At its simplest, a permablitz is a group of people coming together informally to work on a garden project.
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But the potential of growing such an idea and its beneficial offshoots will be explored at a Border community information session on Saturday.
The event will discuss Blitzin’ the Border, a permablitz project for Albury-Wodonga that aims to link people interested in creating edible gardens, sharing skills, building community networks and having fun.
Organised by Goodlife Community Co-operative, the information session will include presentations about community garden projects in Albury. Gardening Australia presenter Costa Georgiadis has expressed interest in the event.
Goodlife Community Co-operative’s Vickie Kenny said the project would be “learn as we go” for everyone, with no skills or knowledge of permaculture or gardening necessary.
“It’s a share; what you give, you get back,” she said.
Saturday’s topics will include nature strip gardening, small space gardening, reducing waste and encouraging children’s involvement and leadership.
Karen Retra, of Seed Savers Albury-Wodonga, said the permablitz project would help raise awareness of other Border initiatives, like community gardens and various seed saving or gardening organisations.
“Many people starting a garden wouldn’t know that all those groups exist,” she said. “If you want to come along, it’s a bit of a taster, no commitment. It’s a way to dip your toe in the water and maybe find out more.”
Nadia Dosenko-West, of The East Albury CommUnity Project (Teacup) garden and BNG Learning, said the day would gauge community interest in permablitz projects.
As well as developing a garden, such events can bring personal bonuses such as making new friends, getting some exercise and involving children in a creative learning environment.
Goodlife Community Co-operative said everyone would be welcome, especially people who were isolated, had a disability, came from a non-English speaking background or were dealing with or recovering from mental health issues.
“We all have something valuable to offer,” the co-operative said.
The permablitz idea has appealed to Thurgoona’s Melissa Angove, who’s keen to find out more about Blitzin’ the Border.
“It sounds like fun, it sounds something easy and learn as you go and I like that,” she said.
- The Blitzin’ the Border community information session will be held at the Sustainable Activity Centre, Wodonga, 12.45pm to 2.30pm Saturday