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A novel set in the 2030s in a future where the effects of climate change and global warming are starting to have serious effects. Set in both Melbourne and Northern NSW, this book follows the journey of one family and their communities’ experiences in a climate-changed world.

Melbourne has been ravaged by heat waves and bushfires, Northern NSW has been cut off by a cyclone with swathes of beach and homes washed away, leaving the communities with food supply chains cut and with a dire shortage of basic necessities.

By coming together as a family and community, by bartering, growing food and drawing on their combined skills and resources, they are able to not only survive but also thrive.

Following the year we’ve experienced in 2020, it isn’t too hard to imagine the future Woodrow depicts as a realistic setting. This book, while frightening on one hand, shares the hope that regardless of what the future may hold, with community, skills and resilience we will survive. A gripping read.

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Editorial

Robyn Rosenfeldt

What a crazy year 2020 has been. As I write this in May, we’ve faced the worst bushfires on record, affecting hundreds of towns and communities across Australia. Now a global pandemic continues to have a devastating effect across the globe. Although our lives have been completely altered, it is amazing how quickly we adapt and start to accept this new normal.

I want to start by acknowledging that this is an incredibly difficult time for a lot of people. Being forced to self-isolate has meant job losses, financial hardship, a rise in depression and mental health issues; and there have been the deaths of more than a quarter of a million people, worldwide. Let’s not forget those affected by the fires; many of whom are still living in caravans and having to self-isolate in cramped and uncomfortable conditions.

There are silver linings, however. At the time of writing this, pollution across the world has fallen dramatically. People can see the stars in places where they have never been able to see them before. Mountains have come into view as the smog clears and blue skies appear. Families are spending more time together. People are stepping out into their gardens and onto balconies and growing food.

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Letter To The Editor

Letters to the Editor

Email your letters and photos to editorial@pipmagazine.com. au. We’d love to hear what you think of Pip and if you’ve embarked on any projects as a result of our articles. Each issue, one published entrant will receive a limited edition Pip Magazine art print, printed with archival inks on beautifully textured archival 300 gsm rag paper.

Hi Pip,

I came across an idea recently that has rocked my thinking and views on permaculture. Perhaps you’ll share my interest. It’s this: self-sufficiency is poverty.

Skills today have advanced to a point where they take tremendous dedication to master. You can be barely competent, or you can trade with someone (likely dollars) to do it better and faster for you.

If I can make $60/hr doing my work, should I be spending an hour making a loaf of bread that I can buy for $4? Sometimes it’s fun to DIY. Occasionally you can get a better result. But as a strategy, as a way of living? I’m starting to think it’s a mistake.

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Brains Trust

Brains Trust

How do I repair burnt soil?

After fire, there remains copious amounts of ash on the ground and this contains potassium carbonates and elements such as phosphorus and magnesium. This is beneficial to all gardens at the rate of one shovelful per square metre. Dig in with an eco-hydrating soil-wetter to overcome hydrophobicity.

How do I make the right decisions about caring for fruit trees after damage from radiant heat and fire?

Don’t cut back the burnt trees immediately after the firefront has passed through. Always wait at least six weeks and check to see if there is life in the branches. Scratch the bark through to the cambium layer (the tissue layer just under the bark where plant growth occurs), focusing from the extremities towards the trunk. When dealing with grafted fruit trees, the normal occurrence is new growth movement below the graft. If there is no leaf growth above the graft, ie, the scion, you have probably lost the tree. Citrus trees seem to be more badly affected than other fruit trees because of the nature of the sap. Those that survive will need to be carefully pruned back to live growth. The application of eco-seaweed, a solution containing 16% potassium, helps relieve plant stress after fire events and will assist recovery. Apply the mixed solution over the foliage and around the dripline, monthly, during the growing season.

