Northey Street City Farm

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Feb 2019 Permaculture Design Course

Come join us for our 25-year Silver Jubilee Permaculture Design Course on Saturdays from 9 February to 25 May 2019.

“Visions of an Ancient Wisdom”

This unique course, delivered over 16 weeks in Brisbane, gives you the knowledge and skills to observe and design from the natural patterns to create productive gardens & properties, grow your own food, apply appropriate technologies, learn to use resources wisely, build on living systems and rebuild communities.
Learn to:
• Build Resilience through Connectivity
• Facilitate Regeneration of the Earth
• Create Abundance through Design

The Permaculture Design Course (PDC) builds from its foundation in the ethics and design principles to strategies giving you the techniques and tools to inspire critical thinking.

YOU WILL LEARN

• the history of permaculture and agriculture and the foundational concepts of the permaculture ethics and design principles
• to design from ecological pattern literacy, systems thinking, using Ethics and Design principles, designing from the whole, differentiated into parts
• to use the Scale of Permanence to give realistic outcomes for any design
• climate analogues and how varied mirco-climates affect your site
• the patterns of our intent and that of our landscapes, elements and their functional connections in your design to minimize waste
• to savour our soils: soil biology, amendments, uses and putting it all together
• about trees and forests and how we can integrate them into our systems
• how we can cultivate our ecology to produce food based on our unique needs by including annuals, perennials, forest gardens and animals into our systems
• to enhance our communities and local economies through social permaculture design
• a practical understanding of the design process through group and individual design work

INCLUDED IN YOUR COURSE FEE

• Rosemary Morrows ‘Earth Users Guide to Permaculture’
• Extensive resources and handouts to complement course outcomes
• Teachers whose conceptual understanding of the permaculture design process complements their broad range of knowledge and experience to create an immersive learning environment
• Hands on experience at a 25 year old permaculture site in Brisbane
• An experience of COMMUNITY & FUN

Saturdays, 9 February to 25 May 2019

COST

$1140/ $873 Health Care Card Holder Early Bird Discount (full payment one month prior to course commencement).

$1250/ $930 Health Care Card Holder

For more information and to book see our PDC page here

Eventbrite - February 2019 Permaculture Design Course

For 25 years Northey Street City Farm has held up the standard of sustainable living in the city and we invite you to come participate and begin your journey with us.

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Learn How to Compost at Home

Sat 12 May 2018 • 9:00am – 12:00pm at Northey Street City Farm

Free

Celebrate International Compost Awareness Week at this interactive workshop.

This workshop will cover the basics of composting, worm farming and the Bokashi fermentation composting system including; setting up, managing and maintaining different compost systems, how to choose the best system for your home and options for using second hand materials to set up your system.

This event is facilitated by Krystelle Ellaby from Northey Street City Farm.

To book CLICK HERE

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Veganic Farmers at NSCF markets

 

An interview with Kim Accardi, Northey Street stall holder and vegan farmer.

Check out Kim Accardi and Chris Spencer’s sensational preserves and seasonal produce at the Northey Street City Farm Markets every Sunday from 6.30 to 11 am.

How did your love of Organics start?
My love for animals and nature was where it all began. The more I learnt about conservation, horticulture and cruelty free living, the more interested I became in organics. I began researching the effects of pesticides and herbicides not long after I became interested in gardening. Herbicides such as glyphosate and the effects they have, not only on the environment but also potentially to our own health and the health of our families and furry friends. I had always made sure my own garden and home grown veggies were pesticide free so I believe it was a natural transition into organics. Permaculture was what really sucked me in. I loved the concept of strategic planting to supply nutrients and to control pests.

Tell us more about your veganic farming methods, and are there any other Vegan Farms in operation that you know of?
Our objective is to grow produce with the least harm, not only to the environment but to all animals. This means we do not use any animal manure, blood and bone, eggshells, fish emulsion, etc.

Key aspects to successful Veganic farming are: careful planning of annual ‘bed’ rotation, green manures, cover crops, weed tea, bull kelp and lots and lots of compost! We use companion planting and other methods to repel pests rather than killing them. A lot of thought goes into the best way we can handle various pests with the least harm, such as attracting natural predators, creating barriers or planting decoys. Veganic methods are quite common in most vegan backyards, however I don’t believe veganics is seen as ‘cost effective’ on a large scale. It certainly is more time intensive and a lot more hard work and planning, but well worth it.
All of the products we make and sell (Jams, Sauces, Chutney, etc) are all 100% vegan too of course.

