. Dispose of remaining rinds. Mulled wine can now be chilled for serving later. When ready to consume, re-heat to moderate temperature to serve. Add freshly sliced oranges, and more honey if a sweeter taste is required.
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Julia Supported Volunteer Program Smallwood As we begin the Spring weather (hopefully!), it is an opportunity to reflect on the Winter and its effect on the program participants. Rain, mud, wind and frosty mornings bring their own challenges to volunteers and staff. Of course work must go on despite the inclement conditions but there are some days when making feed-bags in front of the fire is the only option available.
Most paths and paddock entrances are muddy and require a slow, steady approach to avoid slipping and sliding. The goats are the smart ones who take to shelter at the first raindrop and probably think we humans are quite mad staying outside getting wet.
Cleaning chicken pens is a fun task in wet weather. One advantage is that for most of the time we are under cover, but the combination of wet boots and rice hulls leaves us looking like lamingtons! The bedraggled chickens seem pleased when we are finally done and they can get inside again. Below: Chinese Silkies discussing the weather, perhaps?
Above: Our goats taking shelter, smarter than us humans!
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PHOTOS June Family Day - the Rat Society had a busy day. So did the rats! Hooded Rat enjoying a snackbreak Biddy (our new cow) resting it up. A few days after this photo was taken, she gave birth. New animal shelter built by Nick and the Year 9 Sophia Mundi students in Ricky’s Paddock Kyle and the boys in the “Bachelor’s Paddock” Sulawesi and Saskia enjoy fresh peppercorn nom nom nom!
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Is still closed for renovations We look forward to welcoming everyone to the new-look Farm Cafe !
A coffee cart is operating on-site while we are closed
DONATION TO THE COLLINGWOOD CHILDREN’S FARM Purchase a hay-bale for the animals!
As a not-for-profit organisation, the Farm welcomes donations to meet our running costs. And our animals eat a lot! Please support the Farm by directly purchasing food for the animals (donations over $2 are tax deductable*).
Yes, I would like to support the Farm by purchasing: Qty
Total
x Lucerne Hay Bale
$
Name: Address:
(@$14 p/bale)
P/Code:
or x Lucerne Hay Chaff $ (@$21 p/bag)
State:
Please charge my Visa or Mastercard Card No.:
enclosed Cheque
I would like a tax receipt please (note: cheques should be made payable to Collingwood Children’s Farm, PO Box 80, Abbotsford, 3067) * - a receipt is required by the Australian Tax Office for donation claims
COLLINGWOOD CHILDREN’S FARM
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FARM YARNS Next edition due out 1st day of Summer
Collingwood Children’s Farm PO Box 80 Abbotsford 3067
PLACE STAMP HERE
Farmland since 1838
Farm phone: 9417 5806 Email: reception@farm.org.au Website: www.farm.org.au
Family Fun Days First Sunday of the month (no Family Fun Day in January)
Also enjoy hay rides and pony rides (when available), and other farm activities all for price of standard entry.
Farmer’s Market
Where to find us St Heliers Street, Abbotsford Melways Ref 44 G5 Open every day of the year Entry: $16 Family $8 Adult $4 Child
The concept of a supported held the second Saturday of volunteer program is unique to every month for beautiful our farm. Originally it was fresh,as quality produce. Proknown the Disability gram, but we prefer to focus on abilities rather than the lack of them … just like the renamed RDA riding program! You may ask why the program exists and what are the benefits of it to the participants and the farm. In the case of special school students, both in class groups