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Noticeboard

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RETROSUBURBIA

Permaculture co-originator, David Holmgren, has launched his bestselling book, RetroSuburbia: the downshifter’s guide to a resilient future, published as a pay-what-you-feel online book. His decision is in response to the latest health and economic crisis, that has galvanised enthusiasm in permaculture and kindred circles. David hopes his book will inspire those who have been ‘stuck’ at home with digital access and time to read.

online.retrosuburbia.com

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Permaculture Around The World

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Permayouth is a new space for young permaculture people (11–16 yo) to connect, teach and inspire each other. The Permayouth are dedicated young people who care about the future of the planet. They want to make a positive difference in the world through their everyday lives and see permaculture as a positive and practical way to achieve this.

So far, they have held permaculture camps at Crystal Waters; met online via Zoom every two weeks with me (Morag) as their mentor; have been researching plants; they have written and recorded a song; started a book club; they are writing a permaculture recipe book; and they are teaching each other about permaculture. The group is planning a presentation at the Australasian Permaculture Convergence in 2021; and will be creating youth hubs for an online Permayouth Summit, to connect with the International Permaculture Convergence in late 2021.

There is a growing group of people joining in from across Australia, the UK, Europe, Zanzibar, India and beyond. They are amazing, super keen and super friendly and love having a space to connect up with like-minded young people.

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Pip Picks: Things We Like

The Good Car Company exists to de-carbonise transport by making electric cars affordable. By focusing on the import of quality secondhand electric cars from Japan and elsewhere, this company is delivering affordable, zero-emission transport, utilising vehicles that are in their ‘second life’.

In 2019, The Good Car Company delivered Australia’s first electric vehicle bulk-buy, and are partnering with communities around Australia to create a step-change in transport. Upcoming bulk-buys will be occurring in partnership with Hepburn Wind in Victoria and SEE-Change in the ACT.

Vehicles can be purchased individually or through a bulk-buy. The vehicle range is currently limited to late model Nissan Leaf sedans and the Nissan eNV200 electric van.

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Book Reviews

This practical manual by Elizabeth Haywood is a great introduction to the world of zero-waste sewing. Zero-waste sewing is making clothes without wasting any fabric. The pattern pieces are designed to completely fit within the dimensions of the fabric; there are no offcuts and no waste. It’s an inherent practise for traditional clothing where fabric was hand-loomed and precious, such as kimonos, sarongs, kilts, ponchos and saris.

This book lays out clear step-by-step instructions and patterns to make your own zero-waste garments. Each piece is unique and echoes traditional designs. From tops, dresses, jackets and pants, you’ll find something that suits your style. If you’re dipping your toe into zero-waste sewing, creating a slow wardrobe for yourself or just looking for a new sewing adventure, there’s plenty in this book to try, inspire, wear and enjoy.

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Kids’ Patch

Our Kids’ Patch winner for issue 17 is Alexander from Rutherglen, aged 2 years. Congratulations! You’ve won a copy of Grow Do It, the CD from the Formidable Edible Sound System.

Next issue we are giving away a set of six permaculture stickers by the talented permaculture illustrator Brenna Quinlan.

To be in the running, parents can email a photo of their child through to editorial@pipmagazine.com.au along with your child’s name, age and suburb/ town.

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In The Garden: March – June

map of aussie

March: Brussels sprouts (seedling tray), broad beans, beetroot, broccoli (seedling tray), cabbage (seedling tray), carrot, chives, coriander, daikon, endive, fennel, kale, kohlrabi, leeks, lettuce, mizuna, mustard greens, pak choy/ bok choy, radish, rocket, shallots (plant bulbs), silverbeet, turnips.

April: Brussels sprouts, broad beans, beetroot, broccoli, cabbage, carrot, cauliflower, chives, endive, fennel, garlic (plant cloves), kale, kohlrabi, lettuce, mizuna, mustard greens, onions, pak choy/bok choy, parsley, peas, radish, rocket, shallots (plant bulbs), silverbeet, spinach, turnip.

May: Broad beans, beetroot, carrot, chives, fennel, garlic, kale, kohlrabi, lettuce, mizuna, mustard greens, onions, parsley, peas, radish, shallots (plant bulb), silverbeet, spinach, turnip.

June: Broad beans, garlic (plant cloves), mustard greens, onions, peas, radish.

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