What’s a typical week look like for you?
As we have such a wide variety of fruit trees and crops, no week is ever the same. Strawberry and mango seasons are very busy for us as they are our biggest crops, however we put a lot of hard work in all year round, pruning, watering, making compost, feeding the soil, maintaining and expanding our conservation and re-vegetation areas. As they say, a farmer’s work is never done! Then comes cooking all tasty products we take to market, in which hours can fly by with sometimes minimal result. We have 3 beautiful dogs, a cat and loads of wildlife that all enjoy and need our attention too. Before you know it…it’s 3am Sunday and we’re up and packing the vehicles for Market day.

What’s your favourite thing about Northey Street City Farm Markets?

I love how excited our customers get about our produce and other products! It is really great to be able to communicate directly with the customer and answer any questions they may have, whilst also providing us with feedback. I also love the atmosphere and the community feel that Northey Street City Farm has.

If you could get the population of Australia to all do one thing, what would it be? 
That one is a no brainier for both of us. Take the time to meet your meat and get to know them for who they are. Cuddle a lamb, watch a calf prance around like a puppy or get smooched by a piglet. Research the meat and dairy industry and then follow your heart 

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NSCF December E-News

We hope you enjoy reading our December E-News HERE.

Northey Street City Farm send out an E-News every month for subscribers.

To subscribe to our monthly E-news and find out what’s happening in and around the farm in relation to our Sunday Organic Farmers’ Market, the City Farm Nursery or the host of workshop and course we run for adults and children, SUBSCRIBE HERE.

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NSCF Organic Farmers Market stallholder wins award

 

Jean, Laclan and Adrian Tiller with the Best Organic Retailer of the Year Award.

Sherwood Rd Organic Meats is still celebrating their win – Best Organic Retailer 2018 at the Australian Certified Organics Awards in Adelaide last month! One of our regular long-term Organic Farmers Market stallholders, Jean Tiller, said “We wear our “Bud Logo” with pride these days more than ever”.

Market Co-ordinator, Camilla Tulley, interviewed Jean recently:

1) What time are you up on a Sunday?

Our van is loaded Saturday, so 4am – probably considered a sleep-in to others.

2) What’s your fav stall?

COFFEE or any stall that sells caffeine.

3) Favourite market snacks?

Apples from our wonderful neighbour, Di! @charlwoodorganic

4) How many hours do you work a week?

I help out my sister, Amy who co-owns the shop with our dad – Adrian – the Farmer! I alternate with the lovely Lisa – who many would know as the Duck Farmer! I work in disability services during the week.

5) Best thing about Northey Street Organic Farmers Markets?

We have been at Northey Street since 2012 – before we even owned a butcher shop. At the time we sold our Organic Lamb/Hogget/Mutton/Goat delivered direct to doors. So, the best thing for sure is getting to know our amazing CUSTOMERS! We are so lucky to have the nicest, most appreciative shoppers to share a laugh with every Sunday! Also, I get to bring my son Lachy who absolutely loves helping out!

6) Why Organics?

My family (who produce our meats) wouldn’t have it any other way! Dad (Adrian) reacts badly to chemicals and, contrary to what he was taught at Ag College, believes them to be completely unnecessary. Our farm has been Certified Organic for many years – we wouldn’t have it any other way!

Thank you  and Congratulations Jean, Lachlan and Adrian – and rest of The Tiller Family

Sherwood Rd. Organic Meats

Australian Certified Organics

 

 

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Christmas menu and gift ideas

Northey Street Christmas Eve Markets
24 December 2017 from 6am to 11am

Our City Farm Nursery will also be open from 6am to 12pm to pick up any last minute gifts.

Embrace a sustainable and green festive season with Northey Street City Farm by supporting local farmers, makers and businesses.

The holiday season can take a toll on the environment. By shopping directly from local businesses and farmers markets, buying Australian-made and from local makers, and reducing waste, you can not only make the Christmas season more sustainable, but also save money and have a positive impact on your community.

Northey Street Organic Farmers Markets

Northey Street Organic Farmers Markets is the one stop shop for locally sourced, seasonal, organic and fair trade produce.  As well as having the best variety of organic fruit and veg, our stall holders also offer organic, locally sourced grains, eggs, oil, and dairy.

 

 

Your sustainable Christmas feast

  • Christmas Hams, also offering organic and ethical lamb, beef, chicken and pork, from Brisbane Certified Organic.
  • Beef and lamb – 100% certified organic and grassfed from Kialla Organic.
  • Blueberries – certified organic, naturally grown from Hampton Blue.
  • Mince pies – gorgeous spelt mince pies from Sol Breads.
  • Gingerbread houses – from Montrose Fine Biscuits.
  • Healthy drinks and sauerkraut – made in Brisbane, from Buchi Kombucha.

