Join Eco-Flat Brisbane creator Gav Hardy for a fun and informative day to learn how to fashion an abundant balcony garden brimming with herbs and veggies. In this two-part workshop we'll drill down into design, soils, and the best herbs and veggies to grow. And Gav will trouble-shoot your challenges with growing plants in containers.

This workshop is for anyone who lives in a flat, apartment or townhouse in the greater Brisbane area. The session is split into two parts - Soils and Plants, followed by Design.

Part 1 - Soils and Plants. In the morning, we will get our hands in soil, look at commercial potting mixes and learn how to make compost in an apartment (yes, it can be done!). Plus, we will dive into Gav's top balcony edibles for Brisbane. And we'll explore remedies to common plant pests and diseases.

Part 2 - Design. After lunch you will learn how to apply a permaculture design to your own balcony. We'll explore orientation and aspect, balustrade types, container design, and working with sun, wind and water.

A tasty morning and afternoon tea will be provided. Bring your lunch!

About the Facilitator

Gavin Hardy has been growing food at home since he was a child. He currently lives in a one-bedroom unit in inner city Brisbane and grows edibles on the balcony and in the food forest he created in the apartment block's common spaces. He helped set up Northey Street City Farm in the 1990's and he is currently the Farm's adult education coordinator. Gav learnt permaculture with Bill Mollison in 1997, has also studied with David Holmgren and Robin Clayfield and has travelled the world researching community food projects and agroforestry.