Making water wise gardening an art form

Tiny gardens with equally miniscule water use will be on display at Armidale Regional Libraries workshops and a demonstration at this Sunday’s National Water Week Expo.

Armidale Regional Libraries will host free kokedama workshops – at the Armidale library on Saturday 2 November and Guyra on Saturday 7 December - teaching participants the Japanese art of using moss, string, a ball of soil and tiny amounts of water to grow decorative plants.

“At a time when the region is under Level 5 water restrictions, kokedama is a wonderful way to keep gardening this spring and beautify your home,” Librarian and workshop organiser Kirsten Bell said.

“They require very little water, particularly if you plant succulents or sedums. The left-over water from your kettle is enough to sustain them. Kokedamas can also be fun to make, with a number of styles and the option to create a hanging garden.”

Ms Bell will be at this Sunday’s Water Week Expo to show visitors how to make some of the kokedama options and encourage people to sign up for the library workshops.

The expo will be held at the eastern end of Armidale’s Beardy Street Mall from 8am to 1pm this Sunday, offering residents a one-stop shop to save, reuse and generally make best use of water in and around their homes.

Many of the water-saving products available from local stores will be on display, alongside information about water rebates and other steps households can take to be water efficient and reduce their bills.

The kokedama workshop at the Armidale library will be held from 10.30am to 1pm, with representatives from Cedar Nursery on hand to provide water wise gardening tips. The workshop at the Guyra Library will be held from 11.00am to 1.30pm.

Participants can bring their own plants, while others will be supplied. Numbers are limited so bookings will be essential by phoning the library on 6770 3636 or emailing [email protected]

Published on 25 Oct 2019