These workshops are part of the SEE Change Climate Wise Verge Garden Project; building biodiversity and climate resilience in the suburbs.

Workshop 1: Build a Swale – Get Your Hands Dirty

Saturday 25 April

9.30am to 12pm

Ever wondered how to make your garden drought-proof from the ground up? This FREE hands-on workshop will teach you all about a fundamental technique in passive water harvesting: the mighty swale. And... you'll learn it the best way possible: by actually building one!

We'll kick off with a practical overview of passive water harvesting from Dr Cally Brennan, from Canberra Permaculture Design and Education. Cally has extensive experience of passive water harvesting at the home garden scale. You'll understand why swales work, where they go, and how they transform the way water moves through a landscape – before picking up tools and putting that knowledge straight into action.

This workshop will cover:

The basics of passive water harvesting for drought and climate resilience
The contexts where it makes sense to create a swale
Learning to use simple tools to measure out a contour line
Practical experience in digging out a swale in a residential garden

Workshop 2: How to Plant Around a Swale: Right Plant, Right Place

Monday 27 April

9.30am to 12pm

A swale is only as good as what grows around it. Join Dr Cally Brennan, from Canberra Permaculture Design and Education for this FREE follow-up workshop when we move from the earthworks into the planting. Cally has extensive experience of passive water harvesting at the home garden scale. We'll explore how the right plants, placed thoughtfully, can turn a simple water-harvesting structure into a thriving, drought-resilient ecosystem.

We'll begin with a short introductory overview of passive water harvesting to set the scene, so whether you attended Workshop 1 or are joining us fresh, you'll have the context you need to understand what we're doing and why.

This workshop will cover:

Understanding the moisture zones that a swale create
Selecting species for long-term drought resilience and ecosystem benefit
Planting the right plants in the right places for the best success
Thinking about succession: how the plants will grow and change over time

Who are these workshop for?

We're looking for enthusiastic participants who would like to help with the planting! No prior experience needed – just a willingness to roll up your sleeves.

What will I get?

This workshop will give you practical skills to use in your own garden.

What should I bring?

We suggest sturdy footwear and clothes you don't mind getting dirty. Please dress for the weather and don't forget drinking water, a hat and sunscreen!

Tools and snacks provided.

This workshop has been made possible by an ACT Government Nature in the City grant.

Note: Due to space constraints, numbers for these workshops are limited. Please book early to avoid disappointment.

Contact the host of Water Harvesting Workshops with Canberra Permaculture Design and Education. Sat 25 April & Mon 27 April.