What I know about ‘green-friendly’ connections

All Souls’, Leichhardt has tried a number of ways to connect with the strong environmental concerns in the local Leichhardt community.

For example, we had a six-week sermon series looking at a biblical approach to ecology. However the most successful idea was very, very simple – a community workshop I ran on building a ‘Square Foot’ garden – this is an organic, highly water-efficient approach to vegetable gardening ideal for people with small gardens.

It’s a practical answer to people’s ‘global warming’ concerns, particularly the transportation of vegetables over long distances. The workshop also provided a platform to introduce a Christian perspective on environmental concerns.

The 20 places available were snapped up quickly, and there were numerous enquiries after the workshop booked out. The vast majority of the participants were non-churched people; only two spots were taken by All Souls members. 

Not surprisingly, given the community interest, we will run this workshop again in 2008. It is best to integrate the workshop with other related activities, so it works as part of a process rather than a one-off event.

Make your own square foot garden

Ingredients:
• Four 1.2m lengths of 200 x 50mm ACQ treated pine or rough sawn hardwood.
• One packet of 10G x 75mm chipboard screws.
• 250 litres of Compost Rich Earth.
• Three 2.4m lengths of 12 x 12 x 1.5 moulding
• Seeds and seedlings
• Tomato stakes or material for trellis

Steps:
1. Box: Build a 1.2m x 1.2m box.
2. Soil: Fill box with soil, compost and manure.
3. Grid: Make a permanent square 30cm grid for the top of the box.
4. Plant: Plant a different flower, vegetable or herb crop in each 30cm grid section (square foot).
5. Care: 10 minutes a week is all the TLC they need.
6. Harvest: Pick ‘em and eat ‘em.

The Rev Tim Foster is rector of All Souls’, Leichhardt

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