Where: California Road, Whites Valley

When: 9am – 11am

What: Planting An Insectory

Cooooooeeeee!

Or should I say Howdy Pardners!

Yes, that’s you Biodiversiteers.

I’m just home from the Land of the Free, Home of the Brave, minus another set of fingerprints but otherwise unscarred. It was a close thing. So, it’s good to finally be able to relax and to send news of BMV’s next Planting Extravaganza.

Holy Tree Guards Batman, they’re at it again. And not only them BMVsters, but also some Lions as well too, who aim to plant a million trees this year to create a Green Canopy across the whole of Australia. Or parts of it at least. Anyway, being the obliging mob that we are, we’re gonna help them get it done. Plants in the ground.

So, it’s BMV, The Lions of McLaren Districts and you, personally, yourself, which we’re thrilled by. All that’s required is for you to come to 344 Little Road, Whites Valley at 9.00 in the morning on Sunday 3 August, park yer car on this road and wander up to the trailer on California Road.

We’ll be planting an insectary, which is just what it sounds like – an insectary, along a portion of California Rd. The world needs more insects. Vineyards need insects. We all do. BMV is very pro-insect. Always has been. I know from close contact with them that the insects love what we do. They tell me so. They are for the greater good you know. Some of them. And God knows we could do with a bit of that sometimes. So, what this all means is that if you come along you’ll feel a lot better afterwards.

Especially after we stop at 11.00 to chow down in the time honoured fashion. Which means you need to register, so we can order you a snag/cauliflower floret.

Speaking of fashion, It might be cold, it might be rainy, so feel free to strut your stuff in a plastic mac like it’s Paris Fashion Week (just muddier). No need to bring anything unless you're emotionally bonded to your own tools. Holes will be drilled, plants will be thrilled, and buckets will be ready to fill. Frankly, it's the stuff dreams are made of.

Since this is roadside planting, please be aware it comes with higher risks for children and dogs. We strongly recommend keeping them close and supervised at all times — or maybe giving them a pass on this one if it feels too tricky. There will be safety signage in place, but it’s still important to stay alert and look out for traffic at all times. We want this to be fun, rewarding, and above all, safe.

I don’t really know what more I can say. I’ve thought about it, but I can’t say. Although, I can say that this invitation was not written by a robot, as can happen if you’re not careful.

Thank you for sticking with me to the end. I really appreciate it.

But not half as much as I’ll appreciate seeing your beaming face in the early morning light on 3 August.

Cheers,

Geoff H