Ethical Gift Ideas

Shop local! Many gifts come from halfway around the world, and the impact of their transportation contributes to greenhouse emissions and global warming. Love having artists and craftspeople in your neighborhood? Reduce your emissions and support a sustainable local economy at the same time.

Check out some of the ethical gift ideas from our stallholders:

  • A-zumble-zay – one of a kind hand-crafted felt products. handmade hats, purses & bags, jewellery, scarves, soaps and toys are just some items available.
  • Lesley Hurley Ceramics – artisan tea wares and table wares. Porcelain and Stoneware.
  • Happy Flame Candles – candles! Beautiful, non-toxic, handcrafted and 100% local and made from organic beeswax. Paraffin candles are made from petroleum residue and are no good for your health or for the environment. Candles made from beeswax are eco-friendly because they biodegrade and are smoke-free.
  • Herbal Gardener – fresh, natural skin care. Made with calendula oil, 100% certified biodynamic Australia.
  • Ilo Organics – cold process soaps made with organic plant oils- chemical, colouring & fragrance free, organic essential oils blended for lifestyle support, mineral bath salts blended with premium BP graded ingredients & organic essential oils and 100% recycled sterling silver jewellery
  • Little Deer Studios – stationery with soul, handcrafted notebooks and unique eco-friendly gifts hand crafted in Australia from recycled and eco-friendly materials
  • Mamitas Fair Trade – one of a kind handmade pieces- woven with stories from faraway lands, modern bohemian, ethical and fair trade.
  • Miessence – products are certified organic skincare, personal care, home care and superfood products –  probiotics, protein powder etc.
  • My Heart Beats Green – funky organic cotton clothing for babies, kids, women and men, made in Brisbane.
  • Yaku Latin Goods – amazing chocolate! Yaku Latin Goods is a social entrepreneurial business that promotes ethical Latin American products in Australia, aiming to weave cultural bridges between both continents, while supporting social projects.
  • Rueby’s Workshop – furniture made of reclaimed timber by Brisbane based Reuben Schafer.
  • Bel Aqua Gardens – invite nature into your home with innovative vertical garden designs.

 

Sustainable Christmas ideas from City Farm Nursery

  • Christmas trees – a live potted tree is a terrific alternative to something commercially grown with chemicals, or mass produced and plastic. If you live in a small space, you can also create a Christmas tree alternative by decorating a potted plant.
  • Plants make the best presents. Giving plant gifts for Christmas has always brought joy – even before “green” was a trend. So, for this year’s holiday shopping, get back in touch with a time-honored tradition. City Farm Nursery features something for everyone on your list within any budget, whether it’s a succulent for a Secret Santa or a fruit tree for a loved one!
  • Table decorations – stunning and sustainable table centerpiece with succulents and herbs. Have you considered decorating your home with plants to create a magical indoor garden this Christmas?
  • The City Farm Tote Bag – environmentally friendly and fashionable! If only you used reusable bags over your lifetime that would remove more than 22,000 plastic bags from the environment!

 

Sustainable Living Workshop Gift Vouchers

And from our Education Program – give a Sustainable Living Workshop Gift Voucher. The recipient can choose from our wide range of workshops – from beekeeping to basket weaving. See the current list here. Full-day or half-day workshops run on most Saturdays throughout the year.

Purchase workshop vouchers here.

Northey Street City Farm wishes all our members, volunteers, customers and supporters a happy, healthy and safe festive season.

 

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Vegepods at City Farm Nursery

We are  excited to welcome the addition of Vegepods to the City Farm Nursery! Vegepods make growing food as easy as it can be. They come equipped with a water-storing reservoir at the base and an adjustable shade (and possum) cover. The additional stands and trolleys make it easier to access and maintain your veggies. To welcome Vegepods to the nursery, we are running some exciting pre-Christmas specials. Until December 24th, Vegepods, stands and trolleys are discounted and our package deals including soil, plants, installation and more, are also discounted.

And with Christmas just a few weeks away the Nursery has been stocking up on ethical gifts. We have a great selection of books, permaculture calendars and gardening guides. NSCF organic cotton canvas carry bags and ONYA reusable produce bags are a great way to replace single-use plastic bags in 2018.

City Farm Nursery will be open as usual on Sunday 24th December and closed Monday 25th – Wednesday 3rd January. We will reopen in the New Year on Thursday 4th January and look forward to seeing you all then!

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