Category Regulars

Practical permaculture research is happening on campus at the University of Lisbon in Portugal. Almost 15 years ago, a group of science students initiated the Permalab project – a Permaculture Living Laboratory to raise awareness of permaculture as a solution to many ecological, social and economic problems the world is experiencing.

The project includes a series of research gardens around campus, and a significantly visible area right at the entrance. Coordinated by the Faculty of Science, the projects include herbs, experimental greenhouses, a hugelkultur area, swales and water management, compost and waste management, aquaculture and edible woodlands.

The students collaboratively design, implement and test innovative permaculture solutions in cross- disciplinary projects. They aim to evaluate and create scientific evidence of nature-based permaculture solutions sa well as contributing to the regeneration of the campus.

In addition to the specific university Permalab research projects, every Wednesday people from the university and community come together to work in the gardens and learn about permaculture.

Cotopaxi

TECA HALF-ZIP WINDBREAKER

Cotopaxi garments are constructed using leftover fabric from other companies’ production runs, meaning each one is a limited edition. This three-season windbreaker is lightweight yet durable, is vented at the back and has elastic binding at the cuffs, hem and hood. As well as conventionally located hand pockets, the Teca half-zip windbreaker features a zippered front pouch to stow items, and into which the garment folds when not being used. It’s available in mens, womens and kids sizes.

$80.00  www.cotopaxi.com

With warmer weather approaching, the Cultural Fire Credit allows people to invest in Indigenous-led cultural burning to reduce the risk of bushfires and to protect and care for Country. Developed by the Aboriginal Carbon Foundation together with the Firesticks Alliance Corporation, the Indigenous- owned initiative not only supports ecosystem regeneration, but means the important practice can continue, at the same time creating a platform where knowledge can be shared with the next generation of Cultural Fire Practitioners. For more info or to invest, head to www.abcfoundation.org.au/cultural-fire-credits.

Far more than an online gardening shop offering good old-fashioned customer service, Brian and Kaylene Chapman’s Aussie Gardener Store website has built an online gardening community where you can shop, share, connect and learn.

Aussie Gardener Store’s aim is simple: to simplify gardening so everyone can give it a go and succeed. Whether it’s through the rigorously tested range of products, the unrivalled customer and after-sales service or the growing online community supporting new and experienced gardeners on their journey, Brian, Kaylene and the Aussie Gardening team want to help.

Pip partners with brands who align with its values. Ethical companies producing good- quality products that don’t harm the planet, instead aiming to improve it. Browse more ethical companies you can choose to support at www.pipmagazine.com.au

Catalyst Soil Conditioner Liquid is a fermented fertiliser containing a balanced formulation of beneficial microbes and more than 80 essential minerals so that passionate gardeners, professional growers and farmers can achieve first-rate results in soil health, plant nutrition and yields.

I was immediately attracted to this tarpaulin because it is made of canvas. Most tarps these days are made of polyethylene and over time they get weak and degrade, shedding strips of plastic all over the place as they eventually fall apart.

The beauty of canvas is it is strong and it won’t break down as quickly. And unlike the old blue tarps, it won’t shred micro plastics as it ages. Canvas tarpaulins are breathable and won’t sweat, and they have that beautiful unique smell of canvas, which reminds me of camping as a kid.

The Aussie Gardener canvas tarps axre made of a sturdy 340 gsm canvas so are great to use as covers and as part of your camping set-up. They have reinforced stitching for strength and the larger sized options have double-stitched seams where the canvas is joined together. They are UV stabilised and have anti- mildew properties, too.

The country is at a crossroads. In The Wires That Bind, inventor, engineer and visionary Saul Griffith reveals the world that awaits us if we make the most of Australia’s energy future.
Griffith paints an inspiring yet practical picture of empowered local communities acting collectively when it comes to renewable energy, and benefiting financially. He considers both equity and security – an end to dependence on foreign oil, for instance. He explores the rejuvenation of regional Australia, as well as the rise of a new populist movement driven by Australian women.

We love seeing what kids are growing with their families in their gardens, so snap and email us an image of what you’re harvesting at the moment.

Send the photo to editorial@ pipmagazine.com.au, and our favourite will receive a copy of Slow Fashion by Megan Anderson. This issue’s winner is four-year- old Freyja Helland from Bega, NSW.

The moon’s phases and its associated gravitational pull has a significant effect on the behaviour of tidal oceans, so it’s easy to understand how the moon can have a similar effect on the moisture in our soils and plants. By planning what you sow to coincide with the phases of the moon best suited to the type of vegetable and how you’re planting, you’ll give yourself a higher chance of success as well as increase your yields.