The Mudgee Small Farm Field Days are on this Friday 10 and Saturday 11 July at the Australian Rural Education Centre (AREC).

As usual, Watershed Landcare be in attendance at the Waterwise Garden (L8) and the Straw Bale Lecture Room (L40).

“We have a great line up of speakers this year, everything from beekeeping to straw bale house construction, Stress Free Stockmanship and native grasses for your property.” said Craig Dennis, Watershed Landcare Chairman.

Watershed Landcare will once again be hosting the lecture series in the Straw Bale Lecture Room. Visit our website for the full lecture program: www.watershedlandcare.com.au.

Check out our Waterwise Garden, displaying hardy, drought tolerant plants for the Mudgee district. The garden was set up on compacted clay, with the soil gradually improved over the years by the addition of mulch.

The Waterwise Garden site is very exposed and bears the brunt of the weather; baking hot in summer and freezing cold in winter. Finding attractive, salt tolerant plants that will cope with the Mudgee climate has been an added challenge for the site. You can be sure that if plants survive here (they receive little care other than the occasional prune) they'll thrive just about anywhere else.

“Take a stroll through the Waterwise Garden, chat to our band of local experts on all things horticultural or just take a break with a cuppa and have a chat and see what we do.” said Craig.

Our resident botanist, Christine McRae, will be on hand to identify any mystery plants you bring along and to help you identify serrated tussock from the innocent bystanders. We will also have a selection of locally grown native tube stock for sale.

Not a member? Come along and talk to other Watershed Landcare members, find out what we do, how to get involved in our current projects and become a member.

“We are a local community group that is manned by volunteers that is dedicated to caring for our land and the environment, I urge you all to support this event and pop along to see us at Landcare site, L8 and L40. I look forward to catching up with you.” said Craig.

“The weather has been kind to us so far, let’s hope it continues for the field days.” he continued.

This event is supported by Watershed Landcare through funding from the Australian Government's 25^th Anniversary Landcare Grants.